Online, Terminal, 50/50, Guaranteed Jackpots, Progressive Raffles, Ticket Conversion, Participant Age, and Interprovincial Considerations Explained

Charitable raffles in Saskatchewan are regulated at the provincial level. Saskatchewan has distinct licensing structures and operational flexibility that differ materially from other provinces, particularly around raffle structure types, guaranteed jackpots, seeding, prize calculation methods, participant age, and post-raffle fund treatment.

Who Regulates Charitable Raffles in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan Raffle Licence Categories

Saskatchewan raffle licences are commonly issued in tiers based on total prize value, including small raffles (generally under $2,500), standard raffles (over $2,500), and large raffles (often exceeding $100,000).

Raffle Structures in Saskatchewan

Basic (Bearer) Raffles

A basic raffle is a bearer raffle where the holder of the ticket owns the ticket and no participant information is collected. Basic raffles must be conducted in person only and may run for a maximum of one day. Basic raffles cannot be combined with online ticket sales.

Regular Raffles

Regular raffles are required for online ticket sales, terminal-based ticket sales, or hybrid models. Regular raffles require participant identification and auditable records. The minimum participant information typically required at terminals is a phone number.

50/50 Raffles and Guaranteed Jackpots in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan permits guaranteed jackpots when they are explicitly licensed and disclosed. Guaranteed jackpots may include seeded prize pools or progressive behaviour, subject to SLGA approval.

Revenue Risk and Guaranteed Jackpots

Ticket revenue is applied toward the guaranteed prize amount in accordance with the approved licence structure. If ticket sales meet or exceed the guaranteed threshold, the jackpot may increase beyond the base amount.

Gross vs. Net Sales in Saskatchewan Raffles

Saskatchewan permits raffle prize calculations to be based on either gross ticket sales or net ticket sales, provided the calculation method is explicitly disclosed and approved under the raffle licence.

Preselling Tickets for Events With Terminal-Based Sales

When a raffle includes terminal-based ticket sales at an in-person event, Saskatchewan permits online presales, provided they occur within the licensed sale period and follow the approved start and end dates set out in the licence.

Unclaimed Prizes in Saskatchewan

Unclaimed prizes from basic raffles must be held for 90 days and may then be used to seed another raffle. Unclaimed prizes from regular raffles must be held for 365 days and then donated to another eligible charity.

Sales-to-Prize Ratio (Unique to Saskatchewan)

Saskatchewan permits organizations to sell up to 12 times the total prize value of a licensed raffle.

Saskatchewan Charitable Gaming Grant

Eligible organizations receive a charitable gaming grant equal to 25% of the net proceeds from raffles. These funds are unencumbered and may be used for general charitable purposes.

Participant Age Requirements in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan does not impose a default minimum age for raffle participants. If an organization chooses to impose a minimum age, it must be disclosed in the raffle rules and printed on the ticket.

Lloydminster and Interprovincial Treatment

Lloydminster is treated uniquely for raffle purposes. The entire city may be considered Saskatchewan or Alberta, but the raffle must be licensed by one province only

Saskatchewan Raffle Compliance Matrix

Frequently Asked Questions About Saskatchewan Raffles

Are online raffles legal in Saskatchewan?

Yes. Online raffles are legal when conducted by eligible charitable organizations that hold a valid raffle licence issued by SLGA.

What is the difference between a basic raffle and a regular raffle?

Basic raffles are bearer raffles with no participant information and may only run for one day. Regular raffles require participant information and allow online and terminal sales.

Can Saskatchewan raffles have guaranteed jackpots?

Yes. Guaranteed jackpots are permitted when explicitly licensed and disclosed in the raffle rules.

Is there a minimum age to buy raffle tickets in Saskatchewan?

No. Saskatchewan does not impose a default minimum age. Any age restriction is optional and must be printed on the ticket.

How long must unclaimed raffle prizes be held?

Basic raffles require a 90-day holding period. Regular raffles require a 365-day holding period and donation to another charity.

How much can a charity sell relative to the prize value?

Organizations may sell up to 12 times the total prize value under Saskatchewan rules.

Final Clarification

Raffle platforms provide technology only. Licensing and compliance authority remains with SLGA. Charitable organizations are responsible for ensuring compliance with approved licence conditions.

Tap 50:50 Event Consultants Ltd. (operating as Tap5050, also commonly referred to as Tap 50:50) is a licensed electronic raffle supplier in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI.