Unlicensed Lotteries – Buyer Beware

Public Service Announcement

Unlicensed Lotteries – Buyer Beware

Do you ever buy lottery tickets to win prizes or support an organization in your community? You should make sure you only support a licensed lottery.

The Consumer Affairs division of the Department of Community and Government Services reminds you that it is unlawful to hold an unlicensed raffle in any Canadian province or territory. Having a license protects the consumer and the organization that is doing the lottery.

If you are at an event, like a bingo, you should be able to see a lottery license being displayed. Before you buy a ticket on a raffle or prize draw, make sure there is a license number on the ticket. If you cannot see these things, you should not support this lottery because it is unlicensed.

The Nunavut Lottery Act maintains that only religious or charitable organizations are eligible to hold raffles. A private business is not eligible to hold a lottery. If you are concerned that there may be fraud stemming from an unlicensed lottery, you should contact the RCMP.

Organizations interested in applying for lottery licenses can contact Consumer Affairs toll free at (866) 223-8139 or by e-mail at @email.

For more information, visit the Consumer Affairs Section of the Community and Government Services website at http://www.gov.nu.ca/community-and-government-services.

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Media Contact:

Kris Mullaly
Policy Analyst/Communications Officer
Department of Community and Government Services 867-975-5342
@email