We use cookies to improve your experience on our platform. By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies required for basic website functionality.
Cookies used to deliver content most relevant to you and your needs.
Cookies used to deliver content most relevant to you and your needs.
Cookies that help understand the performance of the website, how users interact with it and to identify bugs.
How is Zeffy free?
How is Zeffy free?
Zeffy relies entirely on optional contributions from donors. At the payment confirmation step - we ask donors to leave an optional contribution to Zeffy.
Charitable lottery regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
April 9, 2026
⚡TL;DR — The Short Answer
Any charitable or non-profit organization running a raffle, bingo, or other lottery in NL needs a licence from Service NL before selling a single ticket.
There are 9 lottery licence types in NL — each has its own rules, prize limits, and fees.
Only registered charities, religious organizations, and qualifying non-profits are eligible to apply.
Licences are issued for a maximum of 12 months. Financial reporting is mandatory after every lottery.
What is a lottery licence in NL?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, a lottery is any game where participants pay to enter, a winner is chosen by chance, and a prize is awarded. That covers raffles, bingo, break-open tickets, and more.
Charitable lotteries are regulated by the Department of Digital Government and Service NL. You can't run one without a licence. Running an unlicensed lottery is a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada.
There are two categories of lottery in NL:
Commercial: Run by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation on behalf of the provincial government.
Charitable: Run by non-profit organizations for charitable purposes.
This guide covers charitable lotteries only.
Do you need an NL lottery licence?
If you're planning any lottery, raffle, or gaming activity to raise funds, yes — you need a licence. No exceptions.
Service NL calculates licence fees based on the type of lottery and the total prize value. Here's what you need to know:
Ticket Lottery fees are tiered based on prize value. Confirm the current fee schedule at gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/lotteries or by calling 709-729-2660.
Processing times vary. Straightforward applications for smaller lotteries are typically processed faster than complex or high-value applications.
Apply early. Service NL recommends submitting your application well before your planned lottery start date. Don't assume approval is automatic or immediate.
Licence period: No NL lottery licence is issued for more than 12 months.
To get the exact current fee for your lottery type and prize value, call Service NL at 709-729-2660 or visit the Service NL lottery portal.
How to apply for a lottery licence in NL: step by step
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria above. Download the eligibility application PDF to verify your organization qualifies.
Don't sell tickets, promote your lottery, or accept any money until you have your licence in hand.
Step 6: Display your licence and comply with all conditions
Once approved, you must display your licence number on all lottery-related communications. Keep copies of your licence available at the point of sale.
Step 7: Submit your financial report
After your lottery closes, you're required to submit a financial report to Service NL. This is mandatory, not optional.
Regulatory framework: what the law says
Charitable lotteries in NL operate under federal and provincial authority.
At the federal level, lotteries are exempt from Criminal Code gambling prohibitions only when they're licensed by a provincial authority. That's why your Service NL licence matters legally.
At the provincial level, key rules include:
Maximum licence period: 12 months. No lottery licence in NL runs longer than that.
Financial reporting: You must file a financial report after every lottery. It must account for all revenue, expenses, and use of proceeds.
Proceeds use: All net proceeds must go to the charitable purpose stated in your application. You can't redirect funds after the fact.
Penalties for non-compliance: Running an unlicensed lottery, misusing proceeds, or failing to report can result in fines, licence revocation, and Criminal Code consequences.
Separate licence per province: Your NL licence is only valid in Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a separate licence for every other province or territory where you sell tickets.
Prizes under $500: you can use a digital ticketing platform to generate and sell e-tickets.
Prizes over $500: tickets must be consecutively numbered and commercially printed. See page 3, Schedule D, sections 4 and 5 of the Ticket Lottery rules.
What your ticket must display
Service NL requires specific information on every ticket. Here's what a compliant ticket looks like, using our example:
Side A:
Side B:
Use the official Service NL sample ticket as your formatting guide. Our examples above show exactly where each required element belongs.
What you must display during the lottery
A copy of your licence
Open and close dates, draw dates, and all other key dates
House rules
Any notices or posters Service NL requires
Your licence number on all lottery-related communications
Online ticket sales for NL charitable lotteries
You can run part of your ticket lottery online in NL. Without special permission from Service NL, you're allowed to:
Take ticket orders online
Process payments online
That's it. Everything else — the draw, the prize distribution, the tickets themselves — must follow the rules for paper-based ticket lotteries with a manual draw.
What you need to include in your application if you're selling online
If you plan to sell tickets online, include this information with your licence application:
The name of your gaming supplier
How the platform identifies the IP address, credit cardholder address, and mailing address of each purchaser (to confirm they're in NL)
Copies of all online forms, including purchase confirmation and ticket copies
Confirmation that the platform's server is located in Newfoundland and Labrador
Confirmation that Random Number Generators (RNG) are not used
Confirmation that your online provider is registered through NL's Registry of Companies
Confirmation that physical tickets will also be printed per Schedule D and sent to purchasers by post or disclosed delivery method upon request
Confirmation that the winning ticket will be drawn physically and manually using ticket stubs or tokens
If you're planning to use Zeffy's online raffle platform for online sales, mention Zeffy by name in your licence application. Get written approval from Service NL before you start selling.
Application preparation checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your NL lottery licence application. Print it out or save it.
Organization details
[ ] Legal organization name confirmed
[ ] Proof of charitable or non-profit status ready
[ ] Organization's purpose and beneficiaries documented
Lottery details
[ ] Lottery type identified (from the 9 types above)
[ ] Prize description and total prize value confirmed
[ ] Ticket open date, close date, and draw date set
[ ] House rules written
Ticket requirements
[ ] Sample ticket prepared (use Service NL's guide)
[ ] Tickets are consecutively numbered (if prize over $500)
[ ] Commercial printer arranged (if prize over $500)
Online sales (if applicable)
[ ] Gaming supplier identified
[ ] Server location in NL confirmed
[ ] IP and purchaser address verification method documented
[ ] No RNG confirmation ready
[ ] Registry of Companies registration of platform confirmed
[ ] Physical ticket printing and delivery plan documented
Financial and compliance
[ ] Proceeds use documented and aligned with charitable purpose
[ ] Post-lottery financial report process understood
[ ] Separate licence applications planned for any other provinces
Once you've got your licence, Zeffy's free raffle platform lets you sell tickets online with zero fees — meaning 100% of what you raise goes to your cause.
Remember: mention Zeffy in your licence application and get Service NL approval before you go live.
Processing times vary by lottery type and application complexity. Service NL doesn't publish a fixed turnaround time. Apply well in advance of your planned start date. Call 709-729-2660 to get a current estimate for your specific lottery type.
Yes, but you need a licence specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. Your national charitable status doesn't automatically make you eligible. You must meet Service NL's organizational requirements and apply through the NL portal.
No. You need a separate licence for every province or territory where you sell tickets. An NL licence only covers activities within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Running an unlicensed lottery is a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada. Consequences can include fines, criminal charges, and permanent ineligibility for future licences.
Yes. A 50/50 raffle meets the definition of a lottery — it involves consideration, chance, and a prize. You need a ticket lottery licence from Service NL before running one.
Contact Service NL directly at 709-729-2660 to understand the reason for the denial. In many cases, applications are denied due to missing information or eligibility issues that can be corrected before reapplying.
Do you want to use Zeffy’s ticketing for your raffle in Newfoundland and Labrador? We suggest you mention this in your licence application and get approval by The Department of Digital Government and Service NL before you go any further.
Here’s a recap of all the links and documents mentioned in this article:
Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
.webp)
