View Full Version : Raffle ticket sales
firebuff
Feb 20, 2011, 04:50 PM
We are a 501(3)c non-profit all volunteer organization that relies solely on donations to operate. We are thinking of holding a raffle to raise money. The prizes are donated. We are located in Tennessee. Is this legal?
Thank you.
AK lawyer
Feb 20, 2011, 06:36 PM
Lotteries and so forth are regulated by most states. Tennessee is no exception. For the details, look here (http://www.michie.com/tennessee/lpext.dll/tncode/123d/1783?fn=document-frame.htm&f=templates&2.0#).
39-17-654. Offense of engaging in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event — Offense of managing, conducting or operating an annual event. —
(a) (1) It is an offense for any person to knowingly engage in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event.
(2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony;... http://www.michie.com/tennessee/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=tncode
Fr_Chuck
Feb 20, 2011, 07:55 PM
Yes, in Tenessee a non profit group can operate a raffle.
But they have to follow specific rules. They have to be county restricted and each event has to happen at a physcial location of that charity. Also they have to pay a fee for a permit
Tennessee Department of State: Charitable Fundraising & Gaming (http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/charity/gaming/gaming_faq.htm)