Do You Need a Permit? Charitable Gaming in Outline

Raffles and bingo for good causes are regulated almost everywhere, and the rules differ from place to place. Here is what to find out before you sell a ticket.

Why it is regulated at all

Selling chances to win a prize is a form of gambling in law, even when the proceeds go to a good cause. Most places allow it for non-profit groups under conditions. The general term is charitable gaming.

It depends where you are

In the United States the rules are set by each state, and sometimes by the county or city as well. Some require a licence for every event, some exempt small raffles, and a few restrict the activity heavily. Other countries have their own systems. This page cannot tell you the rule that applies to you; your state or local authority can.

Questions to put to the authority

• Does our kind of organisation qualify?
• Is a licence or registration needed for a raffle, and separately for bingo?
• Is there a limit on prize value or ticket price?
• Can tickets be sold online or by post?
• What records must we keep, and for how long?
• Is there an age limit for buying tickets or playing?

Records worth keeping regardless

Tickets printed and sold, money taken, prizes awarded and to whom, and what the proceeds were spent on. Two people should count cash together.

Prize draws that are not raffles

A door prize given to someone who attends, with no ticket bought, is often treated differently from a raffle. Do not assume; ask.

Checked 2026-10-13. Rules vary by place; confirm locally.