50/50 Draw—a raffle lottery in which the prize is one half the value of all tickets sold during an event or a defined period of the licence.
A
adjusted gross receipts—the gross receipts adjusted to reflect the value of American currency (in bingo halls where American currency is accepted).
arm’s length—the act of dealing with a person who is not related or a relative but an independent third party. Whether or not persons deal with each other at arm´s length in specific circumstances will be determined by the licensing authority.
Auction-Style Raffle—a raffle lottery using elements reminiscent of an auction for entertainment purposes, in which a series of draws is made during a single event, with one merchandise prize for each draw.
B
bazaar—a sale of goods held to raise money for a charity. Lottery events held in conjunction with a bazaar must be ancillary to the bazaar itself and require a licence.
bingo—a game of chance where players are awarded a prize or prizes for being the first to complete a specified arrangement of numbers on bingo paper, based on numbers selected at random.
bingo event (also known as bingo session)—the designated time period during which a collection of bingo games, as listed on an approved bingo game schedule, is played. This definition only applies to non- pooling bingo halls.
bingo game—a bingo game includes all the combinations of marked numbers played for prizes on the bingo paper for that game. If multiple prizes are given out from playing the same bingo paper, that is considered one game. For example, three prizes may be awarded for playing one game: one each for filling a) the inside square, b) the outside square, and c) the full card. The game is over when all the prizes from playing that game´s bingo paper have been awarded.
bingo hall—a type of charitable gaming site where a charitable organization conducts and manages a lottery scheme under the authority of a licence issued by a municipality or by the Registrar.
bingo paper—a device of pre-printed numbers on disposable paper, cards or books or reusable hardboard or plastic cards.
bingo session—(also known as Bingo event)—the designated time period during which a collection of bingo games, as listed on an approved bingo game schedule, is played. This definition only applies to non- pooling bingo halls.
Bingo Sponsors´ Association—former term for Hall Charities Association (HCA).
black tie event—an event at which an eligible organization may be licensed to conduct Merchandise Bingo.
Blanket Raffle Licence—allows an eligible organization to obtain one lottery licence to conduct and manage more than one type of raffle event within a fixed time period and within a capped prize amount.
bona fide member—an active member of the eligible organization in good standing, who has activities within the organization beyond conducting lottery events. “Members of convenience” whose only activity is to assist at bingo or lottery events are not considered to be bona fide members.
bona fide member expenses (also known as out-of-pocket expenses)—actual, reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the licensee´s bona fide members, related to their attendance at and assistance with the conduct and management of a licensed lottery event.
books and records—documents outlining financial details of Lottery Events, including but not limited to, ledgers, sub-ledgers, cheque books, cheque stubs, deposit books, deposit slips, bank statements, cancelled cheques, receipts, invoices and control sheets.
Bossy Bingo (also known as Cow Patty Bingo)—a raffle event conducted using a large area divided into many squares. Participants draw a number representing a square. A cow is then placed in the designated area. The prizewinner is the person holding the number of the square upon which the cow´s bowel movement lands.
box—See break open ticket box.
break open ticket (also known as a Nevada ticket or pull tab)—a device made of cardboard that has one or more perforated cover window tabs concealing winning and losing numbers or symbols which are revealed by tearing off the cover tab. (See also break open ticket deal, break open ticket style and break open ticket type.)
break open ticket container—a clear box from which the break open ticket seller manually withdraws break open tickets.
break open ticket box—a separately sealed box of break open tickets within a deal, as shipped by the manufacturer or gaming equipment supplier.
break open ticket deal—a set of break open tickets with the same serial number.
break open ticket dispenser—an electrical or mechanical device used to dispense break open tickets.
break open ticket graphics—symbols (such as bells, boats or fruit) and any other approved illustrations appearing on a break open ticket.
break open ticket lottery—a lottery scheme where consideration is paid for a chance to win prizes by revealing a specified arrangement of numbers or symbols on a break open ticket.
break open ticket prize structure—the number and combination of winning tickets and prize amounts used to reach the total prize value in the break open ticket type, as approved by the Registrar.
break open ticket style—the combination of approved graphics (such as bells, boats or fruit) and prize structure used for the break open tickets. There may be many different styles within a break open ticket type, as approved graphics may be used with any type, and several different prize structures may be approved for each type.
break open ticket type—refers to the number of break open tickets per deal, the price of each ticket and the total prize value per deal.
C
Calendar Draw—a raffle in which a purchaser buys a calendar on which prizes are identified for a series of draws to take place on selected days. A purchaser wins a prize by matching the number on the calendar with the number drawn on the specific date.
Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC)—a federal crown corporation created to protect the money deposited into CDIC member financial institutions in case of their failure.
casino—a place kept for the purpose of playing a lottery scheme conducted and managed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) under the authority of the Criminal Code (Canada).
Catch the Ace—a progressive (accumulating jackpot) multiple draw raffle lottery in which all ticket holders have a chance to win a prize consisting of 20% of ticket sales for an initial draw, and the winner of that initial draw has a chance to win a prize consisting of 30% of ticket sales from preceding draws by selecting a card from a regular deck of cards, with the raffle progressing from draw to draw until the winner of the initial draw selects the Ace of Spades.
CGAF—Charitable Gaming Application form (4220B).
charitable—in this manual the term “charitable” includes both “charitable and religious” organizations, as referred to in the Criminal Code (Canada).
Charitable Gaming Assistant—an individual registered as a gaming assistant under the Gaming Control Act, 1992. There are two categories of registration: Category 1 Gaming Assistants and Category 2 Gaming Assistants.
charitable gaming site—a gaming site where a charitable organization conducts and manages a lottery scheme under the authority of a licence issued by a municipality or by the Registrar.
charitable organization—a corporation, organization (including a religious organization), association or partnership that is created primarily for a charitable object or purpose in Ontario and is not operated for profit.
CPA Canada Handbook—(formerly CICA Handbook) a handbook issued by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada that sets out information pertaining to accounting practices and processes.
Licensees must ensure that their compliance reports and annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with the appropriate section of the CPA Canada Handbook, as required under the terms and conditions of their licences.
concessionaire—a person who operates a concession(s) leased from the board of a designated fair or exhibition.
Commission—the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Crown lands—public lands owned by His Majesty the King in right of Canada or His Majesty the King in right of Ontario. Only the Registrar may issue licences for lottery events to be conducted on Crown lands in Ontario.
D
deal—a set of break open tickets with the same serial number.
Decision Bingo—bingo variation in which players use chips to purchase bingo paper; during each game, players have the option of ending play or continuing to play by using chips to up the ante.
designated fair or exhibition—a fair or exhibition that has been designated by the Registrar as a fair or exhibition where a lottery scheme may be conducted and managed.
designated lottery trust account—an account designated as a trust account by the branch of a recognized financial institution within the Province of Ontario.
designated member in charge—a bona fide member of an eligible organization who is in charge of and responsible for the conduct of a licensed lottery event. The number of designated members in charge required is determined by the type of lottery event.
directive—a formal direction given by the Registrar to one of more licensees or registered suppliers directing the licensee or supplier to act or to cease acting in the manner specified in the directive.
dispenser—an electrical or mechanical device used to dispense break open tickets.
E
electronic funds transfer (EFT)—means a system of technology that allows Hall Charities Associations to disburse pooled lottery proceeds securely by electronic means from their lottery trust accounts to each of their member organizations´ lottery trust accounts rather than writing cheques.
Electronic raffle—raffle in which computers may be used for the sale of tickets, the selection of winners and the distribution of prizes.
eligible organization—an organization that meets the eligibility criteria set out in this manual for lottery licensing in Ontario.
Elimination Draw—a variation on the stub draw in which all tickets are pulled from the container one at a time, until only one ticket is left. The last remaining ticket is the grand prize winner.
exit strategy—manner in which a bingo game is guaranteed to conclude.
