Frequently Asked Questions

Amusement

Q: Why is a Place of Amusement Licence required?
A: To ensure that the facility which is open to the public meets all the requirements of the Provincial Fire Marshal and is safe for occupancy.

Q: Where do I obtain a zoning letter for a Place of Amusement Licence?
A: You can obtain a zoning letter from the Municipality in which the establishment is located.

Q: Where do I get my Fire Marshal's approval?
A: It is the Place of Amusement Licence applicant's responsibility to telephone the Provincial Fire Marshal's Office to inquire about having a Fire Marshal's inspection conducted.

Film & Video

Q: Where do I obtain film classification stickers?
A: They may be obtained from the Nova Scotia Film Classification Division, Suite 108, 40 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth, N.S. or telephoning (902)424-4498.

Gaming

Q: How long does it take to process a gaming application?
A: Normally within five working days, except in instances where additional information is required to complete the application process.

Q: When does the Authority meet to approve licences?
A: Weekly.

Bingo

Q: How high is the revenue take on the loonie/cookie jar permitted to be?
A: It can go as high as the licencee determines providing the loonie/cookie jar added with the bingo prizes does not exceed $15,000.00 per day.

Q: Can seats be saved at a bingo hall by placing daubers, etc. on tables or tilting chairs?
A: Yes, this approach can be taken to save a seat at a bingo hall. However, it is unacceptable for the licencee to place bingo paper (cards) on a table in order to save a chair.

Q: How many bingo events can an organization have per week?
A: The number of bingo events permitted per week is determined by the Authority during the approval process. Several factors may be considered before the number of bingo events per week is approved.

Q: Can we make changes to our bingo format?
A: Yes, however the licencee must submit a formal request to the Authority 15 days prior to instituting the proposed changes.

Q: Is there an age limit for children in a bingo hall?
A: The Alcohol and Gaming Authority has not set an age limit. It is up to the individual bingo hall operators to post house rules and notify the public of age restrictions.

Q: Are workers allowed to play bingo?
A: The Alcohol and Gaming Authority has a regulation stating that the caller and the persons verifying winning cards cannot play that particular night. As for those who sell cards, work the canteen or other off-duty workers, it is up to the individual bingo operator to decide if these workers play or not. A house rule should be posted to inform the public of its policy respecting this matter.

Q: Are bingos allowed to lower prizes?
A: Yes, if the bingo has written and received permission from the Alcohol and Gaming Authority. Otherwise, bingo prizes cannot be lowered.

Q: Is there a limit on prize amount for jackpot bonanzas or loonie pots?
A: There is no limit providing the total value of prizes accumulated does not exceed $15,000.00 per day.

Q: What days does a bingo hall have to remain closed?
A: Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Q: Does a bingo hall have to have the bingo balls displayed at the beginning of the evening?
A: Prior to the start of the bingo, the operators must set up the numbered display board and shall ensure all bingo balls are present and in good condition. At any time during the bingo game, players have the right to verify the numbers called during the bingo game.

Q: Are house rules to be posted?
A: The licencee shall post any house rules pertaining to the conduct of bingo in a conspicuous place or places within the licenced premises.

Q: Do bingo halls have to use verification equipment?
A: Yes, any licencee who conducts and manages a bingo shall include a verification book or electronic verifier approved by the Authority.

Ticket Lottery

Q: Is there an application fee for a ticket licence?
A: No.

Q: How can an extension on a lottery draw date be obtained?
A: A formal request in writing has to be submitted to the Authority within 15 days prior to the expiry date on the ticket lottery.

Q: Do we have to print our licence number on our tickets?
A: Yes, it is compulsory under the Ticket Lottery Regulations that the licence number assigned by the Authority appear on all tickets.