Gaming - Frequently
Asked Questions
Where can I find
out more about the new casino facility licensing process and
casino expansions/major relocations?
Detailed information about these processes
including the application process and contact information is
available in our Gaming
Sections
Do I need
a license for a Raffle or 50/50 Draw?
A raffle is a lottery
scheme where someone is paying for the opportunity to win a prize.
A raffle consists of three elements:
1. consideration
(payment);
2. chance; and
3. a prize.
If all these elements are present, a
group must obtain a licence.
Q: Do I need a raffle
licence for a 50/50 draw? |
A: Yes. Your group
must first be found eligible for a gaming licence by the
AGLC. If your group is found eligible, the licence is issued
based on the anticipated total ticket value of the 50/50
draw. Typically, 50/50 draws fall into the raffle category
of total ticket value of $10,000 and less and may be obtained
at any local Alberta registry agent or online using your AGLC internet account. |
Q: My
family wants to conduct a raffle at our large family reunion.
Can we get a raffle licence? |
A: No. Only eligible
charitable or religious groups may obtain a raffle licence. |
Q: If my raffle is
very small, do I still need a licence? |
A: Yes. You must
obtain a licence regardless of the total ticket value,
size of the prize, or anticipated sales. |
Q: Can a private
company obtain a raffle licence? |
A: No. Only eligible
charitable or religious organizations may obtain a raffle
licence. Organisations such as employee social groups exist
to benefit their own members, so do not qualify as charities. |
| Q: Do I need a raffle
licence for a silent auction? |
A: No, because the
three elements for a raffle (consideration, chance, and
prize) are not present. |
Q: Can my group conduct
more than one raffle at a time? |
A: Yes, as long as
each raffle meets the relevant “Raffle Terms & Conditions.” Each
raffle of more than $10,000 total ticket value must have
its own dedicated raffle gaming bank account. |
Q: What is a Sports Draft? |
A: A Sports Draft is a raffle event were the scoring is based on accumulation of points involving: divisions, player(s), team(s), goals and assist. Entry forms are used to mark a purchaser's picks and there are strict rules that need to be followed. Once the entry form is received by the group and accepted with payment, it is processed and a ticket is assigned. See Sports Draft Terms and Conditions. |
Q: Are there rules for Sports Events? |
A: Yes. Sport Events such as a Grey Cup where tickets are sold based on a specific game score require additional rules. Refer to Section E of Raffle Terms and Conditions. In some cases the winning ticket might not have been sold, so a random draw will need to take place. |
Q: Can a raffle licence be changed or amended? |
A: Yes. If the licence has an error, you may return to the registry office where to to have it corrected during the same business day the licence was purchased. For any amendment to a raffle licence after the day it was created, please submit a detailed letter of request (with two executive signatures) to be reviewed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. |
How do
I apply to be a VLT retailer and what qualifications are required?
All potential Video Lottery Retailers
are screened and approved by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
(AGLC).
Any establishment open and operating with a valid Class “A” Minors
Prohibited liquor licence is eligible to apply for VLTs. For
more information on obtaining the required licence, please contact
Licensing Support at:
| St. Albert |
Calgary
|
Red Deer
|
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert AB
T8N3T5
Tel: 780-447-8600
Toll-free:
1-800-272-8876 |
110-6715 8 St. NE
Calgary AB
T2E7H7
Tel: 403-292-7300
Toll-free:
1-800-372-9518 |
# 3, 7965 49 Avenue
Red Deer AB
T4P2V5
Tel:403-314-2656 |
What is a Video
Gaming Entertainment Room (VGER)?
A Video Gaming Entertainment Room (VGER)
is a separate room within the facility of a retailer, which contains
a minimum of 15 VLTs, a maximum of 25 VLTs, and is subject to
AGLC facility standards and operating requirements. For full details
on VGERs, see Section 11 of the Licensee
Handbook.
In Alberta, what is the average payout rate for VLTs?
On an on-going basis the AGLC technical staff carefully monitor every VLT Machine in Alberta for security purposes and to ensure the integrity of the games.
VLTs and slots in Alberta have a programmed payout that averages 92% of money wagered. Payout percentages are verified by an independent gaming laboratory and are monitored by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) regularly to ensure the machines adhere to the 92% payout policy.
