Raffle FAQ » Raffle Laws

Are raffles legal in the United States?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:34:08 +0000

Some states allow raffles while others do not.

Some states require that you submit a registration form in advance. Other states require a filing fee. It is important to research the laws that apply to the state where the raffle will be taking place.

Some cities, counties/parishes also have additional laws on the books that govern raffles. You should contact local government offices to inquire about the regulations in your local area.

In the states where raffles are legal, the proceeds must benefit a registered charitable organization or school. The raffle cannot be a for-profit money making venture for a business or individual.

Click here for a list of laws by state

Disclaimer: The information and links provided on this site are intended as an informational resource. RaffleFAQ.com is not responsible for content provided on websites which are linked to from this site. No warranties or guarantees are implied or expressed. Information on this site is not meant as a substitute for advice given from a licensed attorney. Consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with state and local regulations, or risk investigation and/or penalties if a complaint is filed or law enforcement agencies become aware of non compliant activities.

What are the raffle laws of each state?

Tracie Davis — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:43:40 +0000

In the United States laws regarding raffles are decided upon by state governments just as other types of games of chance.

In the United States raffle laws vary considerably by state. Some states define charitable raffles as equal to lotteries and therefore have deemed them illegal. Other states allow raffles for charities but do not have lotteries.

Raffle License or Application

The application for the raffle license may be required by the state, county or city government. Sometimes organizations must file with the state and local government so it is always wise to contact all government agencies. Most applications require a fee.

Raffle Requirements

Each state also has different requirements about the organizations that are allowed to hold a raffle and the manner in which it is conducted.

For example according to the laws of Colorado, the organization must have been in existence for five years before an application for a bingo/raffle license can be made. Some state raffle laws limit the number of raffles that a tax-exempt organization can hold. Other states have other very specific laws about the value of prizes given away, the format of tickets and other aspects of the raffle.

Advance Planning for Raffles

Not-for-profit organizations should also keep in mind that some registering agencies require that permits be applied for in advance. For example in Iowa the department requests that applicants allow up to 30 days for processing the application.

The following is a list of links to raffle laws by state (where available).

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas - Illegal; see proposed ammendment
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia - Contact County Sheriff’s Office
Hawaii - illegal
Idaho
Illinois - Contact County Clerk
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas - Illegal; reference
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts - Contact City Clerk
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee - Allowed, however regulations are very strict
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington, D.C.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

The information and links provided on this site are intended as an informational resource. RaffleFAQ.com is not responsible for content provided on websites which are linked to from this site. No warranties or guarantees are implied or expressed. Information on this site is not meant as a substitute for advice given from a licensed attorney. Consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with state and local regulations, or risk investigation and/or penalties if a complaint is filed or law enforcement agencies become aware of non compliant activities.

Can a for-profit business or individual run a raffle?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:40:35 +0000

No. In the vast majority of cases, raffles must benefit a legally registered non-profit, charitable agency. Contests sponsored by a for-profit businesses, individual or government would either be defined as a lottery (if a ticket purchase is required) or a sweepstakes (if no purchase is necessary). There are other laws that govern these two activities.

It is important to check all laws for your area, where your organization operates and where tickets will be sold. Laws vary by country, state/province, county/district/parish and by city.

Are raffles legal in Canada?

sandra — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:30:24 +0000

Those who wish to hold a raffle in Canada are likely to ask, “Are raffles legal in Canada?” To find the answer contact the gaming commission of the province where the raffle will take place. This is the government entity that has legal authority over raffles conducted in that particular province.

More information about gaming in Canada.