Chase the Ace

When someone sets up a Chase the Ace on social media to help pay their bills or cover the cost of an activity, you might feel inclined to play. You may feel good because you’re helping someone out, and think you have a chance to win money. Sounds like a win-win, right? 

You (and possibly your friends) probably don’t realize it’s illegal for an individual to fundraise by running a Chase the Ace on social media. These games are not regulated or licensed. That means no one is making sure the game is fair or all players have a chance to win. The game could even be rigged for a certain person—or no one at all--to win. 

Look familiar?

What you don't see.

Only charitable and religious organizations licensed by the LGCA can legally run a Chase the Ace in Manitoba. These include non-profits, registered charities, and religious organizations.

These organizations — and their events — undergo a strict licensing process and are monitored for cheating and fraud. Even with good intentions, raising money for a friend’s child to go to camp through an online Chase the Ace does not make someone eligible for a charitable licence. 

Individuals can fundraise through one-time raffles (e.g. 50/50 or player’s choice raffle) at a public place, such as a banquet hall, restaurant or community centre. Learn more or apply for this type of licence.

• The game is organized by a charitable organization or religious group, not an individual.
• The organization has a licence for their Chase the Ace and the advertising shows the licence number (e.g. LGCA-xxxxRF).

You can ask to see the organization’s licence for their Chase the Ace. In addition to the LGCA, some municipalities issue gaming event licences and First Nations gaming commissions licence on-reserve events. Licensed organizations will be able to show you their licence even if it was obtained from a municipality or First Nation.

If you have a question or complaint about a Chase the Ace, email the LGCA