Payout percentages are based on the total credits won, divided by the total credits wagered by a player and are calculated based on millions of plays. Player behaviour, the game theme and denomination wagered determine the amount that is actually cashed out. Most players choose to reinvest the credits they win to play additional games. When credits are not cashed out and winnings are replayed, the actual amount that is eventually cashed out by the player will differ from the theoretical payout percentage.
Additional information on the payout rate can found in our VLT payout quick facts document.
Who can I contact
if I have a problem with a Casino or VLT location, or a credit
dispute?
If you experience
a problem with a Casino or VLT location, or you believe you have
a discrepancy with the amount of credits you are entitled to,
always;
1. Stop play on
the terminal in question.
2. Report the problem
or discrepancy to the Retailer’s Staff as soon as possible.
3. If the dispute has not been resolved,
call the AGLC’s Gaming Irregularities phone number at
1-800-742-7818.
For your protection and the integrity
of Gaming, any irregularity known or witnessed should be reported
to the AGLC. Callers should be prepared to provide the following
information:
1. Name and Address
2. Telephone Number
3. The Location
where the problem occurred
4. Nature of the problem
How does my organization
register as a charitable or not-for-profit organization?
Contact Corporate Registries at 780-427-2311
in Edmonton (to be connected toll-free outside of the Edmonton
area, call 310-0000) or visit their website at servicealberta.gov.ab.ca.
What is Gaming Information
for Charitable Groups (GAIN)?
In November 2003, GAIN was launched
to help volunteers gain a better understanding of the responsibilities
and requirements of a gaming licence and be more accountable
to their members and the community at large.
Today, there are
four types of sessions:
1. GAIN (overview)
2. Use of Proceeds
3. Combined (GAIN
+ Use of Proceeds)
4. Casino
All sessions are free and offered throughout the province. For
more information about the program or to sign up for a session
visit the Gaming Information Session section.
How do I apply to
be a ticket lottery retailer and what qualifications are required?
Please call the AGLC at 1-800-272-8876
and ask for Retail Services. A representative will complete a
Retailer Inquiry with you over the phone. Please have the following
information available in order to complete the Retailer Inquiry:
1. Mailing address
including postal code
2. Business Entity
Number (if applicable)
3. Hours of Business
4. Square footage
of retail space
5. Annual or monthly
sales figures
6. Average Customer count per day
The AGLC will then assess your retail location based on the
information provided in relation to the existing Lottery Network.
You will receive a letter from the AGLC approximately two weeks
after completing the Retailer Inquiry that will provide the results
of the assessment. If approved, a Retailer Application Package
will be sent out. Once the completed Application Package has
been returned to the AGLC, your retail location will be placed
on a Wait List. To move through the waitlist and receive a ticket
terminal is currently taking approximately two years. There is
no fee charged for this application.
Please note: The AGLC recommends a customer count of at least
300 visits per day.
Who can I contact
if I have a payout dispute with a Lottery Ticket Centre location?
If you have a discrepancy
with the payout amount you believe you are entitled to, please:
1. Personally check
the ticket numbers to the Official Draw Results.
2. Retain the original
ticket and refuse the prize from the retailer.
3. Ask the retailer
for a claim form.
4. Submit the completed
form and the original ticket, with your name printed on the
back of the ticket to:
WCLC Prize Payout
10th Floor, 125 Garry Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 4J1
Any problems or concerns with a Lottery
Ticket Centre location or lottery tickets should be forwarded
to the WCLC at 1-800-665-3313.
Where can I claim
my prize when I win on a scratch ticket or on-line ticket?
AGLC operates lottery games within the province of Alberta, and to win a prize on our games, you must have purchased a ticket in Alberta. We do not operate email or Internet lotteries. Click here for information on lottery scams claiming to be from AGLC or WCLC. It is IMPORTANT to print your name,
address and daytime phone number on the back of your ticket(s).
PRIZES UP TO $1,000
Prizes can be redeemed at the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
(Prize Payout Office) or any Lottery Ticket Center offering the
service.
