AGCO removes cap on seller commission for charitable lotteries
Policy changes update commission and lottery product rules for charitable organisations.
Key points:
– Licensed charities may negotiate commissions with sellers for Paper Raffles and Media Bingo
– Catch the Ace paper lotteries are now permitted under the updated policy
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has updated its charitable gaming policies by removing the cap on seller commissions for paper raffles and media bingo.
These changes align seller commission rules across charitable lottery products and allow licensed charities to determine reasonable commission rates tied to the cost of service.
The prohibition on Catch the Ace paper lotteries has also been removed. This change brings Catch the Ace events into alignment with other charitable lottery products regulated by the AGCO.
The updates are reflected in revisions to the Lottery Licensing Policy Manual, Raffle Licence Terms and Conditions and Media Bingo Terms and Conditions.
Charities are required to keep receipts for seller commissions and comply with audit requirements. Documentation is no longer required as part of the licence application process, but may be requested during audits.
Good to know: Seller commissions must be reasonable and linked to services provided, while charities are responsible for retaining records and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Charities remain subject to legal requirements under the Criminal Code and must ensure that lottery events are conducted and managed within Ontario according to AGCO regulations.
For inquiries related to charitable gaming licensing, the AGCO can be contacted during their business hours by phone or directly at their website.
For context, the AGCO has removed the approval requirement for responsible gambling training, giving casino and lottery operators more flexibility while maintaining player protection obligations.
Additionally, the AGCO recently reached a settlement with Woodbine after 10 racehorses were euthanised in late 2024, following an investigation that uncovered failings in track maintenance and personnel training.
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