rafflefaq.com

Can our group sell raffle tickets online?

sandra — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:46:42 +0000

A general answer is that raffles are considered gambling, and gaming laws vary by state. In states that do allow raffles, they are only allowed for charitable organizations, not for-profit companies or individuals.

In the United States online gambling (such as poker) is illegal and since raffles are gambling it would follow that online raffles would also be included in that ban. However, I have not found a definitive answer to this question as of yet.

It is advised that anyone considering a raffle to consult with an attorney who has experience in this area.

That legal disclaimer being said, many charities do at least advertise their raffles online and have an address or contact information so people can order tickets.

For more information:

Online gambling in the United States information on Wikipedia

What are the raffle laws of each state?

Do you need to register in each state for online fundraising? from Idealware

What are the raffle laws of each state?

Tracie Davis — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:43:40 +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

Georgia – Contact County Sheriff’s Office

Hawaii – illegal

Idaho

Illinois – Contact County Clerk

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas – Illegal; contact Attorney General for more info

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland – Also see raffle forms on this page

Massachusetts – Contact City Clerk

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee – Allowed, however regulations are very strict

Utah

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.

What information should be printed on raffle tickets?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:40:44 +0000

When you get ready to start the raffle ticket printing process, keep in mind that there are several key pieces of information that must be included. There needs to be a section for the purchaser to fill out which will then be put in the drawing container (or raffle drum). The ticket needs to require the purchaser’s name, address, and phone number. You may wish to ask for the person’s email address and have a check box for them to choose if they would like to be added to your email newsletter. This could be an optional, not required field for them to fill out.

On the other part of the ticket print the information about the drawing: the organization’s name, address and/or city, state, phone number, date of the raffle, list of major prizes, and website. Give this stub to the purchaser to keep.

Numbered tickets will enhance the professionalism of your tickets and give your coordinator an easy way to keep track of the number sold. Numbered tickets are also required for some states raffle regulations. Raffle ticket software makes numbering tickets easy.

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.

Where can we buy a raffle drum?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:59:13 +0000

The raffle drum is the container that holds the remitted portion of the raffle ticket. These are the tickets that have the buyer’s information. Most groups want to purchase a nice raffle drum in order to make the drawing first fair and above board, and secondly for dramatic effect. It’s fun to watch the presenters turn the raffle drum, watch the tickets spin and hope that they pull out your ticket as the winner!

There are a variety of raffle drums available such as those made out of brass and others that are clear made from acrylic materials. You will want to estimate the number of tickets to be sold at your raffle and buy a drum that will be the right size. Raffle drums can be bought at online stores such as RaffleDrums.com.

How much should we charge for raffle tickets?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:53:54 +0000

The amount that you charge for raffle tickets depends on the value of the prizes offered.

For low value items such as gift baskets, $1 per ticket is normal.

For mid level value items such as televisions and some travel, $5 per ticket is normal.

For the largest value prizes automobiles, boats, or large travel prizes $10-$20 per ticket is usually best. Some raffles which restrict the number of tickets sold will charge $50 or $100 per ticket. The logic is that the person buying the ticket has a better chance of winning and will be more likely to buy a ticket.

Deciding on the ticket price is an important step in your raffle planning. The ticket price should be related both to the value of the items and to the market that you will be selling tickets to. Charge too much and people will not want to buy… charge too little and your fundraiser will not be as successful as it could be.

How do I get prizes for a raffle?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:49:34 +0000

Having raffle prizes that are enticing to potential buyers is very important. So how do you get raffle prizes?

1. Donations from people you know

The best way to start is to survey the members of your organization. Every member could possibly have something of value to contribute to the prize pool. And if not, they may know somebody who can. Go for your biggest prize first, though. You need to secure that “hook” in order to have a viable raffle.

Use some creativity and any connections or opportunities that you have. One year I planned a raffle that raised over $1000. In case you are wondering, our prize was a big screen TV. The company I worked for at the time had a point system incentive program. I pooled my points with some of my co-workers to get the big prize.

I also sent out an email asking my friends and the other ticket sellers for donations. I quickly got several more donations including some nice watches. Lastly, I went to several local restaurants and they were more than happy to donate gift certificates. And BINGO, we had the makings of a great raffle!

2. Donations from the business community

The business community should be the second place that you go looking for prize donations. It’s even better if someone who knows the owner or manager can do the asking. Write a letter of request (typed) on letterhead and signed by the person in charge at your organization. Bring this letter with you when you visit the business. If the manager does not have time to talk with you, then leave the letter and take a business card so that you can follow up later.

3. Consignment

Another way of getting prizes, especially higher value items, is to take them on consignment. The business gives you the prize to display at your event or office. Then people can see the prize and buy tickets. The prize will only be given away if a certain number of tickets are sold (this is in the official rules that you create.) Then when the raffle is finished your organization must pay the business for the item. Most of the time though you will only pay a fraction of the retail value.

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.

What is raffle ticket software?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:36:39 +0000

Raffle ticket software provides the attractive look of commercially printed tickets at an affordable price. These programs will allow you to make your own custom raffle tickets.

The raffle ticket software will allow you to design the look of the tickets. You can customize the ticket by adding the name of the organization, prize details and any other text information to the tickets. Most raffle ticket software programs will allow you create numbered tickets.

Raffle ticket paper may be purchased from the professional raffle ticket company. Some companies provide “blanks” which are raffle tickets that have a style and design, but just the details of your raffle missing. Those details are then printed using a PC or copier.

Other raffle ticket software companies sell plain cardstock that is already perforated. The other option would be to purchase plain cardstock at an office supply store. The downside is that the paper would not be perforated, so it would not be as easy for your ticket sellers to tear the tickets.

There are many raffle ticket software options. Consider what options are most important to you and use the software to design your own custom raffle tickets.

What are the best raffle prizes to offer?

sandra — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:33:33 +0000

When planning a raffle the prizes that will be offered are one of the most important considerations. When people are asked if they would like to buy a raffle ticket they will want to know what the prize is. It should be something that they would like to win. Prizes should appeal to a broad audience not just a select few people. Offer the best raffle prizes and your raffle has a better chance of being successful.

Here are some prizes that attract many people’s attention:

1. Cars – Sports cars, Luxury cars, SUV’s in this years model are some of the best raffle prizes, as far as being attractive to the ticket buyer. However, you may or may not be able to get one donated. If not, consider other types of prizes, since your profit will be higher if all items are donated.

2. Travel – Round trip airfare, a package vacation, cruise, hotel stays, even airline miles all make great prizes. Most people love to travel and the biggest obstacle is usually cost. Now if they win this raffle, they’ll just have to take some vacation time and go.

3. Electronic Equipment & Gadgets- Flat screen TVs, DVDs, stereos, MP3 players and other gadgets are other good prizes.

4. Special interest items – Offering prizes that are of special interest to your audience will likely get some excited ticket buyers. For example, if you are hosting a golf tournament a round of golf with cart or a set of clubs would make good prizes.

5. Gift certificates and gift baskets – Gift certificates or gift cards are some of the best prizes to give away as secondary or runner-up prizes. They can also be some of the easiest to get donated to your group. Just be sure to have a nice grand prize in addition to these.