Silent auctions and raffles at Canadian galas: what to check first
A practical checklist for galas that run a silent auction, live auction or raffle in Canada: provincial gaming licences, receipts for auction items and what to confirm in writing.
Updated October 12, 2026
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Raffle and gaming rules are set province by province and change; always confirm with the regulator before you sell a single ticket.
Auctions and raffles are different things
A silent or live auction sells an item to the highest bidder, and is generally treated as a sale. A raffle, 50/50 draw or similar game of chance is treated as gaming in Canada, and charities usually need a licence from their province or territory to run one. Many galas run both, so check each separately.
Gaming and raffle licences
Charitable gaming is licensed by provincial regulators; examples include Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), the BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux in Quebec. Eligibility, ticket-pricing limits, where tickets may be sold and reporting rules differ. Apply early; some licences take weeks, and online sales can have extra rules.
Liquor at the event
Serving alcohol usually needs a licence or special-occasion permit through your provincial liquor regulator, or the venue's own licence may cover it. Ask the venue which applies before you advertise a bar.
Receipts for auction items
A registered charity may issue a receipt for the amount a winning bidder pays above the item's fair market value, when the donor's intent to make a gift can be shown. The Canada Revenue Agency sets this out for fundraising events. Keep a basis for each item's fair market value (a retail price, an appraisal, or the donor's invoice) and decide in advance who is responsible for it.
Donated items
Record each donor, a description, the estimated value and who approved it. Get the donor's agreement in writing about how the item will be described and any restrictions (expiry dates, blackout days, transfer rules). Tell winners exactly how and when to collect.
Running the evening
Set a clear close time for silent bidding, name one person to resolve disputes, and confirm how payment will be taken before guests leave. If you use bidding software, test it on the venue's connection and have a paper fallback.
Keep records
Keep ticket numbers, sales totals, prize details and licence terms together. Regulators may ask for a report after the event, and the charity's own auditors will.
Planning your event? The nine-month timeline shows where these steps fit.