Authorised games require a minor gaming permit to be conducted. They include:
- raffles with a total prize value exceeding $10,000;
- bingo (except for very low value games which have been granted an exemption); and
- lucky envelopes.
The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission has issued rules which apply to each of the authorised games.
More information, including the rules which must be complied with can be found on Authorised games
The application forms to apply for a minor gaming permit, and the information and record keeping forms which must be completed by minor gaming permit holders, can be found under Forms.
The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission will only grant a minor gaming permit if it is satisfied that the proceeds of the authorised game will be used for the lawful purposes of a not-for-profit organisation or a charitable purpose. An applicant for a minor gaming permit will be asked to provide evidence of permission or acknowledgment from the not-for-profit organisation or charitable purpose which is to benefit from the game, that a game is to be conducted for their purpose by the applicant.
A not-for profit organisation or charitable purpose
A not-for-profit organisation means an organisation, association, society, club, institution, or other body, whether corporate or unincorporate, that is formed or carried on primarily for charitable purposes and not for purposes of trading or securing a profit for its members or another body.
Charitable purposes include the following purposes:
- religious purposes;
- educational purposes;
- benevolent purposes;
- welfare purposes;
- providing medical treatment or attention;
- promoting or encouraging literature, art or science;
- establishing, managing or beautifying a community centre or park or other community premises or place;
- recreational or sporting purposes; and
- a purpose approved by the Tasmanian Liquor and Commission generally or in a particular case.
Authorised games must not be played for the private gain or benefit of any individual except by way of charity. In certain circumstances, reasonable and actually incurred operational costs may be retained by the minor gaming permit holder. Restrictions regarding allowable expenses are set out in the rules and conditions of each game.
When is a minor gaming permit needed
Anyone wanting to conduct any of the authorised games for a not-for profit organisation or charitable purpose within Tasmania must first obtain a minor gaming permit.
In relation to a raffle, gaming is considered to be conducted within Tasmania if the sale of the ticket happens in Tasmania. This includes if a ticket is issued, or an acknowledgement of the sale of a ticket is issued, at or from premises situated in Tasmania.
If the sale of tickets is done entirely online via an online platform which is not based in Tasmania, then a minor gaming permit in Tasmania is not required. This is the case even if the game is advertised and marketed in Tasmania. However, if any sales, including cash sales, are made in Tasmania, then a permit will be required.
Applying for a minor gaming permit
Any individual (18 years or older) or legal entity can apply for a minor gaming permit from the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission. If the permit is granted, the permit holder has responsibilities under the Gaming Control Act 1993. The permit holder will be responsible for ensuring that the game is conducted appropriately, and in compliance with the rules of the game and any conditions on the minor gaming permit.
The applicant must provide information on the application form about their suitability to hold a permit, and in certain circumstances the Commission may ask further questions or conduct an investigation into the suitability of an applicant.
Process for applying for a permit
The applicant must complete an application form and submit it to the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission, along with the appropriate application fee.
The applicant must provide information about the game they intend to conduct. It is important that the application form is filled out correctly and comprehensively, as it is an offence to give information that is false or misleading.
The applicant will need to provide details of every not-for-profit organisation or charitable purpose with their application. This includes confirmation from each that they consent to the game being conducted on their behalf and that they will receive the benefits from that game.
The application fee will depend on the length of the permit which is being applied for. The Commission will only grant a permit for the duration of the intended game, up to a maximum of five years. There are two fees, either for a period not exceeding 12 months, or for a period which exceeds 12 months and up to 5 years.
Conditions that might be attached to a minor gaming permit
The conditions which are attached to a minor gaming permit will depend on the game to be played and the circumstances of the permit holder. All permits will specify the not‑for‑profit organisation or charitable purpose which is to benefit from the game to be played, and the proceeds must only be used for this purpose.
There are requirements in the rules of the authorised games about record keeping. In some circumstances the Commission may make it a condition of the permit that the permit holder provides these records to the Commission on a specified date.
In addition, as a guideline, the following conditions will usually be attached to permits:
- Raffles: the cost of the ticket; the number of tickets available for sale; the total retail value of the prizes; and the date on which the raffle will be drawn.
- Lucky envelopes: the location where the lucky envelopes are sold; whether tickets which offer liquor prizes may be sold; and, if relevant, restrictions about the sale of tickets offering liquor prizes;
- Bingo: the location where the bingo games are played; and the days, times and frequency of the games.
Amending the conditions attached to the permit
In some circumstances, the holder of a minor gaming permit may wish to change some details about the game they conduct, for example, changing the location where the game is played. This may require an amendment to the conditions attached to the permit.
The permit holder should contact the Liquor and Gaming Branch to request a change to the permit conditions. The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission may amend the conditions as it considers appropriate.
Changes should not be made to the way the game is played unless and until the requested amendment has been granted by the Commission.