Bingo and Breakopen
A bingo is a charitable lottery scheme held in a facility such as a hall, legion or facility in which a prize or prizes are awarded by selling one or more bingo cards or papers to a number of players, then randomly calling numbers that may appear on the bingo cards or papers. Players attempt to complete a predetermined pattern on the bingo cards or papers using the numbers called. The player correctly completing the required pattern in the least amount of numbers, within the specified time frame, is declared the winner.
A breakopen is a charitable lottery scheme which a specific set of prizes is awarded by selling a pre-determined number of covered tickets. The winner(s) is determined by the combination of symbols that show when the covering is removed.
A licence is required for all bingo events that have a cost to play, regardless of the price. Free bingos are the only bingo events that do not require a licence. These are bingo event where it is completely free to play, no entry fee or donation is required and it is open to anyone who wants to play.
Only charitable and religious organizations can hold a bingo and breakopen event. The LGCA licenses these types of organizations to conduct bingo and breakopen events in accordance with Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada). To learn if an organization is eligible to apply for a licence, review the LGCA's eligibility guide (click here) for the requirements. If an organization has never been licensed or has not had a licence in three years or more, the organization must submit background information to show its eligibility for a licence.
All bingo and breakopen events must be licensed regardless of the expected revenue and how the profits will be used. Conducting a bingo and breakopen event without a licence is a criminal offence.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS and STANDARD RULES OF PLAY
Organizations holding bingo and breakopen events must comply with the terms and conditions set by the LGCA. An organization’s house rules must be used in conjunction with the LGCA’s standard rules of play.
Fee
As of April 1, 2023, the licence fee is 1.0% of the actual gross revenue of the bingo and breakopen. The fee is due after the event when the financial reports are submitted. The LGCA will provide the reporting requirements when the licence is issued.
How to apply
You can apply for a bingo or bingo and breakopen licence at MyLGCA.ca (click here to be redirected).
How to make changes to a licence
Organizations that hold a charitable licence must notify the LGCA of any changes they want to make to their event, such as changes to dates, use of profits or expenses. The LGCA must approve the changes before the organization can advertise or implement them. You can submit an amendment at MyLGCA.ca (click here to be redirected).
A MyLGCA account is necessary for an organization to submit an amendment. Organizations that do not have a MyLGCA account will need to contact the LGCA for an invitation link which will be sent via email. Click here for our Contact Us form, select Gaming Licence and indicate that your organization needs to set up a MyLGCA account. You may instead phone 204-927-5300 or Manitoba only toll-free 1-800-782-0363, and ask to speak with a member of the Charitable Services department.
To ask for accessibility accommodation when making an application or requesting an amendment, contact the LGCA's Charitable Services department by phone at 204-927-5300 or by Manitoba only toll-free phone at 1-800-782-0363.