Football squares raffle rules in Arizona

Are charitable football raffles legal in Arizona?

Arizona does not define a raffle or dictate how the winner is chosen — it simply excludes a qualifying nonprofit’s raffle from the gambling ban (Rev. Stat. § 13-3302) — so a score-determined football squares game plausibly fits, and Arizona is one of the more workable states for it. But only the organization’s own bona fide local members may manage, sell, or operate it (an outside company or platform may not), the nonprofit must have existed in Arizona at least a year, and no member may profit. Confirm with counsel before selling a ticket.

Arizona's charitable raffles are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3302. Regulator: Arizona (no state raffle license; governed by statute).

Do you need to register to run a raffle in Arizona?

Arizona doesn't require a license, but the raffle must be run by a qualified nonprofit that has existed continuously in Arizona for at least one year, and only bona fide local members of the organization may manage, sell, or operate it. No member, officer, or employee may take a pecuniary benefit beyond entering on the same basis as everyone else.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Arizona?

Only bona fide local members of the sponsoring organization may conduct the sales and operation, which effectively rules out third-party or open online sales; run and sell the raffle through your members.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Arizona?

Nonprofits tax-exempt under the qualifying Arizona income-tax categories (mirroring common 501(c) types) that have operated continuously in Arizona for at least one year — booster clubs, councils, parishes, and PTAs commonly qualify.

How do you stay compliant in Arizona?

• Make sure your nonprofit has operated in Arizona for at least a year.
• Give your members written notice of the date, time, and location at least 10 days before the drawing.
• Let only bona fide local members manage, sell, and operate the raffle.
• Don't let any member profit beyond entering like everyone else.
• Keep records of receipts, expenses, and how proceeds were used.

Arizona doesn't set a fixed percentage, but net proceeds must go to the nonprofit's stated purposes, and the organization must keep financial records of receipts, expenses, and how the proceeds were used.