To participate in cGaming Bingo, an organization must go through an eligibility assessment with the City in order participate. Funds are monitored based on use of proceeds policies by the City. There are Policies and Standards for groups through a contractual relationship with OLG and OCGA.
Eligibility
To be eligible you must meet these requirements:
- Be a registered charity or not-for-profit with a primary purpose in one of these areas: poverty relief, education, religion, or other community benefit.
- Have provided charitable services in Ontario for at least one year.
- Provide documentation such as letters patent, bylaws, audited financials, Board roster, program outlines, and a proposed use of proceeds consistent with its charitable mandate.
How to apply for a cGaming permit
If you meet the requirements, please complete the eligibility form below to begin the application process. There is no fee to apply. The City of Sarnia will review your eligibility and intended use of funds. If approved, you will receive a cgaming permit.
Your permit, issued by the City of Sarnia, allows your organization to participate in charitable gaming at our designated centre, Jackpot Time Sarnia. It’s your official authorization to receive a share of proceeds from gaming activities.
Eligibility and Budget Submission Form
Responsibilities
Charities participating in cGaming are required to:
- Provide trained volunteers for scheduled assignments at the Charitable Gaming Centre.
- Ensure volunteers follow the code of conduct, dress code, and complete all required training.
- Promote awareness of how gaming funds support your work in the community.
- Maintain accurate records and submit required documents.
- Monthly reporting: cGaming Monthly Submission.
Use of funds
- All proceeds must be used for approved charitable purposes, as outlined in your permit.
- Funds cannot be used for personal benefit, political activities, or purposes outside your charitable mandate.
- Keep cGaming funds in a separate business bank account, with at least two signing officers.
Ineligible use of proceeds
cGaming proceeds are ineligible if:
- it provides a personal benefit or gain to the members of the applicant organization;
- it supports tourism or other purely economic benefits;
- it advances a particular political issue; or
- it enhances lands and buildings owned and/or operated by a government.
Eligible organizations may not use the proceeds for:
- construction, renovation or improvement of buildings owned by or on land owned by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario or municipalities;
- the cost of political lobbying and/or advocating a particular view on a political issue, including related staffing costs, publication materials and advertising;
- fundraising activities and the cost of promotional materials;
- administrative or other activities that are not integral to the direct provision of the organization’s charitable mandate unless approved through other use of proceeds policy;
- the provision of services for which the organization receives government funding or which the organization is required, by law, to provide;
- legal fees/costs incurred by the organization or its board;
- volunteer recognition;
- foreign aid, out-of-province aid or aid to non-Ontario residents;
- accounting fees;
- out-of-pocket expenses for volunteers;
- academic and sports awards and trophies.
General use of proceeds policies
These general use of proceeds policies are applicable to all classifications of charitable organizations. All donations require back up documentation.
- The permitting authority must approve in advance which organizations can receive funds.
- All donations must be reviewed and approved before the money is given.
- Proof of the donation is required. The permitting authority may ask for receipts to make sure the money was used as approved.
- The organization making the donation is responsible for ensuring the gaming funds are used in a way that matches the receiving organization’s purpose.
- Gaming proceeds can only be donated to organizations that provide an eligible charitable benefit.
- The permitting authority may ask for details about people receiving benefits (for example, names, postal codes, and how they were chosen) to ensure fairness and integrity.
- A charitable organization (if consistent with their mandate and by-laws) can ask the municipality for approval to donate part of its gaming proceeds to another charitable organization.
- The municipality will review each request individually, considering how the donation might affect the donor’s programs, the amount being donated, and the overall benefit to the community.
Eligible charitable organizations requesting approval to donate cGaming proceeds to other eligible organizations must demonstrate that:
- the charitable organization has a proven track record of carrying out this activity;
- they have a separate Board of Directors;
- they have budgets and banking procedures independent of the recipient organization;
- are independent and have overall control over decision-making;
- the recipient organization would be eligible for participation in cGaming;
- the recipient organization will use the proceeds for an eligible use that is consistent with its charitable purposes or objects.
Volunteers
Volunteers attend cGaming events at the gaming centre to provide assistance to gaming centre staff and contribute to customer service. Volunteers must be 18 years and unencumbered in performing their roles and responsibilities and may not be accompanied by anyone under 18 years of age. Volunteers must attend the training provided (approximately one hour).
Visit the Sarnia Gaming Association website for useful information related to reporting, compliance, as well as assignment schedules: sarniagamingassociation.ca.
Questions
| City of Sarnia | Sarnia Charitable Gaming Association |
| The Licensing Staff are here to help with any questions about applying, eligibility, and monthly reporting. Please contact Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Ext. 3131 or cgaming@sarnia.ca. | The Charity Coordinator is here to help with onboarding, training, schedule, and any questions about your permit or responsibilities. Please contact the Charity Coordinator at sarniacountrygaming@gmail.com. Website: sarniagamingassociation.ca |