Football squares raffle rules in Alabama
Last reviewed July 8, 2026
Alabama has no statewide charitable-raffle law — the state constitution treats raffles as illegal lotteries. A few counties allow charitable bingo (not raffles) through local amendments, and lawmakers have proposed a statewide charitable-raffle amendment.
| Legal status | Not permitted |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Alabama Constitution (anti-lottery provisions) |
| Register first? | N/A — not authorized |
| Online ticket sales | No paid raffle sales |
| Regulator | Alabama (no statewide charitable-raffle authorization) |
Are charitable football raffles legal in Alabama?
Alabama has no statewide charitable-raffle law — the state constitution treats raffles as illegal lotteries. A few counties allow charitable bingo (not raffles) through local amendments, and lawmakers have proposed a statewide charitable-raffle amendment.
Alabama's charitable raffles are governed by Alabama Constitution (anti-lottery provisions). Regulator: Alabama (no statewide charitable-raffle authorization).
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Alabama?
There's no statewide raffle license because Alabama doesn't authorize charitable raffles. Some counties permit charitable bingo through local constitutional amendments (overseen by the county sheriff), but that doesn't extend to raffles.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Alabama?
Paid raffle tickets aren't authorized under statewide Alabama law, in person or online. A free-entry prize drawing is the compliant alternative.
Who can run a charitable raffle in Alabama?
No organization may run a paid-ticket charitable raffle under statewide Alabama law; only certain local charitable bingo is authorized in specific counties.
How do you stay compliant in Alabama?
- Don't sell paid raffle tickets under statewide Alabama law — it's treated as an illegal lottery.
- Check whether your county has a local charitable-bingo amendment (it won't cover raffles).
- Consider a free-entry prize drawing (sweepstakes) instead.
- Consult counsel before running any prize promotion in Alabama.
Not applicable — statewide Alabama law doesn't authorize charitable raffles.
Frequently asked questions
Are football squares legal in Alabama?
Alabama has no statewide charitable-raffle law — the state constitution treats raffles as illegal lotteries. A few counties allow charitable bingo (not raffles) through local amendments, and lawmakers have proposed a statewide charitable-raffle amendment.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Alabama?
There's no statewide raffle license because Alabama doesn't authorize charitable raffles. Some counties permit charitable bingo through local constitutional amendments (overseen by the county sheriff), but that doesn't extend to raffles.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Alabama?
Paid raffle tickets aren't authorized under statewide Alabama law, in person or online. A free-entry prize drawing is the compliant alternative.
Official AL source
This is general information, not legal advice, and raffle laws change. Confirm the current rules with the Alabama (no statewide charitable-raffle authorization) before you sell any tickets.
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