Find out if you need a gaming licence

Who can get a gaming licence?

Only not-for-profit organizations are eligible for charitable gaming licences.

Gaming is illegal in most cases unless it’s:

  • conducted by a government or an authorized agent of government (for example, public lotteries such as Lotto 6/49, licensed casinos); or
  • conducted by a licensed non-profit to support charitable work.

Only non-profit organizations are eligible for charitable gaming licences.

What is gaming?

You're typically engaging in gaming and need a licence if you're:

  • selling a chance to win a prize; or
  • asking someone to make a donation to win a prize.

Your event needs these 3 elements be considered gaming

  • A prize
  • An element of chance (not entirely a contest of skill)
  • Some consideration (payment or donation for a chance to win)

Types of gaming that need a licence

You need a licence to run any of these lottery schemes.

  • Raffles
  • 50/50 draws
  • Casino games
  • Bingo and
  • Chase-the-ace style lotteries

Not considered gaming

  • Sweepstakes
  • Promotional contest

These usually include a skill-testing question and a free entry alternative.

Still unsure if your event is considered gaming?

Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (PLRA) cannot give advice on whether an event is gaming. If after reading this page you could not decide if your event is gaming, you may want to seek legal advice.