The AGCO has revised the current 50/50 raffle policies to include the ability to offer 50/50 Split the Pot raffles.
What is Changing
Previously, the AGCO’s 50/50 raffles framework only permitted splitting gross sales equally between the charity and a single winner.
As of September 20, 2024, AGCO has amended the 50/50 framework to permit charities to split the 50% prize pot between multiple winners. Charities offering this prize payout structure must clearly indicate to players how the prize pot is to be divided, and this information must be reflected in the Rules of Play for the raffle event.
Eligible charities who wish to conduct a 50/50 Split the Pot raffle must apply for a 50/50 raffle licence and indicate their intent to conduct the raffle as a 50/50 Split the Pot during the application process. Tickets for 50/50 Split the Pot raffles may be sold in Ontario wherever paper-based (non-electronic) and electronic raffle tickets are currently sold.
This change provides greater flexibility and additional fundraising opportunities for Ontario charities by making Split the Pot raffles more broadly available, and supporting innovation across the sector.
LLPM Updates
Several amendments to LLPM have been made in the following areas as a result this update:
- 5.2.1(f) 50/50 Draw (Paper-Based)
- 5.3.1 Electronic Raffles
Relevant Resources
Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM)
Additional Resources
The AGCO has policies in place to provide charities with opportunities to work together to run fundraising events (including online raffles) and split the proceeds.
Working with other charities to fundraise can be beneficial for many reasons, including:
- reaching more potential donors;
- widening donor appeal with more charitable purposes;
- being able to offer larger prizes (as a result of larger lottery events); and
- sharing the effort and resources required to run events.
For more information on collaborative fundraising opportunities, please see the Information Bulletin: Providing Clarity to Charities on Collaborative Fundraising Opportunities in Ontario.
Contact the AGCO for More Information
Charitable gaming-related inquiries can be sent directly to the AGCO’s Eligibility Officers at lottery.licensing@agco.ca. AGCO Customer Service can be reached at 1-800-522-2876, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.