Breakopen FAQs

What should our organization do if there is a problem with a breakopen unit?

Breakopen errors are relatively rare and are dealt with between the MGCC, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation and the manufacturer. However, it is important that you contact the MGCC Compliance Department if you find problems with a unit. If the problem is related to mixed serial numbers, poor colour, or issues of quality of product, the organization will likely be permitted to continue selling the unit. If the issue revolves around extra or insufficient winners in a unit, the MGCC will likely tell the organization to stop selling the unit and forward it to the MGCC for examination. Once the problem is determined the information will be forwarded to the supplier, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, for resolution.

What should be done if an altered breakopen ticket is discovered?

The police should be contacted immediately. The person who cashed in the ticket may be committing a criminal offence. Organizations should also contact the MGCC’s Compliance Department.

Why is there a "scratch-off" feature on breakopen tickets?

Manitoba continues to be one of the few markets that have a latex security seal on the outside of breakopen tickets. The security seal outside the ticket windows assures the licensee, the players and the MGCC that the ticket has not been altered. Once the latex seal is removed you can immediately see what the winning ticket is worth. Sellers and players should pay close attention to ensure that the latex seal has not been removed from the breakopen tickets.

Can licensees sell any kind of breakopen tickets?

Once a breakopen licence is issued, the organization can order any kind of breakopen tickets carried by the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation.

How long do winning breakopen tickets have to be kept by licensees?

Complete breakopen records must be retained by the licensee for at least three (3) years. These records must include, but are not limited to, event reports, inventory control forms and breakopen tickets. All winning breakopen tickets should be kept until the entire unit of tickets is sold with the correct number of winners paid. If a problem is detected (e.g. too many/not enough winners), licensees sho uld contact the MGCC’s Compliance Department.

Can volunteers purchase breakopen tickets?

All workers/volunteers that sell breakopen tickets at an event are prohibited from purchasing breakopen tickets at that specific event. Individuals must be 18 years or older to sell, purchase or redeem breakopen tickets.

Can breakopen tickets be sold at functions outside of, or in addition to, a licensee's bingo events?

Yes, providing the organization obtains an approved licence or amendment from the MGCC. Many organizations sell breakopen tickets at winter carnivals, or other locations in addition to their ongoing bingo events. If the organization has not previously identified the special event in their original application a Licence Amendment Request Form must be submitted and approved before the sale of breakopen tickets can take place. Changes can not be implemented until approval has been received. Processing time for amendments is 2-4 weeks.

Can licensees return unsold partial units of breakopen tickets to the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation?

Yes, if an organization is ceasing operations and there are no plans for them to continue, the tickets may be returned to the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, however no credit will be issued. An organization may also keep the breakopen tickets if they expect to sell (with an approved licence) at some time in the future. If this is the case, the organization must ensure tickets are stored in a locked and secure area.

Must licensees purchase all breakopen tickets from the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation?

Yes, the only supplier of bingo paper and breakopen tickets in the province is the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation.

 

The foregoing are the most commonly asked questions. If you have questions or concerns that are not answered here, please contact the MGCC directly: 954-9400, 1-800-782-0363 or by e-mail at licensing@mgcc.mb.ca