Football squares raffle rules in Maryland

Are charitable football raffles legal in Maryland?

Maryland regulates raffles county by county — many counties require a permit (and some don't issue them at all), so the rules depend on where you are.

Maryland's charitable raffles are governed by Maryland Criminal Law Article (county gaming provisions). Regulator: your county government (Maryland regulates raffles locally).

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

Most Maryland counties (and Baltimore City) require a written permit from a designated county agency before you conduct a raffle or sell tickets there — but some counties don't issue raffle permits at all. Check your specific county's rules first.

Within 30 days after the fundraiser, the permit holder sends the county an accounting of all funds received or pledged, expenses, and a sworn statement of how the net profits were applied.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Maryland?

Maryland's raffle rules are set locally; sell tickets in person and follow your county's requirements, which may cover ticket sales across county lines.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Maryland?

Bona fide religious, fraternal, patriotic, educational, or charitable organizations, volunteer fire companies, and senior center site councils.

How do you stay compliant in Maryland?

• Check your county — many require a permit, some don't issue them.
• Get the county permit before conducting the raffle or selling tickets.
• Use at least half of the funds for civic, charitable, or educational purposes.
• Award the final prize within one year of the permit's issuance.
• File your accounting with the county within 30 days after the fundraiser.

Maryland generally requires that at least half of the funds raised be used for civic, charitable, or educational purposes, and no individual may personally profit from the raffle.