Jan 11, 2016 - B.C. is Getting Ready to Introduce New Rules to Allow Electronic Raffles

Some charitable and religious organizations in British Columbia will soon be able to sell and distribute tickets over the Internet in real time, determine prize winners using certified computer software, and send winners their prizes by email. This initiative, called Licensed Gaming Online, was made possible by changes to the federal Criminal Code of Canada and will be phased in over time.

On January 25, 2016, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will begin accepting applications for raffle events that include online operational components. At this time, participation is limited by licence class and type of computer use:

• Class A raffle licensees will be able to apply to sell and distribute raffle tickets online, and distribute prizes online.
• Registered Class A raffle licensees and Class A licensees that have been approved for an Electronic Raffle System (ERS) will be able to apply to select a winner online using a certified random number generator (RNG).

All existing guidelines and standards will apply. However, new additional standards have been developed for computer use and will come into effect January 25, 2016 (available below). The branch intends to open up computer use to more groups of eligible licensees in the future.

GPEB heard strong support for this policy change during consultations with more than 2,000 charitable organizations. Feedback included that Licensed Gaming Online will increase efficiencies and reduce the administrative burdens they face.

To learn more about Licensed Gaming Online, including who can apply after January 25, 2016, how to meet the operational standards, and other steps to take before submitting an application, please see:

• Licensed Gaming Online - Enabling B.C. Charities to Increase Efficiencies and Reduce Administrative Burdens Through Computerization (PDF)
• Standard Procedures for Ticket Raffles - with new Appendix D (Removed March 12, 2020 see details)

More information about Class A gaming event licences is available on the Licences page of this website. Updated information about Licensed Gaming Online will be available on January 25, 2016.