Media Bingo FAQs

Who can conduct a media bingo?

The Manitoba Gaming Control Commission (MGCC) may license charitable and religious organizations to conduct a media bingo within the Province of Manitoba in accordance with Section 207 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code (Canada).  If your organization has never been licensed by the MGCC, you will be required to submit background documentation on your organization to determine eligibility.

How long does it take to obtain a media bingo licence?

Organizations must allow 4-6 weeks for processing of a complete and accurate package.  Applications that are complete (e.g., all information is provided, all required documents are included, signatures, names and addresses are completed) usually are processed more quickly; an incomplete application could result in a longer processing time.  The application guide will help you to properly complete and submit your application to us. 
Media bingo events can not be advertised and product can not be ordered prior to a licence being issued.

What is the cost of a media bingo licence?

Licence fees are based on anticipated revenue.  For media bingos with anticipated revenue of $5,000 or less there is no licence fee.  For media bingos with anticipated revenue over $5,000, organizations will be required to submit a licence fee of 1.5% of the actual gross revenue.  Fees are due with your event and financial reports.  Reporting requirements are set by the MGCC at the time of your approval.

Where can we get an application for a media bingo?

A Media Bingo Application is available from our website or by calling our office at 954-9400 or toll free at 1-800-782-0363.  Remember to print, read and ensure you understand the Media Bingo Terms and Conditions as these will be the terms and conditions which your organization will need to comply with.

What do we need to submit with our application?

In order to determine an organization’s eligibility for a licence, first time applicants and organizations not licensed in over three years, must provide as many of the following documents as possible with their application:  charter, constitution and by-laws, articles of incorporation (and most recent corporate annual return), minutes of most recent annual general meeting, membership list, most recent financial statement, and bank statements.
Other requirements are clearly listed in the application guide and include such things as; media bingo program, House Rules and current bank statement or prize guarantee. 


Our organization is very small and we do not have the background documentation you are requesting.  Can we still obtain a licence?

Yes, if your organization is a charitable or religious organization.  We recognize that many of the smaller clubs are not organized to this extent and may not possess formal documentation.  In such cases, minutes from meetings, letters of reference from principals, councilors, priests, or mayors may be acceptable. These references should state:

1. that the group is in fact a bonafide organization
2. its aims and objectives
3. the reasons/need for the raising of funds

What if we don’t have a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer?

If the titles of your executive members are not consistent with the titles we provide on the application, please indicate the actual organization title on your application.  Organizations must adapt their titles to those on the form in a “best fit” manner as necessary, (e.g. Executive Director, Grand Knight, Head Coach, Manager, Principal, or Minister may replace President).  The executive members you list on the application must be the actual elected executive of the organization itself and not members of a sub-committee who have been given responsibility for the lottery.

Are there any limitations to advertising our media bingo?

Once a licence has been approved, a media bingo can only be advertised in Manitoba.  All advertisements must contain the name of the licensed organization and the licence number.  Advertisements must adhere to federal, provincial and community advertising laws and standards.  If you are advertising on the internet, certain restrictions apply. 

Is our organization required to open a separate lottery account?

A separate lottery chequing account must be used to deposit all revenue. If you hold other charitable gaming licences, you may use just one bank account, but separate deposits must be made for each scheme's proceeds. You must not transfer lottery revenue into any of your organization's general operating accounts.

How can the funds generated from our media bingo be used?

Eligible organizations must use lottery proceeds generated from lottery activities for the advancement of education, religion, health, the relief of poverty, or must benefit the community through the promotion of sport, recreation, culture, or any other area considered appropriate by the MGCC. This information is to be as detailed as possible.  Organizations who find it difficult to indicate where the profits are to be directed, should refer to their last financial statement or their proposed budget.  Organizations should then choose area(s) they would like to subsidize with lottery funds. 

Is there a limit to prize(s) being offered?

No, the prize(s) offered is up to the organization.  The MGCC does not set prize limits however; all prizes offered must be guaranteed.

What if our organization does not have current funds to cover the cost of all prizes being offered?

The total cost of all prizes must be guaranteed before a licence is issued.  The MGCC will accept an organization’s current bank statement, an irrevocable standby letter of credit from a financial institution or proof of purchase for any merchandise prize. The MGCC will not accept a third party guarantee for prizes. If all prizes being offered are based on a percentage of sales, or if all prizes are being donated, evidence of sufficient funds is not required.
Sample irrevocable standby letter of credit.

