The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responding to requests from municipalities about pausing raffle draws and events amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The AGCO are working to be flexible in the application of the Terms and Conditions attached to current lottery licenses.

The following is being communicated to municipalities:

• For licences where the event has not yet started, licensees should not begin sales until the pandemic concerns have passed.

• For current raffle licensees who have started ticket sales, each situation will need to be considered on its own merits. You will need to consider whether it is appropriate under the circumstances to extend the sale of tickets, even though it would have the effect of reducing the odds of winning for anyone who has already purchased a ticket. You will also need to consider whether it is appropriate under these exceptional circumstances to postpone the raffle draw date altogether. Both options are available to you.

• For Break Open Ticket licensees who have started ticket sales, you may consider extending the term of ticket sales.

• For bingo licensees who are unable to conduct their events, you may consider extending the term of your event.

 
Municipalities can use similar language with their licensees if they choose.

For any questions, please reach out to the AGCO (municipal@agco.ca) who will be able to respond.