Break Open Tickets

A Break Open Ticket is a device made of cardboard, which 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 licenses organizations to sell Break Open Tickets at legions, hospitals and variety stores. Break Open Tickets cannot be sold in conjunction with another gaming event.

Your organization may be eligible if it is a charitable, non-profit and/or religious organization that:

  • Has carried out charitable programs/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

Notes and General Requirements:

  • An individual is not eligible for a lottery licence
  • Organizations need to assume full responsibility for the conduct and management of the lottery event
  • Organizations may be licensed for no more than five third party locations
  • Any changes in ownership or change in name of the third party location will require a new licence, no amendments will be issued
  • The City will only amend a Break Open Ticket licence for a maximum of one year from the expiry date of the original licence (two years in total)

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 Break Open Ticket licence and wish to submit your reports, please proceed to Step 3.

If you have an approved Break Open Ticket licence that you wish to amend or extend, please proceed to Step 4.

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 Break Open Ticket Licence Terms and Conditions. Once both terms and conditions have been thoroughly reviewed, submit:

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

Step 3: Submitting Reports

Once your licence has been issued, you are required to submit interim and final reports online. The interim report must be filed 6 months into a licence and must be submitted with all requests to amend or extend a licence. The final report must be filed within 30 days after the expiry date of the licence or when all boxes of tickets on the licence are sold. 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:

  • Invoices or receipts
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) confirmation receipts
  • Cheque images (front and back) cleared by the financial institution

Step 4: Requesting an Amendment or Extension

If you have a Break Open Ticket licence that you wish to amend or extend, please submit the following online:

  • Organization Request for Amendment/Extension Letter
  • Break Open Ticket invoices and summary report from the manufacturer certifying number of boxes remaining to be shipped under the licence
  • Interim Break Open Ticket Report
  • Bank statements
  • Supporting documents

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.