A break open ticket is made of cardboard and has perforated cover window tabs behind which are symbols revealed by tearing open the cover tab. The winning combination of symbols is specified on the back of the ticket. Break open tickets are also known as "nevada tickets" or "pull tabs."

The City issues licences for break-open ticket events that are not conducted in conjunction with another licensed event, and where the tickets are sold within the municipality. Tickets may be sold at third-party locations such as variety stores.

A break open ticket lottery licence will be issued for a one-year period. An extension may be granted for an additional one year period provided the Gaming Control Act registration is valid.

Approval timeframe: Charitable and non-profit organizations must submit their renewal applications to the City of Toronto 15 business days before expiry of the lottery licence. This will allow applications to be given full and proper consideration by City staff.

*Please refer to the City of Toronto Information Bulletin No. 1 for Break Open Ticket Policies and Procedures.

Incomplete applications: all information including appropriate documentation and fees must be included with your application. Incomplete packages will be returned to your organization. It is your responsibility to notify the City Gaming Services of any changes to your Board of Directors, programs and services, etc.

All licence fees must be paid by cheque from the lottery trust account and signed by two officers. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted.

• 3% of total prize value of each box of tickets

The following fees and information must be submitted to the City:

• Fee for first-time applicants: $25.53 (non-refundable) administration fee paid by cheque from the lottery trust account. Cheque payable to Treasurer, City of Toronto. (Cash and personal cheques not accepted.)
• Licence fee: 3% of total prize value of each box of tickets
• Form: Application to manage and conduct a break open ticket lottery
• Form: City of Toronto questionnaire (PDF) requires the following information:
  • Registered name and operating name of organization
  • Contact information
  • Registration information
  • Detailed expenses associated with the delivery of program and/or services intended for lottery proceeds
  • Membership numbers
  • Fiscal year-end information
  • Gaming events currently being conducted
• Lottery trust account information
• The organization's constitution and/or by-laws (signed and dated)
• Letters patent
• Current board of directors (including names, addresses, telephone numbers and their positions)
• Preceding, current and proposed years' operating budget, which includes all sources of revenues and expenses
• Copy of most recent annual financial statement
• Revenue Canada notification of registration letter
• Copy of current documents filed with Revenue Canada under the Charities Accounting Act or Income Tax Act (form T3010)
• Current signing officers and their original signatures next to their names
• Membership list, if applicable
• Background information on the organization
• Contract between the organization and the third party location
• Copy of valid Gaming Control Act (GCA) registration certificate

• Break-open ticket licence terms and conditions (AGCO web) (PDF)
• City of Toronto Lottery Licensing Bylaw (PDF)
• Information sheet: Break open tickets (PDF)

You may need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view PDF files.