What is a contractual agreement and when do we need one?

A contractual agreement is an agreement between the organization and the provider of a prize. Contractual agreements are required for each individual prize valued at $500 or more whether it is donated or purchased.
Sample contractual agreement.

Can organizations determine the amount of a prize for a bingo game based on the percentage of sales?
Yes, if the program has been approved by the MGCC.

Can promotional prizes be given away?

Yes, promotional prizes are allowed if approved by the MGCC.  Licensees must not require patrons to purchase media bingo product to the eligible to win promotional prizes.

Must licensees purchase all media bingo paper from the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation?

No, paper must be purchased from the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation or from a supplier registered by the MGCC.  You may contact the Registration Department of the MGCC for a list of registered suppliers.

Can media bingo paper be special ordered with an organization’s logo on it?

Yes.  Although Manitoba Lotteries Corporation does not supply specialty paper, there are other registered suppliers who provide this service. 

How do licensees handle media bingo product short shipments and/or damaged paper?

Organizations should contact the MGCC’s Compliance Department to explain the situation.  The MGCC follows exactly what you have purchased as recorded inventory on your financial reports.  Therefore it is important to notify us of any large damages or missing product.  The MGCC will often conduct physical inventory counts during an inspection to help maintain accurate product counts. If Manitoba Lotteries Corporation is the supplier of your media bingo paper, any inquires about shortages or damages should be made directly to the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation at 957-2579 or toll free at 1-800-782-0367.


What should be done if a bingo worker discovers a tampered media bingo card?

The MGCC recommends that the organization contact the police immediately.  Persons who tamper with media bingo cards may be committing a criminal offence.  Organizations should also contact the MGCC’s Compliance Department.

Where can we purchase or rent media bingo equipment?

The MGCC does not provide a listing of places to purchase or rent equipment.  Organizations can start by checking the MTS yellow pages under Games and Supplies and/or Bingo Equipment and Supplies.  Organizations can also check with local community organizations that operate media bingo.

When do we have to replace our bingo balls?

All equipment used for media bingo must be in good working order and is subject to inspection and approval by the MGCC.  Bingo balls must be free of defects and equal in all characteristics that control their selection.  The life span of bingo balls depends on several factors:  the amount of use; the type of bingo balls, the bingo ball selection device and how the caller handles them.  If there are any concerns about bingo balls in play, they must be replaced immediately.

Are there any limits on the number of media bingos our organization can operate?

An organization may hold, or participate in conducting, up to five (5) media bingo events per week.

How can our organization change the media bingo game format or program, add special games, or change our disbursements?

All changes to a licence must be requested in writing.  A Licence Amendment Request Form must be completed and sent to our Licensing Department.  These forms are included in the licence package sent to all organizations.  Please fax your amendments to 954-9450 or toll free 1-866-999-6688.  Changes can not be implemented until approval has been received.  Processing time for amendments is 2-4 weeks.

We received forms with our media bingo licence package.  What do we do with these forms?

All records relating to the conduct and operation of the media bingo must be kept by the licensee for at least three (3) years.  Organizations with anticipated revenue over $5000 must submit the financial forms.  Organizations with anticipated revenue of $5000 or less must simply keep records of the licensed event(s) and are not required to submit the forms.  These records may be requested during an inspection, audit or with a subsequent application.

Should House Rules be posted at an event?

The MGCC requires organizations to ensure House Rules are available for each media bingo event.  It is recommended that House Rules are posted at each sales location as well as either printed on the cards themselves or included with each card purchased.  Organizations are also required to post a set of House Rules at the event location.

Can volunteers play media bingo?

No, person(s) directly involved in the conduct, management or operation of the media bingo event may not play.

What are the rules regarding children playing media bingo?

Organizations must include the minimum age requirements in their House Rules.  The MGCC does not set a minimum age requirement.

During a media bingo, how long must players wait in order to determine who is the correct winner or winners?

The MGCC does not specify an exact waiting period used to determine winner(s).  Organizations applying for a media bingo licence must specify the time frame allowed for players to notify the organization.  This rule may fluctuate between media bingo events.  Organizations are required to specify the method and time limit to declare a possible winner in their House Rules.

If someone completes two patterns with one number, must you call another number or can that person be awarded both prizes?

Progressive games can be won in any order, therefore, once a person calls bingo and makes the checker aware that they have completed both patterns, and both are valid, there is no need to call another number.

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