Lottery Guidelines

Newfoundland & Labrador

Planning a Fundraising Lottery in Newfoundland & Labrador?

If your organization is considering a 50/50 draw, prize raffle, or similar lottery-based fundraiser in Newfoundland and Labrador, provincial approval is required before ticket sales can begin. Operating without the proper licence can result in enforcement action or cancellation of your event.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Fundraiz is intended as general guidance only. Lottery licensing rules are established and enforced by Service NL and may change over time. It is the responsibility of each organization to confirm current requirements and ensure full compliance with provincial regulations.

What Activities Require a Lottery Licence?

A fundraising activity is considered a lottery when it includes all of the following elements:

• Participants pay to enter
• Winners are selected by chance
• Prizes of value are awarded

This includes 50/50 draws, prize raffles, home lotteries, and similar fundraising formats. If your fundraiser meets these conditions, a charitable lottery licence is mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm that:

• Your organization is a registered non-profit or charitable entity (Charities, Organizations, Non-Profits and Recognized Community Groups)
• Applicants are at least 19 years of age
• Fundraiser rules, ticket pricing, and prize details are finalized

Preparing these details in advance will help avoid delays during the application process.

Application Timing

Applications for online lottery licences must be submitted well in advance. Service NL requires applications to be received a minimum of eight weeks prior to the start of ticket sales.

Early submission is strongly recommended, as raffles cannot launch without an approved licence.

How to Apply

To obtain a charitable lottery licence in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Review provincial regulations governing electronic lottery systems
• Confirm compliance with ticket lottery requirements
• Complete and submit your online application through Service NL

Licensing Fees

The licence fee is calculated at 1% of the total prize value. This amount is paid after the fundraiser concludes and is submitted alongside the required financial reporting.

Post-Fundraiser Reporting Requirements

After your fundraiser has closed and winners have been selected through the Fundraiz platform, some organizations are required to file a Ticket Lottery Financial Report.

If applicable, this report must be submitted within 60 days of the licence end date and typically includes:

• Licence identification number
• Total funds raised and expenses incurred
• Details on how proceeds were distributed
• Authorized signatures from your organization

The licence fee is paid at the time of report submission.

Best Practices for Compliance

• Submit your licence application at least eight weeks before ticket sales begin
• Track sales and expenses throughout your fundraiser
• File any required financial reports within the mandated timeframe

By planning ahead and following provincial requirements, you can run a successful, transparent fundraiser with confidence.

If you need support setting up your fundraiser or understanding the process, the Fundraiz team is here to help.