Raffles are a very popular method of fundraising used by charities and nonprofit organizations throughout Canada. The Canadian Federal Government allows each Canadian province to have its own laws and regulations. As such, Ontario has its own regulatory office and laws.
Before you consider organizing a raffle, we should mention that raffles held on the territory of Ontario are classified based on the cash value of the prizes. Based on this value, an organization needs to apply for either a municipal or provincial license.
If the total cash value of the prizes offered in a raffle does not exceed $50,000, the organization must only apply for a municipal license. However, if the value exceeds the previously mentioned threshold, the charity or organization running the raffle must apply for a provincial license. Each license is only valid for a single raffle event. There is a possibility to apply for a license that allows for multiple raffle events over a certain period of time, but the raffles held under this license are limited to a prize value of $5,000 or less. …show more content…
Moreover, it is necessary for the business to have a physical location in Ontario and to prove its charitable services. Each organization that wants to hold a raffle must also show proof that the profits gained from the raffle will be used in a charitable way.
Organizations looking to obtain their first raffle license must apply for it at least 45 days before the event is scheduled. For organizations who have obtained at least one raffle license in the past, the period is reduced to 30 days for all future licenses. Details about the application process, the forms, and the fees, can be found on the official