Apply for a progressive bingo licence

A progressive bingo game is a bingo game (typically at a bingo hall) that if the prize isn’t won at one event, it is added to the amount of the prize to be awarded at the next event in the series. The progressive prize is allowed to increase at each successive event until the specified limit is reached or until the progressive game is won. It is a separately licensed bingo game that is played in conjunction with successive licensed regular bingo events.

A progressive bingo licence allows charities and religious groups eligible for a charitable lottery licence to manage progressive bingo games. A progressive bingo game is a separately licensed bingo game that is played in conjunction with successive licensed regular bingo events. 

You will need to include a list of participating charities within the Bingo Hall, which must be signed by a representative from each charity.

You need a “charitable gaming eligibility” (CGE) number to apply for a progressive bingo licence.  

To learn about applying for CGE, read the “Submitting your charitable gaming eligibility (CGE) application in iAGCO” page. Note: Private and Public sector organizations that want to manage lottery events on behalf of United Way or Federated Health don’t need a CGE. However, you’ll need a letter of agreement with the United Way or Federated Health. 

Fee

There is no fee for a progressive bingo licence. 

To submit the application, please have the following items ready:

• your organization's CGE number or the file number of your CGE application (if it’s in process)
  • a description of how each game is played
  • prize value for each game
  • quantity and price of fixed prize raffle tickets to be sold, if applicable
  • methods for determining winners
  • methods for ending a game that doesn’t go as planned  
  • an exit strategy for a progressive prize
• completed and signed Signature of Principals form (sample form is provided)

For more information, read the Progressive Bingo Licence iAGCO Submission Guide | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario . 

If you’re applying for the first time you need to set up an iAGCO account:

1. Go to the iAGCO online portal.
2. Click on Create a New Account at the top of the page.
3. Complete all the details on the screen.  
4. Confirm your account registration through the confirmation email iAGCO sends you.
5. Make sure the mailing address you have given to AGCO is up to date.

When you have an iAGCO account set up:

1. Log in to your iAGCO account.
2. Click on the link to Start a New Application under New Applications.
3. Select Charitable Gaming Lottery Licences on the New Application screen. Choose  Progressive Bingo Licence as the type of application on the following screen.
4. Go through all the screens. Answer all the questions. Submit the documents the application asks for. 

Apply for a licence now

Once you’ve submitted your application, the AGCO will review it. The AGCO makes every effort to process licence applications in a timely manner. We may ask for more information if we need to.

The AGCO will let you know when we’ve finished processing your application. If the AGCO approves your application, we’ll send you an e-mail with a link to get a copy of your licence through your iAGCO account. The AGCO will contact you if your application isn’t approved. 

Once you’ve been approved for a licence, you need to run your loonie progressive game responsibly. Read the Terms and conditions for charitable lottery licensing.  

Here’s some additional information you might want to read:

• Progressive Bingo Licence iAGCO Submission Guide
• Charitable gaming eligibility (CGE) iAGCO submission guide
• Progressive BINGO Game: Rules of Play “A” | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
• PROGRESSIVE BINGO GAME: Rules of Play “B” | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
• PROGRESSIVE BINGO GAME: Rules of Play “C” | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario