Introduction: Break Open Ticket Licence iAGCO Submission Guide

This guide contains detailed information to assist you in applying for AGCO licences, registrations and certificates.

The AGCO issues lottery licences in accordance with the framework set out in the Criminal Code (Canada) and Order in Council 208/2024. Under the Gaming Control Act, 1992, the AGCO is responsible for registering suppliers who provide goods and services to lottery licensees. The AGCO also assesses electronic gaming equipment to ensure that it meets the Registrar's Standards.

The current regulatory framework is based on six key elements:

  1. Criminal Code (Canada)
  2. Gaming Control Act, 1992 and its Regulations
  3. Order-in-Council 208/2024
  4. Terms and conditions
  5. Standards and Directives issued by the Registrar
  6. Lottery Licensing Policy Manual, together with all updates and information bulletins.

Note: Changes detailed in this guide only apply to licences issued by the AGCO and do not impact licences issued by municipalities and First Nations. See details below.

  • The AGCO is responsible for regulating and overseeing licensed lottery events conducted by eligible charitable and religious organizations to raise funds to support charitable purposes.
    • This responsibility is shared with municipalities and First Nations with an Order-In-Council.
      • Certain licences are issued at municipal level while others are issued by the AGCO.
    • Includes bingo, raffles and the sale of break open tickets. 
  • The AGCO issues the following licences that will now be administered using iAGCO. These include: 
    • Lottery events with high prize values 
    • Lottery events that are held in conjunction with other licensed lottery events
    • Electronic versions of lottery events (e.g. electronic raffles)
    • Lottery events with a province-wide footprint (e.g. provincial break open tickets)
    • Lottery events to be held on federal land or in unorganized territories where there is no municipal government
    • First Nations that do not have an Order-in-Council
    • Organizations fundraising for United Way or Federated Health.

Lottery Licensing Policy Manual

The Registrar publishes a Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM) which is used to determine eligibility for a lottery licence and the use of proceeds from charitable gaming. The LLPM has been designed to ensure lottery licences are issued and administered on a consistent basis throughout the province. The AGCO also uses the LLPM to communicate changes in the Registrar’s policies and in the regulatory structures for lottery licensing.

Fees and Payment

  • Please refer to the AGCO’s Charitable Gaming Fees page for the applicable fee.
  • When using online services, all payments under $30,000 must be made by Visa, MasterCard, Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit or pre-paid Visa or MasterCard. 
    • Payments of $30,000 or more must be made by money wire transfer or electronic funds transfer. Please note that cheques and cash (including USD) are not accepted.
    • All fees must be submitted at time of application and are non-refundable.

Important Information

  • Do not misrepresent or omit any material fact(s). Each statement made in your application is subject to verification.
  • It is a serious offence to knowingly provide false information on the forms and on any attachments.
  • Providing false, incomplete, or misleading information or omitting information on the forms or in the documents submitted with your application, or failing to notify the AGCO of any material changes to this information which occur after an application is filed, may also result in the refusal, suspension or revocation of your lottery licence.
  • In iAGCO, you must select your licence type and submit all required information and documents. Sample documents are available for you download to complete. Some documents may require a signature.

Additional Documents

You must scan and upload to iAGCO any required additional documents.

Conditions

The Registrar may attach one or more conditions to your licence to help you minimize risks identified during the assessment process.

You may apply to remove and/or add conditions on your licence if there has been a change in circumstances.

Modifications to Existing Licences

Follow the steps below to make changes to your licence that directly changes the licence certificate on iAGCO (pending required approval):

  • Under Existing Licences / Permits / Authorizations / Registrations:
    • Click on the link to Request a Change
    • Select your licence/registration type from the drop-down list
    • Select the Type of change for the drop-down list.

Post-Event Reporting through Regulatory Submissions

A Regulatory Submission must be made online through iAGCO to submit:

  1. Post-Event Reports
    1. Post-Event reports, previously referred to as Charitable Gaming Summary Reports, record the financial outcome of your events. As a Charitable Gaming Licensee, you are required to submit this report through your iAGCO online account within the time limit specified in the terms and conditions of your licence.
  2. Incident Reports
    1. Incident Reports can be used to notify the AGCO of an incident of non-compliance, or to report changes or issues with technology solutions that took place at your Charitable Gaming event.

To submit a Regulatory Submission on iAGCO, click the Submit Regulatory Submissions and Notification link on the Main Menu, select the Regulatory Submission you wish to submit and follow the steps as instructed.

For more information, see the Regulatory Submissions Guide and watch the AGCO’s Regulatory Submissions: Post Event Reports video.

Requests for Assistance

If you require assistance with your application, email AGCO Customer Service at customer.service@agco.ca or call 416-326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876 (toll-free in Ontario) Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.  

You may also submit your inquiry anytime via iAGCO. The iAGCO Information page also provides additional information that may help answer your questions.