gambling in alberta - Research Services - University of Lethbridge

CHARITABLE GAMBLING
Alberta employs a ‘charitable gaming model’ whereby the management and direct provision of
certain forms of non-electronic gambling (raffles, pull-tickets, bingo (traditional and satellite),
and casino table games) is directly or indirectly provided by ‘charity groups’ and much of the
revenue is also kept by these groups. It is done under the provisions of the Criminal Code
which authorizes provincial governments to issue licences to charitable organizations, religious
groups, agricultural fairs or exhibitions, and individuals so as to operate ‘lottery schemes’.
Technically, ‘charity groups’ refers to groups whose purpose is to give money, goods, or service
to the less fortunate and/or those in need. This was the original meaning of the term in the
Criminal Code of Canada and the reason for their exemption from offering certain forms of
gambling. However, since the 1980s the AGLC has expanded the meaning of ‘charitable group’
and ‘charitable gaming’ to include a wide range of community organizations whose purpose is
to promote local sport, educational initiatives, arts, community associations, ethno-cultural
groups, nature conservation, hobby/social groups, historical preservation, as well as groups
more aligned with the original meaning of the term: medical/health/relief initiatives, First
Nations endeavors, support of children/youth, veteran support, and senior citizens. AGLC’s
2009 Annual Report indicates that over 11,000 ‘charities’ received charitable gambling revenue
in 2008/2009.
Thus, a wide variety of community organizations can apply to the AGLC for a licence to issue
pull-tickets or conduct a raffle, casino event, or bingo event. Revenue from these events must
be used within a 2 year period in accordance with the terms of the gaming licence, which
generally requires the money be used for the ‘charitable’ purposes originally outlined (in
addition to paying expenses incurred in operating the event). Detailed financial reporting to
AGLC is also required.
Raffles
The traditional distinction between a lottery and a raffle is that the prizes in raffles consisted of
merchandise rather than cash. However, in Alberta the term ‘raffle’ is primarily used to denote
the fact that it is a lottery managed and directly provided by charity groups. In contrast, the
term ‘lottery’ denotes a lottery that is managed and provided by the provincial and/or federal
governments.
Raffle licences are generally issued for a single event. There are 2 types of licences: one for
raffles with a total ticket value greater than $10,000 and one for raffles with a total ticket value
under $10,000. AGLC itself issues licences for raffles over $10,000 whereas Alberta Registry
agents issue licences for raffles under $10,000. Licences are free for raffles where the total
value of the raffles tickets is under $10,000, but licences can be up to a $10,000 for events with
very large prizes. AGLC policy requires that raffle prizes must constitute at least 20% of the
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