Media Bingo
Media bingo is a charitable lottery scheme that takes place over a form of mass communication, including but not limited to radio, television, newspaper, magazines, periodicals, television, closed circuit, and satellite and cable transmissions. A prize or prizes are awarded by selling one or more media bingo papers to players who are attempting to complete a pre-determined pattern on the media bingo papers using the numbers called. The numbers are conveyed to the players using one or more of the above methods of mass communication. The player correctly completing the required pattern in the least amount of numbers, within the specified time frame, is declared the winner.
Only charitable and religious organizations can hold a media bingo. The LGCA licenses these types of organizations to conduct media bingos in accordance with Section 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (Canada). You can learn if your organization is eligible to apply for a licence by reviewing the LGCA's eligibility guide (click here). If your organization has never been licensed or has not had a licence in three years or more, you must submit background information to show your eligibility for a licence.
All media bingos must be licensed regardless of the expected revenue and how the profits will be used. Conducting a media bingo without a licence is a criminal offence.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS and STANDARD RULES OF PLAY
Organizations holding media bingos 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.
Fees
As of April 1, 2023, the licence fee is 1.0% of the actual gross revenue of the media bingo. The fee is due after the event when you submit your financial reports. The LGCA will let you know what your reporting requirements are when your licence is issued.
How to apply
You can apply for a media bingo 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.