Football squares raffle rules in Maine

Are charitable football raffles legal in Maine?

Maine lets an eligible nonprofit run a small raffle (prizes up to $2,500) without registering; larger raffles must register with the Gambling Control Unit.

Maine's charitable raffles are governed by Maine Revised Statutes tit. 17, §1837-A (Raffles). Regulator: Maine Gambling Control Unit (Department of Public Safety).

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

No registration is needed if the total prize value is $2,500 or less. Above that, an eligible organization registers with the Gambling Control Unit (raffles can offer a noncash prize up to $150,000 or a cash prize up to $10,000). No one may be paid to manage or operate the raffle.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Maine?

Maine regulates larger raffles through the Gambling Control Unit; sell tickets in person, and ticket sellers must be 18 or older.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Maine?

Agricultural societies, bona fide nonprofit charitable, educational, political, civic, recreational, fraternal, patriotic, or religious organizations, volunteer fire departments, and their auxiliaries.

How do you stay compliant in Maine?

• Register with the Gambling Control Unit once prizes exceed $2,500.
• Keep cash prizes within $10,000 (or a noncash prize within $150,000).
• Don't pay anyone to manage or operate the raffle.
• Have ticket sellers who are 18 or older.

Maine doesn't set a fixed percentage, but no one may profit from running the raffle, and proceeds support the organization's purposes.