Government is changing the rules for lottery licensing next month to make it easier for charitable and religious organizations applying for a licence.

Minister Sarah Stoodley will discuss the details at a news conference this morning.

The changes come as a result of consultations by the Department of Digital Government and Service NL with key stakeholders and the public. Consultations focused on clarification of licensing requirements, electronic and online gaming, delegation of lottery operation and management contract restrictions and approved types of lotteries.

Organizations that hold a charitable event will now be able to obtain a two-year licence. Those that run an annual lottery event will only have to submit a new licensing application once every five years but will receive a licence annually upon notifying the department of the draw date and prize amount.

Government has received complaints over the years about delays in processing applications, causing organizations to have to scramble at the last minute.

Applications submitted before July 2 will be based on the current rules while anything that is received July 2 or later will be based on the new rules.

For example, the maximum payout for a single bingo event goes to $2,500 from the current $1,500, and the operation of electronic raffles and the use of electronic gaming equipment is now allowed.