Raffle Rules of Play in Canada: What Organizations Need to Know

Understanding What “Rules of Play” Mean

In Canadian charitable gaming, rules of play are the written terms that explain how a raffle operates. They describe what participants are agreeing to when they purchase a ticket and provide provincial gaming regulators with a clear picture of how the raffle is intended to run. Rules of play are not promotional language or optional disclosures. They are a core part of the regulatory review process and are used to assess fairness, transparency, and compliance before a raffle is approved. For organizations planning an online raffle, understanding the role of rules of play early can help prevent delays, confusion, and avoidable compliance issues.

Why Rules of Play Come First

A helpful way to think about rules of play is as the starting point for the entire raffle process. Before an organization applies for a raffle license, builds an online raffle, or promotes ticket sales, the rules of play establish the framework everything else must follow. The raffle application, ticket design, advertising language, and technical configuration are all expected to reflect what is written in the rules.If an organization plans to sell a specific number of tickets, schedule particular draw dates, or award defined prizes, those details must appear consistently across all materials submitted to the regulator. When information does not align, regulators commonly request revisions or clarification before granting approval.

How Regulators Use Rules of Play

Provincial gaming regulators rely on rules of play to evaluate whether a raffle:- Clearly explains ticket pricing and purchase limits- Discloses how and when winners are selected- Accurately describes prizes and their value- Restricts ticket sales to approved geographic areas- Can be operated exactly as proposedIf a question, complaint, or audit arises, the approved rules of play are often the first document regulators reference. They serve as the benchmark against which compliance is measured.

Common Elements Found in Rules of Play

While requirements vary by province, rules of play typically address:- Ticket price and purchase limits- Total number of tickets or total ticket value- Draw dates, times, and locations- Prize descriptions and any conditions- How winners are determined and notified- Geographic eligibility for ticket purchases- Any restrictions affecting participationClear and precise language is important. Vague or inconsistent wording is one of the most common reasons raffle applications are delayed.

Why Rules Must Match the Raffle Platform

Regulators approve raffles based on how they will actually operate, not how they are intended to operate.If rules of play specify limits or conditions, the raffle platform must enforce them. If a system allows ticket sales beyond approved limits, permits purchases from unapproved locations, or operates differently than described, the raffle may be considered non-compliant—even if the difference was unintentional.For this reason, many organizations confirm that their rules of play can be implemented accurately before finalizing a raffle application.

Revisions Are a Normal Part of the Process

It is common for regulators to request changes to rules of play during their review. These revisions may involve clarifying wording, adjusting limits, or ensuring consistency across submitted materials.What matters most is the final approved version. Once a license is issued, the approved rules become the terms under which the raffle must operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rules of play required for online raffles in Canada?

In most licensed raffles, yes. Provincial gaming regulators typically require rules of play as part of the approval process, particularly for online ticket sales.

Can rules of play be updated after approval?

Generally no. Once approved, the rules become binding for the duration of the raffle unless a regulator authorizes changes.

Do rules of play need to match the raffle application?

Yes. Regulators review the raffle as a complete package, and inconsistencies between the rules, application, and ticket design often lead to delays.

Are rules of play the same across Canada?

No. Each province sets its own requirements, although many principles are shared.

Who is responsible for following the rules of play?

The organization holding the raffle license is responsible for operating the raffle according to the approved rules.

Tools That Can Help With Drafting Rules of Play

For small, simplified online raffles with a total ticket value of $20,000 or less, drafting rules of play can feel intimidating—especially for organizations running a raffle for the first time.To support these organizations, Tap 50:50 has developed a do-it-yourself rules of play generator designed specifically for simplified online raffles that are eligible to run for free through RaffleStudio. The tool helps organizations structure draft rules that reflect common regulatory expectations and align with low-value raffle formats.Use of a drafting tool does not replace regulator review or approval. Final rules of play must always be reviewed and approved by the applicable provincial gaming regulator before ticket sales begin.

RaffleStudio’s Role

RaffleStudio is not a supplier of charitable gaming and does not issue raffle licenses. Its role is to help organizations understand the regulatory landscape and facilitate access to compliant raffle software options for eligible, low-value online raffles.

Key Takeaway

Rules of play define how a raffle operates and how regulators evaluate compliance. Drafting them early, ensuring consistency across all materials, and confirming they can be implemented accurately helps organizations avoid regulatory setbacks and run raffles with confidence.