Not all raffles are legal
Can you tell the difference between a legal and illegal online raffle?
The LGCA launched a campaign in 2021 to inform Manitobans of the risks and signs of illegal online gambling. Though people may feel inclined to participate in a social media raffle to support a friend of a friend, these raffles are illegal and not monitored for fairness. They could even be rigged so no person has a chance of winning.Â
Some examples of these illegal raffles could be:
- A person running a 50/50 on social media to help pay bills or for a child’s activity.
- A home-based or multi-level marketing business owner offering a chance to win a prize based on how much you spend on their products.Â
- A person running a Chase the Ace or bingo game with a chance to win money or merchandise. Â
To be legal, gambling must be licensed.
The Criminal Code (Canada) prescribes who can operate gambling activities and how gambling can be offered. Gambling activities may be conducted by a provincial government or by a charitable or religious organization for fundraising purposes. There are also strict rules for how technology can be used for these activities.
Individuals are only eligible to fundraise through one-time raffles held during a social occasion or special event. An example of this is the player’s choice raffle (or “silent auction”) offered at a social. These raffles require a social occasion raffle licence from the LGCA and can’t be held online or on social media.
How to tell if a raffle is legal or illegal
These are a few key items to look for to determine if a raffle is legal:
Illegal
- It's operated by a single person
- Does not have a licence or permit issued by the LGCA
- Tickets are bought via e-Transfer directly from the individual
- The draw is done virtually
Legal
- Operated by a charity or religious organization
- Has a licence issued by the LGCA, listed in their ads (LGCA-xxxRF or LGCA-xxxBI)*
- Tickets are bought on a licensed gaming service provider's website
- The draw is done in person
*In addition to the LGCA, some municipalities issue gaming event licences. First Nation gaming commissions can also license on-reserve events. Licensed organizations can show you their licence even if obtained from a municipality or First Nation gaming commission.
Individuals may also post photos or videos of the draw (either by a person or random generator app) to give the impression the raffle is legitimate. However, they are still illegal and have no oversight for fairness or legitimacy.
If you suspect someone is running an illegal gambling activity online, you can provide us with their contact information using our Contact Us form and selecting “complaint.” Keep screenshots of the activity, as we may ask you to provide them.