I do believe that most states regulate raffles in some way. Raffles are considered "games of chance" because you are purchasing a ticket(chance) to win a prize(money, trip, free movie tickets) so they are actually considered gambling. Here in NY(land of taxes and fees) you can purchase a state liscense for $25/year and you must register your raffle with your local municipality. www.racing.state.ny.us/about/chapter4/chapterfour.htm#5620.22
I would check with your state gaming/racing board as they are the ones who regulate this type of "gambling". Door prizes may be different, if you don't charge $ than I can't see that it is considered a game of chance.
As a side note, if you are planning a raffle, Price Chopper prints raffle tickets for non-profits for free, up to 500 free tickets in one calendar year.
Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. I'll have to talk with our principal on the matter. I did do a search on raffle laws in Wisconsin and was very surprised to see that in this state "legally" we are supposed to have a license to raffle. I found the information at www.doa.state.wi.us/gaming/charitable/ra...fle_requirements.pdf
Sheesh, they always have to make things difficult! LOL
Thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate it!
Crystal
We can hold raffles. The trick here is that we can only send tickets home to memebers that have paid the $3.00 to join PTO, anyone that has not paid has to send a request to us for tickets to sale. We can also go stand outside wal-mart and such to sale them. We also hold a Bingo at the shcools Fall Festival, they have done this forever. We have $.50 cent to $2.00 games people pay for the cards that they play. We have never had to get a permit or anything for either item. Only had to get apporval from the school to hold the raffle. Our high school ran into a problem with a raffle because they tried to raffle off a shotgun. People weren't to happy with that idea. So make sure it's no weapons your raffling and then you shouldn't have a problem.
She had said something about that if money was involved, you need to have a permit to do a raffle drawing. Anyone else know? I'd love to be able to do some raffles this year!
Never had any problems. Perhaps she is considering that gambling--which it is not. Bingo is considered gambling I believe, if you charge for it. We do raffles ("door prizes") all the time. Perhaps either she or I am confused.
Has anyone run into any trouble doing raffles? We had tried one last year with a wreath but the principal told us that we have to be very careful with raffles. She said we need a permit and have to keep close documentation on each ticket sold, etc.
Anyone else have problems with this? If not, how do you run your raffles? Do you get a permit? Please let me know. Thanks!
Crystal