Who can get a licence to conduct a lottery scheme?
Canada’s Criminal Code permits charitable and religious organizations to conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds pursuant to a licence being issued. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify. The courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for: the relief of poverty; the advancement of education; the advancement of religion; other charitable purposes beneficial to the community The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery licence: Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licences. The organization must have a place of business in Ontario, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents.
