Raffles - legal question

[lazypucker]

I have a question regarding running private raffles, if it is allowed in Alberta / Canada.

Hypothetically, I have a PS5 in hand worth $800. Can I run a raffle here on CP (or Twitter or somewhere) saying I am selling 20 tickets at $100 each and the winner will get the PS5. I sold the 20 tickets and I will pocket $2000 from a $800 piece of merchandise.

Is it legal to run this type of raffles in Alberta and in Canada?

[Oling_Roachinen]

Legally, no, you can't. You'd need a raffle licence, and to get that you need to be a charity pretty much.

https://aglc.ca/gaming/licences/raffle-20000-and-less
https://aglc.ca/documents/raffle-ter...20000-and-less

[afc wimbledon]

While we're on the subject, hypothetically if I had a spare small child could I sell it?

[lazypucker]

Originally Posted by Oling_Roachinen

Legally, no, you can't. You'd need a raffle licence, and to get that you need to be a charity pretty much.

https://aglc.ca/gaming/licences/raffle-20000-and-less
https://aglc.ca/documents/raffle-ter...20000-and-less

Thanks for the info. I know that there are people running these type of raffles for collectible stuff on Twitter and other social media. Just curious about the legality.

I have no PS5 for sale/raffle off BTW...

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

While we're on the subject, hypothetically if I had a spare small child could I sell it?

Depends on the pricing model, if you sell it as a whole child probably not. But by the pound? . . .

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Depends on the pricing model, if you sell it as a whole child probably not. But by the pound? . . .

So start with the fat one then, hypothetically.

[troutman]

This person tried to "raffle" a house in Alberta, which seemed dodgy to me. She cancelled the contest when she did not receive enough entries.

https://globalnews.ca/news/5810620/m...eaway-contest/

And another:

https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mount-roy...ners-1.4451347


I'm not sure why these were permitted.
https://aglc.ca/gaming/licences/raffle-20000-and-less

What is a Raffle?

A raffle is a lottery scheme where ticket purchasers pay for a chance to win a prize.
Any time you pay a price for a chance to win a prize, a raffle licence is needed.

[Canadianman]

I think the house 'raffle' dodged the rules by being technically merit-based. She asked ticket holders to write an essay saying why they should win.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

So start with the fat one then, hypothetically.

Unless you market them as free range children. In theory

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Unless you market them as free range children. In theory

That would mean, in theory, letting them out of their basement cages and allowing them to run around the yard occasionally, that might prove awkward, hypothetically.

[Maritime Q-Scout]