Apply for a Special occasion gaming licence

Organizations that are eligible for lottery licensing can apply for this licence to host and manage a combined total of 20 wheels of fortune and/or blackjack tables for a special occasion. The games must be part of an event, such as a dinner or dance organized by the group. The event can run for a maximum of eight hours, within the hours of noon and 2 a.m.

During the event, the organization can also hold a raffle. If the prize is under $5,000, they can apply for it on the same form they use for the gaming activities. But if the prize is over $5,000, they need to apply separately using a raffle application form.

An organization can't have more than one special gaming event in a month.

Find out whether you need to apply to 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.  

You need a “charitable gaming eligibility” (CGE) number to apply for a special occasion gaming event 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. 

The fee for a special occasion gaming event licence is variable and based on a number of factors. For more information see the Special Occasion Gaming licence page.  

Please have these items ready:

• your organization's CGE number or the file number of your CGE application (if it’s in process)
  • if you are managing a lottery event on behalf of the United Way or Federated Health, you don’t need a CGE number, but you do need a letter of agreement from the United Way or Federated Health  
• rules of play that include:
  • a description of how each game is played
  • prize value for each game
  • number and price of fixed prize raffle tickets to be sold, if applicable
  • how winners are determined
  • how to end a game that does not go as planned  
  • an exit strategy if there is a progressive prize
• lottery ticket sample (if the event will include a raffle)
• admission ticket sample (if applicable)
• advertising to be used in conjunction with the special occasion
• retail value of any non-cash prizes
• completed and signed Signature of Principals form (sample form is provided) 

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 Special Occasion Gaming Event 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 email 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 conduct and manage your special occasion gaming event responsibly. You must follow any related laws and regulations. This includes the Special Occasion Gaming Licence Terms and Conditions and the Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions.  

Learn more about your responsibilities for managing and conducting your lottery event in the Responsibilities and resources section.  

Other information

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

• Lottery Licensing Policy Manual
• Charitable gaming eligibility (CGE) iAGCO submission guide
• Charitable Lottery Licensing Overview
• Criminal Code (Canada)  
• Gaming Control Act, 1992 and its Regulations  
• Order-in-Council 1413/08  
• Terms and conditions  
• Standards and Directives issued by the Registrar