Charities

Raffles

Laws/Regulations


FAQs
Raffles

Forms

  • Online Raffle Registration
    Nonprofit organizations that want to conduct raffles can now use the Registry’s online filing tool to register, pay the registration fee and file required raffle reports. In order to use the online filing tool, the nonprofit must have either an existing record or a previous raffle registration in the Registry database. To verify that an organization can use the online tool for raffle registration and reporting, go to the Login page and follow the instructions.
  • Nonprofit Raffle Registration Form - CT-NRP-1
    PDF logo [PDF 208 kb / 1 pg]
    Each nonprofit organization that intends to conduct a raffle during a year (September 1 through August 31) must complete and submit a raffle registration form.
  • Nonprofit Raffle Report - CT-NRP-2
    PDF logo [PDF 241 kb / 2 pg]
    A nonprofit organization that has registered to conduct a raffle must file a separate nonprofit raffle report for each raffle held during the year (September 1 through August 31).

In California, charities and certain other private nonprofit organizations may conduct raffles to raise funds for beneficial or charitable purposes in the state.

This exception to the general constitutional prohibition against lotteries requires that at least 90 percent of the gross receipts from these raffles go directly to beneficial or charitable purposes in California.

Unless specifically exempted, a nonprofit organization must register with the Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts prior to conducting the raffle and file financial disclosure reports on each raffle event. Forms for registering and reporting activities are provided on this web page.

Using the Registry’s new search feature, you can now view information regarding raffles held by nonprofits in California. The information available includes registration and raffle report data (such as the amount of money collected), and dates on which a charity intends to hold a raffle. To look at information regarding raffles use the new search feature.

What organizations qualify and how the raffles must be conducted are governed by Penal Code section 320.5, which was added by Senate Bill 639 (McPherson, Chapter 778, Stats. of 2000). For details, view the Frequently Asked Questions, Statutes and Regulations.

A review of charitable lottery activity in California is available in the publication Nonprofit Raffle Program Report to the Legislature.

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