U.S. Online Raffle Legal Rules Summary by State
⚖️ Important — Legal Disclaimer
Raffle laws vary by state and organization type. This page provides links to official state regulatory resources for informational purposes only. Chance2Win does not provide legal advice. Organizations should consult legal counsel or their state regulatory agency before conducting any raffle fundraiser.
📅 Last Updated: September 2026
Quick legal snapshot
A handful of states have unusual rules worth knowing up front. Every other state generally permits nonprofit raffles with some form of registration or licensing; see your state’s card below for details.
| State | Nonprofit raffles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Prohibited | No statewide exemption |
| Hawaii | Prohibited | Gambling largely banned |
| Utah | Prohibited | No charitable exemption |
| Washington | Prohibited online | Regulated by the Gambling Commission for in-person raffles; internet ticket sales not permitted |
| Kansas | Prohibited online | Raffles legalized in 2015 for in-person sales; internet ticket sales not permitted |
Are online raffles legal?
We get this question all the time. Raffles are governed by state law, so you’ll need to check your own state’s rules; we can’t give you legal advice. Here’s some basic information we’ve gathered, but it’s far from complete and isn’t legal advice. A few states, including Utah and Hawaii, have strict laws against raffles entirely. Most other states allow online raffles, usually with some common requirements: the raffle must be run by a nonprofit charitable organization, and many states require a way to enter without making a purchase.
In Florida, for example, the raffle has to be for a charity, the charity’s name and address must be listed in the raffle rules, the date of the drawing must be posted, and there must be a way to enter without a donation. Chance2Win’s sample rules are built around requirements like these, including a free mail-in entry option to meet no-purchase-necessary rules. They’re a starting guideline only. You’ll still need to confirm with your own governing organization that your raffle meets the requirements where you operate.
This list isn’t current information. We’ve stepped back from actively updating it, since states are constantly changing their rules and regulations. Chance2Win provides raffle websites; we don’t manage your fundraiser or provide legal advice, so we always suggest consulting an attorney about the proper rules for your fundraiser.
Online raffle sales: common restrictions
Many states allow nonprofit raffles but restrict how tickets may be sold. Common restrictions include:
- Tickets must be sold in person
- Ticket buyers must be located within the state
- Online payment processing may be restricted
- Licensing or reporting requirements may apply
Confirm your state’s specific regulations before running an online raffle fundraiser.
State-by-state raffle laws
Alabama Raffle Laws
Restricted / Prohibited
Alabama law does not provide a statewide exemption allowing nonprofit raffles. Gambling activities are generally prohibited under state law, though some counties allow limited charitable gaming through local constitutional amendments. Organizations should consult local authorities before conducting a raffle fundraiser.
Alaska Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Alaska permits certain charitable gaming activities including raffles when conducted by qualified nonprofit organizations and when licensing requirements are met.
Arizona Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Arizona allows nonprofit raffles if the organization meets statutory requirements including nonprofit status and operational history.
Arkansas Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Arkansas allows charitable gaming including raffles under state tax and gaming regulations.
California Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
California permits nonprofit raffles under the supervision of the California Department of Justice. Organizations must register annually and follow reporting requirements.
Colorado Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Colorado allows charitable raffles conducted by qualified nonprofit organizations with licensing from the Secretary of State.
Connecticut Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Connecticut regulates raffles through the Department of Consumer Protection and requires licensing for charitable gaming activities.
Delaware Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Delaware allows raffles under regulation by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Florida Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Florida allows nonprofit raffle drawings under specific conditions outlined in Florida Statute 849.0935.
Georgia Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Georgia allows raffles conducted by nonprofit organizations subject to local permitting requirements.
Hawaii Raffle Laws
Restricted / Prohibited
Hawaii does not provide a charitable exemption for raffle gaming. Gambling activities including raffles are generally prohibited.
Idaho Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Idaho allows charitable gaming activities including raffles when conducted by qualified nonprofit organizations.
Illinois Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Illinois permits raffles conducted by nonprofit organizations when licensed by local governments.
Indiana Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Indiana allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Iowa Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Iowa permits nonprofit raffles regulated by the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing.
Kansas Raffle Laws
Restricted / Prohibited
Kansas legalized nonprofit raffles generally through a constitutional amendment in 2015, but state rules do not permit selling raffle tickets online or taking entries over the internet. In-person raffle sales are permitted with a license.
Kentucky Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Kentucky permits charitable gaming including raffles regulated by the Department of Charitable Gaming.
Louisiana Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Louisiana regulates raffles through the Office of Charitable Gaming.
Maine Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Maine allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Gambling Control Unit.
Maryland Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Maryland allows raffles conducted by nonprofit organizations under local permitting requirements.
Massachusetts Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Massachusetts allows nonprofit raffles regulated through local licensing with guidance from the Attorney General.
Michigan Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Michigan regulates nonprofit raffles through the Charitable Gaming Division.
Minnesota Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Minnesota allows charitable raffles regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
Mississippi Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Mississippi allows certain charitable gaming activities including raffles under state regulations.
Missouri Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Missouri permits nonprofit raffles under state constitutional provisions governing charitable gaming.
Montana Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Montana allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Department of Justice Gambling Control Division.
Nebraska Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Nebraska allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Department of Revenue.
Nevada Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Nevada allows charitable gaming activities under certain conditions regulated by the Gaming Control Board.
New Hampshire Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
New Hampshire regulates charitable gaming including raffles through the Lottery Commission.
New Jersey Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
New Jersey regulates raffles through the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission.
New Mexico Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
New Mexico regulates charitable gaming through the Gaming Control Board.
New York Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
New York allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the New York Gaming Commission.
North Carolina Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
North Carolina allows nonprofit raffles regulated under state statutes.
North Dakota Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
North Dakota regulates raffles through the Attorney General gaming division.
Ohio Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Ohio allows charitable raffles but imposes strict regulations.
Oklahoma Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Oklahoma regulates charitable gaming through the Attorney General and other agencies.
Oregon Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Oregon regulates charitable gaming including raffles through the Department of Justice.
Pennsylvania Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Pennsylvania regulates raffles through the Small Games of Chance Act.
Rhode Island Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Rhode Island regulates charitable gaming through the State Police Charitable Gaming Unit.
South Carolina Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
South Carolina regulates raffles through the Secretary of State.
South Dakota Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
South Dakota allows nonprofit raffles regulated under state gaming statutes.
Tennessee Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Tennessee regulates charitable gaming through the Secretary of State.
Texas Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Texas allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act.
Utah Raffle Laws
Restricted / Prohibited
Utah law prohibits gambling activities including raffles and does not provide a nonprofit exemption.
Vermont Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Vermont allows nonprofit raffles under state statutes governing charitable gaming.
Virginia Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Virginia regulates raffles through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Washington Raffle Laws
Restricted / Prohibited
Washington allows nonprofit raffles regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission, but does not permit online or internet ticket sales. Raffles must be conducted in person; verify current requirements with the Gambling Commission before running a raffle.
West Virginia Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
West Virginia regulates raffles and charitable gaming through the State Tax Division.
Wisconsin Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Wisconsin regulates nonprofit raffles through the Department of Administration.
Wyoming Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Wyoming allows charitable raffles regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.
Washington DC Raffle Laws
Permitted with Requirements
Washington DC regulates charitable gaming through the Office of Lottery and Gaming.
Ready to launch your raffle?
Once you’ve confirmed your local requirements, Chance2Win makes it simple to sell tickets online, record in-person sales, and run a transparent drawing your supporters trust.
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