F
Fair or Exhibition Gaming Event—an event licensed by the Registrar consisting of no more than 20 blackjack and/or wheel of fortune games.
fixed prize board—a bingo prize board where the value of the prizes is pre-set and does not fluctuate based on revenue from the event. The prizes must be noted on the game schedule.
float—a cash fund of a fixed amount required at the start of the licensed bingo event for the purpose of making change to purchasers of bingo paper, which may be used to pay out prizes if necessary.
G
game schedule—a complete listing of all bingo games to be played during each bingo event, including:
- the arrangement of numbers required to win each game,
- the prizes to be awarded for each game,
- the prices of the bingo paper being sold,
- the maximum prizes to be awarded for each bingo event, and
- the name and address of the premises where the bingo is be held.
The game schedule must also include any bingo-themed lottery schemes conducted and managed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) within the bingo hall, where a licensee provides services.
Gaming Assistant—an individual registered as a Gaming Assistant under the Gaming Control Act, 1992.
Gaming Control Act, 1992—an Act regulating the commercial sector of the charitable gaming industry. It requires the registration of certain persons that supply gaming services or goods to licensed charitable organizations.
gaming event—an occasion on which a game of chance is played pursuant to a licence.
gaming product—gaming products include bingo paper, break open tickets, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) products such as Lotto 649 tickets.
Gaming-Related Supplier—a person who manufactures, provides, installs, tests, maintains or repairs gaming equipment or who provides consulting or similar services directly related to the playing of a lottery scheme or the operation of a gaming site.
gross receipts—the total revenue received from licensed lottery events, before any approved expenses have been deducted.
gaming site—premises or an electronic channel maintained for the purpose of playing or operating a lottery scheme.
“Golf Ball Drop” Raffle Lottery—a lottery in which participants buy a numbered ticket that matches a numbered golf ball. The numbered golf balls are lifted into the air and dropped, with the ball falling onto a designated spot determining the winner.
H
Hall Charities Association (HCA)—an association formed by all the licensees conducting bingo and other lotteries within a bingo hall.
Hall Rental—payment made by a licensee to Operator of a bingo hall from event proceeds, calculated according to the terms and conditions of the licence. For the hall rental received, the Operator provides goods and services to the licensee for the conduct of the event, including but not limited to, bingo paper, security, storage, gaming equipment, office equipment, materials, space, utilities and employee services.
House Rules—rules established by the licensee to govern the conduct of bingo and bingo players within a hall. The house rules are in addition to and must not contravene the terms and conditions or the Registrar´s policies.;
I
“in conjunction with”—where a lottery event is licensed to be conducted in combination or association with another licensed lottery event. Only the Registrar may issue licences for lottery events to be conducted in conjunction with other licenced lottery events. There are limitations on events that may be licensed in this manner.
J
Jackpot Game—is a regular bingo game; the total prize payout, which may also include subsidiary prizes (i.e. line prizes) cannot exceed 50% of the licensed prize board.
L
licence—a licence issued to an eligible charitable organization under the Criminal Code (Canada) by or under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, to conduct or manage a lottery scheme approved by the Registrar.
licensee—a charitable organization to which a licence is issued.
licensing authority—the authority specified by the Lieutenant Governor in Council as a licensing authority for purposes of the Criminal Code (Canada).
LLPM—short form for Lottery Licensing Policy Manual.
Loonie Pot Bingo—a special, variable prize game within a Regular Bingo game schedule. Players pay a dollar to have their bingo paper stamped for the designated Loonie Pot Bingo game. Before the game begins, a number is selected, announced and put back into the machine. If a player with stamped bingo paper calls bingo and their winning number arrangement contains the pre-selected number, they also win the Loonie Pot Bingo prize.
Loonie Progressive Game—a separately licensed progressive-style bingo game, held in conjunction with a Regular Bingo event, in which the prize amount is allowed to increase at each successive event to a set maximum or until the prize is won.
lottery—a scheme for which a licence is available pursuant to s. 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada).
lottery scheme—any gaming scheme that has the following three components: a prize; payment of a fee; and a chance to win.
lottery trust account—see designated lottery trust account.
