Lottery Ticket Retailer (LTR) Ticket Redemption Inspection Program

When will an inspection happen?

Depending on the type of inspection, a compliance officer may contact the licence holder, siteholder, retailer or casino to set up an appointment for an inspection.  However, sometimes a compliance officer will conduct an inspection without any notice or without identifying her or himself. 

How do I know the person is from the MGCC?

All MGCC compliance officers have proper identification, which includes business cards and photo identification issued by the MGCC.  You can ask to see the compliance officer's identification.  It is important to realize that the compliance officer wants to ensure gaming activities operate properly and efficiently within your licence or registration terms and conditions and as required by The Gaming Control Act and Regulation.

What happens during an inspection?

The compliance officer may ask in advance that certain documents and information be ready for inspection.  This may include the nightly event sheets, bank statements, cancelled cheques, deposit books, bingo/breakopen product, winners lists and training certificates.

Among other things, a compliance officer may do the following during an inspection:

• Video Lottery Terminal (VLT): Verify the number of VLTs on site are correct; ensure that VLTs are not visible to minors within the area of the site in which the VLTs are situated; verify all signage provided by the MGCC and MLC is posted; and ensure that at least one senior staff person who works in the VLT area has completed the Problem Gambling Assistance Program offered by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
• Lottery Ticket Retailer (LTR): Confirm ownership as per approved registration; verify that minors are not purchasing lottery tickets;redeem lottery tickets to ensure proper procedures are followed; and determine whether the retailer or any principals of the company have any charges or convictions of any offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Competition Act (Canada), or any comparable legislation.
• Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament: Verify that pre-registered participants are listed on registration forms; note whether gaming tables area is separated or divided off from non-gaming spectator area of venue; randomly inspect playing cards for any chipped, marked or unusable cards; and ensure the dealer button starts with the player to the left of the dealer.
• Raffle: Ensure all raffle draws are open to all ticket holders; verify all raffle equipment is in good working order; review seller control and tracking mechanism records and ensure adequate controls are in place; and ensure that each eligible raffle ticket drawn for a lesser prize is returned to the draw drum to be eligible for the main prize.
• Bingo and Breakopen: Verify that event is happening at the date, time and location specified on licence; ensure bingo balls are displayed prior to play; make sure that procedures for awarding prizes are followed, and no other unapproved games are being held at the event.
• Calcutta Auction: Ensure the event is open to the general public; verify that prizes and order of payout for the event are posted prior to event; check that all winners’ information is properly recorded; and verify that the total prize pool conforms to the minimum as per the Calcutta Auction Terms and Conditions.
• Media Bingo: Obtain a copy of the organization’s current Media Bingo Game Program to compare to the one on file; verify Master Control Books are used at the licensed event; document announcements made for prizes, accumulator prize values and consolation prizes; and ensure the licensed organization collects all winning Media Bingo cards from the players prior to awarding prize(s).
• Midway: Determine the number of days the Midway is operating at the specific event location; ensure all games operating at the event(s) are as per the approved licence application; verify that all prizes awarded are less than $500 in value; and determine if persons under the age of 18 years are allowed to play the games of chance or mixed chance and skill.
• Monte Carlo: Note if event is operating in a liquor permitted area; ensure approved Monte Carlo House Rules are posted; verify that no player handles, alters or withdraws a losing bet and that the dealer collects all losing bets; count the Monte Carlo event float to ensure all money is accounted for; and note other cash expenses paid out at the event.
• Sports Draft: Review Sports Draft ticket distribution and cash handling procedures with the licensed organization; ensure any promotional Sports Draft tickets are entered into the application draw(s); verify how Sports Draft workers are paid; and recount sold Sports Draft tickets.