Football squares raffle rules in Michigan

Are charitable football raffles legal in Michigan?

Michigan requires a raffle license from the state Lottery's Charitable Gaming Division, and its rules determine a raffle winner by randomly selecting ticket stubs (or by another method the bureau approves in writing). A football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not the standard stub draw, so whether it can be run as a raffle turns on advance written approval from the Charitable Gaming Division. Confirm with the Division and counsel before selling a ticket.

Michigan's charitable raffles are governed by Traxler–McCauley–Law–Bowman Bingo Act (Charitable Gaming). Regulator: Michigan Lottery — Charitable Gaming Division.

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

Apply to the Michigan Lottery's Charitable Gaming Division for a raffle license before your event; licenses are issued for specific event dates. The applicant must be a qualified nonprofit and provide the event details plus a sworn statement of nonprofit status signed by its principal officer.

The principal officer must keep strict financial records and account for all money and prizes tied to the licensed event.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Michigan?

Michigan issues raffle licenses for specific events and regulates how tickets are sold; sell tickets in person unless the Charitable Gaming Division authorizes another method.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Michigan?

Qualified nonprofit organizations — educational, service, senior citizens', veterans', fraternal, religious, or civic groups — recognized by the Charitable Gaming Division.

How do you stay compliant in Michigan?

• Get a raffle license from the Michigan Lottery's Charitable Gaming Division before your event.
• Apply as a qualified nonprofit with your principal officer's sworn statement.
• Remember even 50/50 and door-prize drawings need a license.
• Keep strict financial records and account for all money and prizes.
• Use the proceeds for your organization's lawful purposes.

Michigan doesn't set a fixed percentage, but proceeds must go to the qualified organization's lawful purposes, and the principal officer must account for all funds.