Apply for a Social gaming licence

A social gaming licence is for a person or group who want to organize casual social gaming events in public places. Legions, service clubs, seniors’ homes, community groups, charities, and individual applicants can apply for this licence. 

With this licence, you can host games such as euchre, cribbage or bridge. This licence doesn’t include casino games. Bets can’t be more than $2 per person and the total cash prices can’t go over $500 in a day. Also, you can’t charge an admission fee. 

All bets are given to the winners, up to $50 per day to cover expenses. You can’t use this licence to raise money.

Players need to be 18 years and older to play. Games can’t be played through electronic devices.

You need to make the rules of play available to all players.

You can only have one licence at a time, which could last up to one year. 

This licence can’t be for places with liquor licences, such as bars or restaurants. Service clubs and service organizations are the exceptions.

You need to be 18 years or older.

Find out whether you need to apply with the AGCO or your municipality to get the lottery licence you’re looking for. The licensing authority depends on where you are located, the expected prize amount, and the type of lottery. 

There is no fee for a social gaming licence.

Before you apply you will need to answer a series of questions that show you understand the parameters of the licence.

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

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

When you have an iAGCO account set up:

• Log in to your iAGCO account.
• Click on the link to Start a New Application under New Applications.
• Select Charitable Gaming Lottery Licences on the New Application screen. Choose Social Gaming Licence as the type of application on the following screen.
• 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 social games responsibly. You must meet the Registrar’s Standards for your registration. You must also follow any related laws and regulations. This includes the Social Gaming Licence Terms and Conditions.

Learn more about your responsibilities in the Responsibilities and resources section.