Have a legal question about raffles?

January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The laws governing raffles can be complex. The laws can be quite strict, and they vary significantly from state to state. If you’re ambitious, you could certainly do your own research. In fact, much of this research has been done for you in the ebook Raffle Secrets, which includes a chapter on legal issues, among other things. You can also find general information on this site to get you going.

If you have a specific legal question, though, you should consider obtaining the assistance of a lawyer. Normally, finding and engaging the right lawyer would require a great deal of time and expense. It might not be worth it if you just need a single question answered. If you have specific questions, try JustAnswer, a service that can connect you with a lawyer who will answer individual questions, one at a time.

Here’s how it works. Enter your question in the JustAnswer box to the left. You get to name your price for the answer. A lawyer will answer, often within minutes, usually within a few hours. The lawyer will send an e-mail notifying you of any answer or may request more information. If you accept the answer, you get to decide how much the answer is worth. I’ve used the service myself, particularly to get answers to thorny tax issues.

Filed Under: Raffle Laws

What are the raffle laws of each state?

December 9, 2008 By 4 Comments

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 raffle laws by state (where available).

Location Legal? State Law
Alabama No Ala. Code § 13A-12-20
Alaska Yes Alaska Stat. 05.15.010
Arizona Yes Ariz. Rev. Stat § 13-331
Arkansas Yes Arkansas Code,§ 23-114-101, et seq.
California Yes Cal. Penal Code § 320.5; Cal. Code Regs. tit 11, §§ 410-426
Colorado Yes Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-9-101, et seq.
Connecticut Yes Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 7-170 to 7-186
Delaware Yes 10-100-102 Del. Code Regs.
Florida Yes Fla. Stat. § 849.0935
Georgia Yes Ga. Code Ann. § 16-12-22
Hawaii No Haw. Rev. Stat. § 712-1220
Idaho Yes Idaho Code Ann. § 67-77
Illinois Yes 230 Ill. Comp. Stat. 15/8.1
Indiana Yes 68 Ind. Admin. Code 21-1-01 through 21-7-14
Iowa Yes Iowa Code § 99B.6
Kansas No Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4302
Kentucky Yes Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 239.500-570,995
Louisiana Yes La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 4:701-740; § 27-402
Maine Yes Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17 § 331
Maryland Yes Md. Code Title 13 Gaming
Massachusetts Yes Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 271 § 7A
Michigan Yes Mich. Comp. Laws § 432.101 et seq.
Minnesota Yes Minn. Stat. §§ 349.11 to 349.23
Mississippi Yes Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-50 et seq.
Missouri Yes Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 313.005 to 313.080
Montana Yes Mont. Code Ann. § 23-5-413; Mont. Admin. R. § 23-16-2602
Nebraska Yes Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 9-1,101 et seq.
Nevada Yes Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 462-064; 462-130 to 462-200
New Hampshire Yes N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 287-A:1 to 287-A:11
New Jersey Yes N.J. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 5:8-50 to 5:8-
New Mexico Yes N.M. Stat. Ann.§§ 60-2F-1 to 60-2F-26
New York Yes N.Y. Rac. Wag. Law §§ 185 to 195r
North Carolina Yes N.C. Gen. Stat.§ 14-309.15; § 105‑130.11 et seq.
North Dakota Yes N. D. Cent. Code§ 53-06.1
Ohio Yes Oh. Rev. Code. Ann. § 2915.092
Oklahoma Yes Okla. Stat. tit. 3A, §§ 401 to 427
Oregon Yes Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 464-250 to -995 and Or. Admin. R. 137-025-0020 to -0310
Pennsylvania Yes 10 Pa. Code §§ 311 to 327
Rhode Island Yes R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-19-1 et seq.; 41-3-1 et seq.
South Carolina No S.C. Code Ann. §16-19-10 et seq.
South Dakota Yes S.D. Const. § 25;S.D. Codified Laws § 22-25-23 et seq.
Tennessee Yes Tenn. Code Ann.§ 3-17-101 et seq.
Texas Yes Tex. Occ. Code Ann. § 2002
Utah No Utah Const. Art. 4, Sec. 27
Vermont Yes Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13 § 2143
Virginia Yes Va. Code Ann. §§ 15.2-912.2; 18.2-334.2; 18.2-340-16 et seq.
Washington Yes Wash. Rev. Code. Ann. § 9.46.0311
Washington, D.C. Yes D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 30, § 1500 et seq.
West Virginia Yes W. Va. Code R. § 47-21-1 et seq.
Wisconsin Yes Wis. Stat. Ann. § 563-90 et seq.
Wyoming Yes Wyo. Code R. § 6-7-101

 

Planning a Raffle in 2012

Visit Raffle Secrets for more information on planning and holding your raffle.

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.

Filed Under: Raffle Laws Tagged With:

Are raffles legal in the United States?

April 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Raffle Laws

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

April 5, 2008 By 4 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Raffle Laws Tagged With: , ,

Are raffles legal in Canada?

April 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Raffle Laws Tagged With: