April 21, 2021 - Community Service Organization Information

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) is responsible for regulating and maintaining the overall integrity of gambling in British Columbia. GPEB issues licences to eligible charitable organizations so they can raise money through gambling events for the benefit of programs and services in B.C. communities.

Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada requires proceeds from a lottery scheme (gaming events) to be used for a charitable or religious object or purpose. The Gaming Control Act allows the general manager of GPEB to make rules respecting conditions for the use of funds received by a gaming event licensee.

Under GPEB’s Licensed Charitable Gaming Rules (PDF), Community Service Organizations, including legions, are groups whose main purpose is to raise funds on behalf of other eligible organizations. Section 5.7 of the Rules state these organizations may retain up to 15 per cent of the net proceeds from each licence to be used towards administration costs for their organization, such as utilities or general maintenance and upkeep of buildings.

Additionally, Section 18 of the Rules states where the anticipated gross revenue of a licence is less than $250,000, licensees have the ability to claim up to 25 per cent of the actual gross revenue towards event expenses. These requirements ensure an appropriate portion of net proceeds are used for a charitable purpose.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GPEB has amended the Rules to better serve charitable organizations in B.C. These amendments include:

• Extending the temporary timeframe for organizations to apply for an extension to reporting submission requirements due to COVID-19
• Amending the 90-day period enabling extensions of Ticket Raffle sales and draw dates
• Allowing charitable organizations to raise funds intended for COVID-19 disaster and emergency relief efforts within Canada

B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs provides funds to eligible not-for-profit organizations that deliver programs to communities throughout B.C.  A Service Club, including Royal Canadian Legions, may be eligible for a Community Gaming Grant to administer a Community Donations Program if it meets all eligibility criteria outlined in the Community Gaming Grants 2021 Program Guidelines. There are limits to how much of this grant may cover administrative costs, and interested individuals and groups should be encouraged to review the Community Gaming Grants information and eligibility requirements.

Charitable licence applicants are strongly encouraged to go to B.C.’s Gambling Event Licence Fundraising page and review the Licensed Charitable Gaming Rules (PDF) prior to applying for a gaming event licence. Questions about applying for a licence can be directed to GPEB’s Licensing Unit at:

Phone:
250-387-5311, Option 1
Toll Free within Canada/USA: 1-800-663-7867

Email:  
Gaming.Licensing@gov.bc.ca