New electronic raffle options will benefit Alberta’s charities, while providing more access for ticket buyers.
St. Albert… Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) is creating more opportunity for the province’s charitable organizations by allowing for online sales of 50/50 tickets to adults within Alberta. This option will be available to Albertans who attend the event and those who do not.
The option for online sales is available for large 50/50 raffles and will increase proceeds for Alberta’s charitable organizations, benefiting programs and services that Albertans rely on every day.
The opportunity for organizations to offer online 50/50 ticket sales is a terrific step forward for Alberta’s charities. Adult Albertans in all corners of the province will now get a chance to support causes that are important to them from the ease of their smart phones and laptops. In 2018-19, AGLC issued more than 14,000 raffle licences and from that, more than $170 million was raised in support of programs and services important to Albertans.
Alain Maisonneuve, President & CEO,
AGLC
AGLC has done great work so far in cutting red tape and responding to the call to make life better for Albertans. I’m glad to see these measures come forward to offer charitable organizations more flexibility and better fundraising opportunities so they can continue to make their communities stronger.
Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction
We commend AGLC and the Government of Alberta for their innovative changes to online raffles – in particular the very popular 50/50 program. The changes announced will allow the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) and other charities across the province to have greater flexibility and access to fans who want to support the program – in particular at a time when there is so much uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EOCF has invested over $40 million dollars back into the community – the lion’s share of that coming from our 50/50 program. This is a forward-thinking initiative at a time when the need in our community is greater than ever.
Natalie Minckler, Executive Director,
Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation
AGLC’s changes to electronic raffle regulations will have a significant and positive impact on charities in our community. Last year the Calgary Flames Foundation distributed over $3.8 million to southern Alberta charities and now more than ever, charities in Alberta need this support. This policy change will allow our organization to host raffles online during games so our fans watching from home can participate. We are pleased to continue to raise funds to support urgent needs through the Calgary Flames Foundation COVID-19 Community Support Program in addition to our ongoing projects and programs that support health and wellness, education and grassroots sports.
Candice Goudie, Executive Director,
Calgary Flames Foundation
In addition to online sales, AGLC is reducing the limit for the allowable use of random number generators. Previously, the province’s charities were allowed to use a random number generator when the total ticket value of their sales was greater than $1 million. After consulting with stakeholders, AGLC has lowered the amount for allowable use to $100,000.
Expanding fundraising opportunities for the province’s charities is another example of reducing red tape and creating greater flexibility for Albertans. In 2018-19, more than 19,000 charitable gaming licences were issued, generating more than $347 million in charitable gaming proceeds.
For nearly 25 years, AGLC has been a regulatory leader in the province’s gaming, liquor and now cannabis industries. AGLC’s continued dedication to reviewing and updating policies demonstrates our deep commitment to a modern regulatory environment that supports consumer choice, innovation and economic growth.
Media inquiries
Heather Holmen
Heather.Holmen@aglc.ca
780-292-1215
AGLC