Football squares raffle rules in Missouri

Are charitable football raffles legal in Missouri?

Missouri's constitution lets charitable and religious organizations run raffles, and small ones need no state license.

Missouri's charitable raffles are governed by Missouri Constitution art. III, §39(f). Regulator: Missouri (constitutional authorization; no state raffle licensing agency).

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

No state license is required for a raffle where total annual prizes stay at or under $5,000 and the organization holds fewer than four raffles in the year. Only bona fide, unpaid members of the organization may conduct, manage, or operate the raffle, and records must be open to inspection.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Missouri?

Missouri raffles are run by the organization's own members; sell tickets in person through your members.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Missouri?

Charitable organizations tax-exempt under IRC 501(c)(3) and religious organizations tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) or 501(d).

How do you stay compliant in Missouri?

• Keep small raffles within the no-license limits (≤$5,000 in prizes a year, fewer than four raffles).
• Let only bona fide, unpaid members conduct and operate the raffle.
• If prizes top $15,000, pay out at least 50% of gross receipts in prizes.
• Keep your raffle records open to inspection.
• Use the proceeds for your organization's charitable or religious purposes.

Missouri doesn't set a charitable percentage, but an organization whose raffle prizes exceed $15,000 must pay out at least 50% of the gross receipts in prizes; proceeds otherwise support the organization's charitable or religious purposes.