Gaming

The Criminal Code of Canada is the legislation that permits provinces to be involved in gaming activities. The Code defines a lottery scheme as any plan or proposal in which a person disposes of valuable property through a mode of chance. As such, a lottery scheme as defined in the Code would contain the following three elements:

The disposition of property (a prize).
Any mode of chance whatsoever involved in obtaining the prize (chance).
Consideration exchanged for a chance to win the prize (i.e., paying money for a chance to win a prize).

It is important to remember that, generally speaking, under the Criminal Code of Canada gambling is illegal. That same Code creates exceptions to this general rule, and it is under these exceptions that provincially licenced gambling occurs.

The Criminal Code of Canada creates two basic ways for the provinces to permit the conduct and management of lottery schemes. Firstly, the provincial government is authorized to conduct and manage lottery schemes alone or in conjunction with other provinces, pursuant to any applicable legislation enacted by the Province. It is under this provision, for instance, that Nova Scotia participates with the other Atlantic Provinces in carrying out lottery schemes through the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Secondly, the Lieutenant Governor in Council can appoint provincial licensing authorities to licence others to conduct and manage lottery schemes. This allows charitable and religious organizations, fairs and exhibitions, and small scale commercial operators, to conduct and manage lottery schemes, provided they hold a provincial gaming licence.

The division of Alcohol and Gaming has been designated as the authority responsible for licensing and regulating lottery schemes in this Province which are permitted by the Code.

This role includes the regulation of all gaming activity conducted by the Provincial Government, and the licensing and regulation of other legal gaming activity in the province, in accordance with the principles set forth in the Code. Exceptions to the Authority's general licensing and regulation jurisdiction are created by the Native Gaming Agreements, and the Maritime Harness Racing Authority (which is responsible for the conduct of harness racing and related parimutuel activities in the Province).

Voluntary Exclusion Program

Alcohol and Gaming is mandated to ensure that lottery schemes in Nova Scotia are conducted in the best interest of the public. This mandate includes the protection of those members of the public who have determined that they have difficulty controlling their gambling activities. The Voluntary Exclusion Program has been designed to work within that framework. This program enables individuals to request that they be refused access to the casinos.

Information on the Voluntary Exclusion Program is available from the Alcohol and Gaming Division or the casino operator. If an individual wishes to participate in this program, they can simply contact a member of the security staff of the casino. The process consists of reading the information on voluntary exclusion; reviewing the process of revoking a voluntary exclusion; signing a declaration that they have read and understood the information on the program; and having a photograph taken for identification purposes. This information, including the photograph, is maintained in the casino security office to assist in the enforcement of the program.

Licences

Bingo Lottery

Any charitable or religious organization that wants to raise funds for community projects and programs by offering bingo. Note: This licence is needed even if no cash prizes are offered.

Licence Details
Bingo Licence Application (PDF: 116k)

Breakopen Ticket

Any charitable or religious organization that wants to raise funds for its community projects and programs by selling Breakopen Tickets.

Licence Details
Breakopen Ticket Licence Application (PDF: 101k)

Games of Chance Lottery

Any charitable or religious organization that wants to raise funds by offering games of chance lotteries
Commercial carnivals that operate games of chance.

Licence Details
Games of Chance Licence Application - Charitable (PDF: 103k)
Games of Chance Licence Application - Commercial (PDF: 99k)

Ticket Lottery Permit (under $500)

Any charitable or religious organization that wants to conduct a lottery draw for prizes valued under $500.

Permit Details
Online Application
Ticket Lottery Permit Application (PDF: 100k)

Ticket Lottery Licence (over $500)

Any charitable or religious organization that wants to conduct a ticket raffle offering total prizes valued over $500.

Licence Details
Ticket Lottery Licence Application (PDF: 56k)

Video Lottery Terminal Registration

Anyone who operates an establishment in Nova Scotia with a class of liquor licence which does not admit minors (or which has age-restricted areas) and who also wants to operate video lottery machines.