Jan 15, 2015 - Criminal Code Amendment

Last updated on March 13, 2020

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) acknowledges that the Federal Government has amended the Criminal Code to allow some aspects of provincially-licensed charitable raffles to be operated on or through a computer. This amendment expands the scope of what a province may licence under paragraph 207(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (in BC, this section applies only to Class A and some Class B licensees). It leaves to each province the decision on whether to licence and, if so, on what terms and conditions.

GPEB is actively examining how this change may be implemented in British Columbia.

At this time, there are no changes to the current terms and conditions of a licenced raffle event. Therefore, at present, computers may only be used as described in GPEB’s Standard Procedures for Ticket Raffles (Removed March 12, 2020 see details) which states that internet websites may only be used to receive orders for the purchase of tickets if:

  • The web site is used only to accept orders to purchase tickets; and
  • The address of the potential ticket purchaser is confirmed to be within British Columbia.

Contact information

Contact the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch if you have questions about gambling in B.C.