Retailers are obligated to pay prizes of $200 or less, but do
not have to pay amounts between $200 and $1,000. If you know
you have a large win, it's recommended that before having the
ticket validated, you ask the retailer if they have the money
to pay the prize. If you have problems finding a retailer willing
to pay between $200 and $1,000, call the AGLC Prize Payout Office
for a list of retailer locations or mail your prize-claim to
the Prize Payout Office.
PRIZES UP TO $9,999
You can claim your prize in person from
one of the following two offices:
Alberta Gaming and Liquor
Commission (AGLC) Prize Payout Office
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, AB T8N 3T5
Tel: 780-447-8616
Toll Free: 1-800-272-8876
Office hours: 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
Calgary Prize Payout Office
Deerfoot Atrium
110, 6715-8 Street N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Tel: 403-663-8301
Toll Free: 1-800-372-9518
Office hours: 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
You will be asked for one piece of identification if your claim
is under $5,000 and two pieces of identification if your claim
is $5,000 or more.
For prizes up to $9,999, you can also mail your prize claim
to the AGLC Prize Payout Office.
PRIZES $10,000 and OVER
Prizes over $9,999 require an appointment and can be claimed
at the AGLC Prize Payout Office in St. Albert or mail the ticket
to:
WCLC Prize Payout
10th Floor, 125 Garry Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 4J1
If you have questions about your prize
claim, call Western Canada Lotteries at
1-800-665-3313.
Are there problem
gambling services available in Alberta?
Yes. Call the Alberta Health Services
toll-free Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 or visit the AHS website. Additional
information is available on the Being
Responsible section of our website.
What is the legal
age for participating in gaming activities in Alberta?
The legal age for participating in the
majority of gaming activities is 18 years of age. This includes
gaming activities such as VLTs, slot machines, lottery tickets,
raffle and pull tickets.
Bingo is the only exception. On October 1, 2000, the AGLC (in
response to a recommendation from the Bingo Review Committee)
adjusted its policies to allow some small non-association bingo
licensees to apply for an exemption from current policy to allow
minors, accompanied by an adult, to play bingo for small cash
prizes (no more than $50). However, consistent with the recommendations
from the Gaming licensing Policy Review, halls that offer Keno
and electronic bingo will be age controlled environments and
minors will not be able to work or play at these halls. There
are approximately 2,500 bingo licensees in Alberta, and it is
estimated that less than 300 will be able to apply for a minors
allowed exemption.
Can gaming applications
be objected to?
Licence Application Objections
Section 4 of the Gaming and Liquor Regulation (GLR) authorizes
the Board to establish policies in relation to considering objections
received related to the issue of a gaming licence or registration.
The Board has approved the following policies:
The Board will only consider objections to the issue of a licence
to the following applicants if received within 14 days from the
date that the notice of application was posted on the AGLC website:
Any objection to the issue of a licence or registration other
than those noted above will be considered in accordance with
the policies approved by the Board as per the applicable policies
including:
Objections may be forwarded to:
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
Director, Inspections Branch
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, AB T8N 3T5
Should you have any questions, please call your local
inspections office.
Are poker tournaments
in Alberta legal?
The AGLC, on behalf of the province,
is responsible for licensing, regulating and monitoring charitable
gaming activities in Alberta.
In addition to the requirements of the Criminal Code, gaming
activities in Alberta must be conducted and managed in accordance
with the Gaming
and Liquor Act, the Gaming
and Liquor Regulation and the AGLC’s Casino
Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines.
The AGLC only licences eligible charities to conduct and manage
casino events in licensed facilities. The AGLC will not licence
individual poker tournaments or games to be conducted outside
of licensed casino facilities. Under the Criminal Code of Canada,
all forms of gambling, including poker, must comply with the
specified qualifications set out in the Criminal Code. Any form
of gaming that does not comply with the qualifications is illegal.
Questions about whether a specific game or scheme is legal under
the Criminal Code should be directed to a lawyer.
I'm interested in
working for your organization. Where can I send my resume?
Please check our Employment
Opportunities page. Email, fax or mail your resume to:
Human Resources
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert AB T8N 3T5
Fax: 780-447-8918
Email: hr@aglc.gov.ab.ca
Please ensure that you quote the
competition number on your resume.
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