M
“Meat Spin” (also known as a “Turkey Roll”)—a type of raffle event permitted under a Blanket Raffle Licence. In a Meat Spin the winner is determined by the random spin of a wheel rather than by a random selection from ticket stubs in a container.
Media Bingo—a bingo event that is conducted on or through media such as radio or newspaper.
Merchandise Bingo—a bingo event where the prizes to be awarded consist of merchandise.
Monster Bingo—See Special (Monster) Bingo.
N
“Name the Raffle” Lottery—small-scale type of lottery event conducted under a Blanket Raffle Licence allowing licensees to award edible products such as porchetta, meats and desserts as prizes.
net proceeds—the amount remaining after a licensee has deducted all approved expenses related to the management and conduct of a licensed lottery event from the gross receipts for the event. The licensee must use the net proceeds for the charitable objects and purposes approved by the licensing authority.
Nevada Tickets—another name for Break Open Tickets.
O
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)—a Crown Agency responsible for conducting and managing games of chance, such as Lotto 6/49.
Operator—operator of a bingo hall or other gaming site registered under the Gaming Control Act, 1992.
Order-in-Council—refers to Order-in-Council 208/2024 and any subsequent amendments. The Order-in- Council sets out the authority of the Registrar and municipal councils to license and regulate certain lottery events.
out-of-pocket expenses—See bona fide member expenses.
P
paper—See bingo paper.
PBOT—short form for provincial break open ticket.
PBV—short form for hand-held personal bingo verifier.
Penny Auction Raffle—a raffle held under a Bazaar Licence in which, for a set price, participants purchase a certain number of tickets that are usually detachable from the stub portion (retained by the purchaser). Participants may enter as many tickets as they possess on any prize they are interested in by depositing the tickets into a container assigned to that prize. The prize is awarded to the person whose ticket is drawn, at random, from the container.
person—an individual, corporation, organization, association or partnership.
personal bingo verifier (PBV)—a hand-held device used by individual players to keep track of and verify numbers called by bingo callers in the normal way. A hand-held personal bingo verifier may only be used long with bingo paper and dabbers.
pooled funds—lottery proceeds from regular bingo events that are pooled by licensed charitable organizations at a registered bingo hall in order to equally share the proceeds. Charitable organizations within a hall may pool their lottery proceeds and divide them on a pro rata basis to compensate for the fact that some time slots are more profitable than others. The pooling of funds must be administered through a Hall Charities Association in accordance with the terms and conditions.
pre-calls—in bingo games where a large number of calls are required to determine a winner, some numbers are called at the beginning of the event to allow the game to be played more quickly. “Pre- called” games are usually games that will offer larger prizes and are often referred to as “Special” games. Sealed bingo cards must be used for pre-called games.
prize board—the total value of all the prizes to be awarded at a bingo event. The prize board may be a combination of variable and fixed prizes.
prize structure—see break open ticket prize structure.
Progressive Bingo Game—a separately licensed bingo game, held in conjunction with a Regular Bingo event, where the prize amount increases from event to event.
provincial break open ticket licence—a licence issued by the Registrar to an organization with a demonstrated provincial mandate, authorizing the sale of break open tickets in each municipality across the province.
pull tabs—another name for break open tickets.
R
raffle—a lottery scheme where tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize at a draw.
Registrar—the Registrar made under the Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996.
Regular Bingo—a lottery event where the total prize value does not exceed the prescribed limit set out in the Order-in-Council.
Regulations—the regulations made under the Gaming Control Act, 1992.
“Rubber Duck” Race—a lottery in which participants buy numbered tickets that match numbered floating objects such as rubber ducks. All the “ducks” are placed into a river and the holder of the ticket with the number matching the number on the “duck” that crosses the finish line first wins.
runner—a bingo hall staff person on the floor selling bingo paper, identifying winners and paying out prizes.
