Charitable gaming event licences allow eligible groups and organizations to fundraise by holding a single gambling event or a series of events. Charitable gaming includes games like raffles, bingo, poker, and casino games like wheel of fortune, blackjack, and red dog. These events raise money to support programs and projects in B.C.
The IGCO processes licence applications, checks to see who is eligible for a licence, issues licences to eligible groups for eligible purposes, and ensures that all requirements associated with a licence are followed.
Apply for a charitable gaming event licence
Charitable gaming documents and forms
On this page
Do you need a licence
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, an activity is considered gambling if it includes:
- Consideration – participants pay or exchange something of value to enter
- Prize – money or something of value is won.
- Chance – the outcome is random, or not determined solely by skill
If your charitable event includes all three, a licence is required.
Who is eligible
Eligibility depends on who is applying and how the gambling proceeds are used.
Most groups, organizations, individuals, and informal community groups in B.C. can apply for a charitable gaming event licence if the proceeds will benefit a charitable or religious organization or the community.
Before you apply, make sure that:
- You meet the requirements to be an applicant, and
- The way you plan to use the proceeds of your event follow the rules for your licence class
| Licence Class | Who Can Apply | Use of Proceeds |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Charitable or Religious Organization | Not-for-profit organization with a board making an ongoing charitable contribution to the community | You're raising funds for your organization's own charitable programs or services OR You're raising funds to donate to another organization that delivers charitable programs or services |
| Class B Community Fundraising Group | Not-for-profit organizations, unstructured groups or community members | You're raising funds for a charitable or religious organization OR You're raising funds for another community benefit |
| Class C Fair or Exhibition | Fair or exhibition designated by the general manager of the IGCO | You're raising funds for the fair or exhibition's own programs or purposes |
To help assist you, please be ready to provide your application ID or licence number (if applicable), as well as your group or organization's name and contact information.