September 14, 2021 - Updates to the Licensed Charitable Gaming Rules

The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) has released updated Licensed Charitable Gaming Rules (PDF) (the Rules) effective September 14, 2021. The Rules outline the process by which an eligible group or organization may acquire a licence to conduct and manage a gambling event in British Columbia.

This document will affect all licensees and replace the Rules previously released on March 12, 2020.

The Rules have been updated to reflect changes to GPEB policies and improve accessibility for all users. These updates incorporate frequently heard concerns and feedback received from applicants and licensees. GPEB will continue to communicate changes to organizations when updates to the Licensing Rules are made.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Rules (PDF) in their entirety to ensure they understand all eligibility and application criteria.

Summary of key changes:

1. Electronic Raffle Systems are now permitted on Class B Ticket Raffle Licences
2. Ticket raffle descriptions have been updated
3. New section: Technology Facilitated Gaming Events (Non-ERS)
4. New section: Participation of Organization Members
5. Class C Limited Casino Events have adopted the Social Occasion Casino Rules
6. New section: Electronic Raffle System Ticket Requirements for Single-day Events
7. New section: Electronic Raffle System Ticket Requirements for Multi-day Events
8. Change to terminology, independent bingos now referred to as bingos
9. Further clarification regarding seeding and guaranteeing a prize pot within corresponding sections and glossary
10. New section: Gaming Event Locations
11. New section: Recipient Organizations, criteria for organizations receiving gaming fund donations
12. Change to terminology, extraprovincial non-share corporations now national organizations
13. Updates to Vehicle Prizes subsection
14. Change to terminology, prize security section now prize list and values, information updated
15. Change to terminology, registered gaming events now referred to as gaming events requiring registered gaming workers
16. Update to Eligibility Reviews section
17. Use of proceeds section and subsections re-formatted
18. Updates to Ineligible Gaming Events section
19. Updates to direct links to supporting document forms on the website and overall updates to improve document readability.

If you have questions about these changes, please contact GPEB:

• Email: Gaming.Licensing@gov.bc.ca
• Direct Phone: 250-387-5311 ext. 1
• Toll Free within Canada/USA: 1-800-663-7867 (ask to be transferred to the direct number above)