S
Seal Card Game— a break open ticket game featuring tickets that grant certain players a chance at a prize or prizes to be determined by the removal of a window from a seal card to reveal specified winning numbers or symbols.
Seller (also known as “lottery retailer”)—a person registered under the Gaming Control Act, 1992 to retail OLG lottery products and/or to sell break open tickets on behalf of a licensed charitable or religious organization. A seller can be registered to sell break open tickets at one or more locations.
senior groups—a senior group is one in which a majority of its members is sixty (60) years of age or older.
share-the-wealth—See variable prize board.
Shutter Board Bingo—See Table Board Bingo.
Single Break Open Ticket Licence—a licence issued by the Registrar to a Hall Charities Association, allowing it to sell a variety of break open ticket types under the same licence.
Special Occasion Gaming Event—an event where the gaming activities are ancillary or complementary to a social occasion such as a dinner or dance sponsored by the licensee of the Special Occasion Gaming Licence, or as approved by the Registrar. No more than a total of 20 blackjack tables and/or wheels of fortune may be operated at a Special Occasion Gaming Licence.
Special Occasion Gaming Licence—a licence permitting the conduct of a Special Occasion Gaming Event.
Special (Monster) Bingo Licence—a licence issued by the Registrar permitting the conduct of bingo where the total value of the prizes to be awarded for any one event is greater than the limit for Regular Bingo.
Standards—standards prescribed by the Registrar for gaming equipment or for gaming services with which Gaming Suppliers shall comply. “Standards” also includes standards prescribed by the Registrar with which licensees shall comply.
Stub Draw—a raffle lottery with two-part tickets; the purchaser keeps one part of the ticket and the other part, known as the “stub,” which contains the purchaser’s information is placed in a container. A winner is determined by a random selection from the stub container.
style—See break open ticket style.
sub-deal—a portion of a deal of Seal Card Game tickets or bingo event tickets as approved by the Registrar. Each sub-deal in a deal shall have the same serial number but be distinguished by a letter of the alphabet or additional numbers at the beginning or end of the serial number or form number.
Super Jackpot Bingo—a bingo game licensed by the Registrar in conjunction with a Regular Bingo event. The Super Jackpot prize is awarded based on a set, escalating number of bingo numbers called at successive Super Jackpot games.
supplier—See Gaming-Related Supplier.
T
table board bingo device—a mechanical device containing permanent bingo numbers with built-in shutters. A player marks a number by covering it with a shutter.
Table Board Bingo (also known as Shutter Board Bingo)—bingo games that are conducted and managed by a Regular Bingo licensee or a Hall Charities Association, using a table board bingo device.
terms and conditions—specific sets of requirements attached to each licence, setting out the conduct and management requirements of the licensee. The Registrar issues terms and conditions for all licences.
“Turkey Roll”—another name for a “Meat Spin” lottery.
type—see break open ticket type.
U
unorganized territory—a geographical area that is not administered by local municipal government or First Nations and is not Crown land. Only the Registrar may issue lottery licences in unorganized territories.
U Pick game (also known as “pick a bingo” or “do-it-yourself bingo”)—a style of play that allows bingo players to choose the numbers on their game cards.
use of proceeds—the approved purpose or object for which an eligible organization uses the proceeds of a licensed lottery event. Approved uses of proceeds must fall within one of the four charitable classifications set out in this manual.
V
variable prize board (also known as “share the wealth”)—a bingo prize board where the value of the prizes is determined as a percentage of the gross receipts for the game. A maximum prize payout must be established and noted on the game schedule.
W
wheel of fortune—a gaming device in the form of a revolving wheel. Pegs divide the perimeter of the wheel into sections, each containing a number or symbol. Patrons place wagers corresponding to the numbers or symbols. The wheel is spun, and the number or symbol where the clapper stops determines the winner.
Win—gross proceeds from a bingo event less the value of prizes but not including any amount prescribed by the Registrar for a provincial fee.