A “raffle” is an arrangement for raising money by the sale of tickets. Winners are determined by chance after the sale and entitle the winning ticket holders to prizes. Raffle permits are issued to qualifying non‐profit organizations desiring to conduct a raffle. There are several classes of raffle permits based on factors such as the length of time tickets will be sold and the aggregate value of prizes to be awarded.
Examples of raffles include:
- Traditional style raffles (including winner need not be present or must be present)
- Cash prize raffles
- Duck race raffles
- Cow-chip raffles
- Frog race raffles
- Special tuition raffles
For any permit application where the total aggregate prize(s) of the intended raffle would exceed $7,500, the municipality must investigate the qualifications of the organization and verify the facts stated in the application.
After each raffle has been permitted and completed, the organization must file a verified statement to include gross receipts, expenses, net profit, and prizes awarded with the municipality that issued the permit. The statement must be filed by the end of the next succeeding month. There is no payment to the municipality in conjunction with the verified statement.
Raffle drawings cannot be conducted exclusively online.
- View types of raffle permits and fees
Volunteers
Members and volunteers may not be paid for time and effort to promote or operate the bazaar or raffle. Individuals must be 18 years of age and older to promote, conduct, or operate the bazaar or raffle. No one under the age of 16 may sell or promote the sale of raffle tickets.
Enforcement and Compliance
The applicant must immediately notify municipal officials of any changes in the application. If a municipal official finds that a person is violating or about to violate any raffle/bazaar rules, or lied on an application, the municipal official may suspend or revoke the permit and order a cease and desist.
Once a permit is revoked, the permittee may not reapply for 3 years from the date of violation. Any person who violates raffle/bazaar rules or makes a false statement in a permit application or required report shall be fined not more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than one year.
Application and Report Forms
The following forms are templates of the forms that DCP used before 2018. They are formatted so they can be downloaded and revised as appropriate.