Bill 19: Charitable Lotteries Act

This bill primarily affects charitable and religious organizations in PEI — think local service clubs, churches, sports associations, and community groups — that run raffles, bingo nights, or other fundraising lottery events. It also touches agricultural fair boards and concession operators who run games of chance at fairs and exhibitions. Day-to-day activities affected include selling lottery tickets, managing prize payouts, keeping financial records of proceeds, and advertising events. Organizations using electronic gaming equipment (e.g., electronic bingo terminals) face additional approval and compliance requirements, and all licensees — from a solo volunteer running a 50/50 draw to a larger charity with ongoing series events — must keep records for at least three years and file financial reports with the Registrar when prizes exceed $5,000.