ALBANY, NY — Tis the season when well-intentioned charitable organizations conduct raffles to raise funds for worthy causes. The New York State Gaming Commission’s Division of Charitable Gaming reminds everyone that raffles, like other forms of charitable gaming, are subject to certain laws.
Division Director Stacy Harvey said representatives from the Division will host two seminars: one on November 20, 2019 and again on December 18, 2019, each from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., to assist organizations with compliance with the various laws, rules and regulations that govern the conduct of raffles. Both seminars, which are free to attend, will be held at the at the Commission’s main office in Schenectady. “It’s our job to make sure raffles are conducted legally, and the proceeds raised go to the intended charity,” said Director Harvey.
For organizations thinking about conducting a charity raffle, Harvey offered these key points for consideration:
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Raffle ticket sales and drawings may only be conducted in a municipality that has passed a games of chance local law.
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Raffle tickets may not be sold online or through the mail.
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Only members of the organization may assist with the conduct of raffles, and no one may be under the age of 18.
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Alcohol may not be awarded as a raffle prize. This includes gift cards to liquor stores.
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Raffle prize winners need not be present to win.