Bingo in Public Places

Organizations that host fewer than three bingo events per week in non-commercial or public venues, with prizes of up to $5,500, require a bingo licence from the City of Toronto.

Bingo games with prizes over $5,500 are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Your organization may be eligible for a bingo licence for non-commercial and public venues, if it is a charitable, non-profit and/or religious organization that:

  • Has carried out charitable programs or services for a minimum of one year that provide a direct benefit to Toronto residents (must have physical address in Ontario)
  • Proposes to use the proceeds for charitable programs and services that benefit Toronto and its residents
  • Has a minimum of three designated bona fide members who will be present and in charge of the conduct and management of the event:
    • A bona fide member is an active member in good standing who has other activities within the organization beyond conducting lotteries
    • ‘Members of convenience’, whose only activities are to assist at bingo events, are not considered bona fide members

Notes:

  • An individual is not eligible for a bingo licence for non-commercial and public venues
  • Organizations assume full responsibility for the conduct and management of the bingo event in non-commercial or public venues

If you have not been issued a licence to conduct any type of lottery in Toronto within the past two years, you are a New Applicant and must complete the eligibility review in Step 1. Once you have received approval, proceed to Step 2.

If you have received a licence for any type of lottery within the last two years, you are a Returning Applicant. Please proceed to Step 2.

If you have a bingo licence for non-commercial or public venues and wish to submit your report, please proceed to Step 3.

Step 1: New Applicants

New applicants must submit:

The City will review your application and notify you of your organization’s eligibility to conduct a lottery.

An eligibility review takes up to 30 business days to complete. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

Once approved you may move to Step 2.

Step 2: Eligibility Approved or Returning Applicants

Review the Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions and the Regular and Special Bingo Licence Terms and Conditions. Once both terms and conditions have been thoroughly reviewed, submit:

The City will process your application and issue your licence within 15 business days. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

Step 3: Submitting Reports

Once your licensed bingo event has concluded, you are required to submit reports online. The reports need to be received no later than 15 days after each licensed bingo event, in accordance with the licence terms and conditions. Download a step by step guide on how to submit a report.

Please submit:

Supporting documents should include any relevant documentation relating to your organization’s activities over the reporting period, such as:

  • List of winners with contact information
  • Invoices or receipts
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) confirmation receipts
  • Cheque images (front and back) cleared by the financial institution

You can apply for new lottery licences or permits online, in-person or by mail.

Apply online

Save yourself time and apply online. Please have all required documents ready to upload before starting the application, as it requires 10-15 minutes to complete and cannot be saved. Download a step by step guide on how to submit a new application.

Submit Application

Apply in-person

You must book an appointment at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Book Appointment

Please arrive 10-15 mins early to check in and be on time for your appointment or you may be turned away and asked to re-book for another day and time, subject to availability.

You must bring a complete application as applications will not be accepted unless all the required documents are provided. Bring hard copies of all required documents and forms, including a recent photo if required. Digital copies of documents will not be accepted.

Payment can only be made by debit, credit or cheque. Cash will not be accepted.

Apply by mail

To mail in your application, please send it to:

Gaming Services
Municipal Licensing and Standards
850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4C 5R1

Payments can be made online once you have received your invoice number. If your organization has been assigned a Gaming Services lottery officer, please contact them should you wish to obtain an invoice number and pay online. If you have not yet been assigned a lottery officer, please contact Gaming Services, City of Toronto at lotterylicences@toronto.ca or call 416-392-7037.

Payments can also be submitted by cheque. Please make cheques payable to the Treasurer, City of Toronto, and mail to Gaming Services, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M4C 5R1.