The Charitable Lotteries Regulations establish the framework governing the licensing and operation of charitable gaming activities in Prince Edward Island under the authority of the Charitable Lotteries Act. The regulations define the structure, oversight, and operational limits for bingo, casino nights, raffles, and other approved lottery schemes, while strengthening controls over advertising, financial management, and player protection.

Authority for licensing is centralized with the Registrar under the Act, supported by an Order in Council. The Registrar is empowered to issue licences, impose conditions, and regulate advertising and operational conduct. Permitted licence categories include bingo, casino nights, raffles, and other approved games of chance. All licences are subject to strict conditions that govern advertising practices, financial accountability, and operational transparency. Advertising must not suggest that gambling leads to social approval or personal success, must avoid celebrity endorsements implying financial improvement, and must not compare gaming forms.

For bingo operations, the regulations impose detailed operational limits to ensure fairness and financial control. Total prizes per event are capped, and jackpot accumulation is strictly limited. The total value of prizes and operating expenses is tied to gross receipts, with percentage caps depending on projected annual prize volumes. Licensees must submit regular financial reports and ensure that third party operators comply with revenue sharing rules. Bingo supplies must be securely stored, and rules govern card marking, player conduct, and verification of winning claims.

Casino night rules prohibit cash prizes and require the use of play money or tokens. Events are limited to a maximum duration of twelve consecutive hours and must conclude by early morning. These restrictions are intended to preserve the charitable and recreational nature of such events while preventing extended or high risk gambling environments.

Raffle regulations provide detailed oversight of both traditional and electronic systems. Electronic raffle systems must meet certification standards, ensure system integrity, and operate using secure servers located in Canada. Requirements include audit trails, cybersecurity protections, disaster recovery capabilities, and strict controls on ticket sales and participant eligibility. Specific rules govern Chase the Ace and Gold Rush draws, including reporting requirements, jackpot structures, and ticket eligibility conditions. Random number generators used in electronic draws must meet recognized statistical standards for unpredictability and fairness. Interprovincial lottery schemes must ensure transparent prize distribution, full reporting of sales and winnings, and no restrictions that limit prize use or transferability.

Prince Edward Island (646/2026) June 23, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.