Bingo and Breakopen

Only charitable and religious organizations can hold a bingo or breakopen event. The LGCA licenses these events in accordance with Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada).

To learn if your organization is eligible to apply for a licence, review the LGCA's eligibility guide. Organizations that have never been licensed or have not had a licence in three years or more must submit background information to show its eligibility for a licence.

A bingo is a lottery scheme in which players buy bingo cards and try to win prizes by matching the numbers on their cards to the numbers called. Numbers are called at random. To win, players must complete a predetermined pattern on the bingo cards using the numbers called.

A licence is required for all bingo events that have a cost to play, regardless of the price. Bingo events with no entry fee or donation required to play do not need 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. Licensees may also set their own individual house rules to be used with the LGCA’s standard rules of play.

Fee

Licence fee: 1.0% of actual gross revenue of the bingo or breakopen.
Due at the same time as the financial reports. 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.

How to Make Changes to a Licence

Once licensed, organizations must notify the LGCA of any changes they want to make to their event, such as 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.

A MyLGCA account is necessary for an organization to submit an amendment. Organizations that do not have a MyLGCA account can contact the LGCA, either:

By email through our website (Select Gaming Licence and indicate that your organization needs to set up a MyLGCA account.)
By calling 204-927-5300 or Manitoba only toll-free 1-800-782-0363 and asking for Charitable Services.

To ask for an accessibility accommodation when making an application or requesting an amendment, call the LGCA's Charitable Services department at either number above.

All raffles held in conjunction with a bingo and breakopen event must have a raffle licence. Conducting a raffle without a licence is a criminal offence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we give away door prizes at bingo?

Yes, door prizes are allowed if there is no charge for a chance to win the prize. The value of the prize is recorded in the expense area of the organization’s application and event report. Do not record it as a prize paid. When giving away a cash door prize, the amount should be recorded in the cash expense area of the event report. When purchasing merchandise to give away as a door prize, the cheque should be recorded in the other expense column of the financial report covering the period in which these prizes were purchased.

Are there any limitations on advertising our bingo/breakopen?

Bingo/breakopen can only be advertised in Manitoba and you cannot advertise your bingo/breakopen until your licence is approved. All advertisements must contain the name of the licensed organization and your licence number. If you are advertising on the internet, you must indicate that the event is intended for Manitoba residents only. Advertisements must adhere to federal, provincial and community advertising laws and standards.

If our organization runs out of a certain product that we need for our bingo, can we borrow some from another group?

How do licensees handle bingo or breakopen product short shipments and/or damaged paper?

What should our organization do if there is a problem with a breakopen unit?

Breakopen errors are relatively rare and are dealt with between the LGCA, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries and the manufacturer. However, it is important that you contact the LGCA if you find problems with a unit. If the problem is related to mixed serial numbers, poor colour or issues of product quality, the organization will likely be permitted to continue selling the unit. If the issue involves extra or insufficient winners in a unit, the LGCA will likely instruct the organization to stop selling the unit and forward it to the LGCA for examination. Once the problem is identified, the information will be forwarded to the supplier and Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for resolution.

What do we do if a bingo worker discovers as a tampered bingo card or an altered breakopen ticket?

Can we change the bingo game format or program, add special games or change our disbursements?

Can breakopen tickets be sold at functions outside of, or in addition to, a licensee’s bingo events?

Yes, providing the organization obtains an approved licence or amendment from the LGCA. Many organizations sell breakopen tickets at winter carnivals or other locations in addition to their ongoing bingo events. If the organization has not identified the special event in their original application, a licence amendment form must be submitted and approved before you can start selling breakopen tickets. Changes cannot be implemented until you have received approval from the LGCA. It takes two to four weeks to process amendments.

Must house rules be posted at an event?

Can volunteers play bingo? Can children play bingo?

Terms and conditions and standard rules of play

Fee

How to Apply

How to Make Changes to a Licence

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions