Football squares raffle rules in New Jersey
Last reviewed July 10, 2026
New Jersey defines a raffle to include “the allotment of prizes by chance” (Stat. § 5:8-51), and its rules expressly recognize “a raffle not conducted by drawing” — so a score-determined football squares game can fit, but the prize on a non-drawing raffle is capped (currently $1,500 retail per raffle). New Jersey uses a dual system: register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, then get a municipal raffle license. Sales are in person. Confirm the structure with the Commission and counsel first.
| Legal status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Governing law | New Jersey Raffles Licensing Law (Legalized Games of Chance) |
| Register first? | Yes — before selling tickets |
| Online ticket sales | Limited |
| Regulator | NJ Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and your municipality |
Are charitable football raffles legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey defines a raffle to include “the allotment of prizes by chance” (Stat. § 5:8-51), and its rules expressly recognize “a raffle not conducted by drawing” — so a score-determined football squares game can fit, but the prize on a non-drawing raffle is capped (currently $1,500 retail per raffle). New Jersey uses a dual system: register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, then get a municipal raffle license. Sales are in person. Confirm the structure with the Commission and counsel first.
New Jersey's charitable raffles are governed by New Jersey Raffles Licensing Law (Legalized Games of Chance). Regulator: NJ Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and your municipality.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in New Jersey?
First register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for an Identification Number — a biennial $100 fee, with your constitution/bylaws and member list. Then apply for a raffle license from the municipality where the drawing will be held (the municipality must have approved games of chance).
File a report of operations with the Commission in the month after the raffle, detailing gross receipts, expenses, net profit, how the funds were used, and the prizes awarded.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in New Jersey?
New Jersey licenses each raffle locally and regulates how tickets are sold; sell in person unless your municipal license permits another method.
Who can run a charitable raffle in New Jersey?
Bona fide veterans', religious, charitable, educational, or fraternal organizations, civic and service clubs, senior citizen clubs, and recognized volunteer fire and rescue squads.
How do you stay compliant in New Jersey?
- Register with the LGCCC for an Identification Number before applying locally.
- Confirm your municipality has approved games of chance, then get its raffle license.
- Keep prizes within the caps ($100,000 per raffle; $500,000 per 12 months).
- File your report of operations with the Commission after the raffle.
- Use the proceeds for your organization's authorized purposes.
New Jersey doesn't set a fixed percentage, but proceeds must go to the organization's authorized purposes, and prize values are capped (no more than $100,000 retail in one raffle, or $500,000 over 12 months).
Frequently asked questions
Are football squares legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey defines a raffle to include “the allotment of prizes by chance” (Stat. § 5:8-51), and its rules expressly recognize “a raffle not conducted by drawing” — so a score-determined football squares game can fit, but the prize on a non-drawing raffle is capped (currently $1,500 retail per raffle). New Jersey uses a dual system: register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, then get a municipal raffle license. Sales are in person. Confirm the structure with the Commission and counsel first.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in New Jersey?
First register with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission (LGCCC) for an Identification Number — a biennial $100 fee, with your constitution/bylaws and member list. Then apply for a raffle license from the municipality where the drawing will be held (the municipality must have approved games of chance).
Can you sell raffle tickets online in New Jersey?
New Jersey licenses each raffle locally and regulates how tickets are sold; sell in person unless your municipal license permits another method.
Official NJ source
This is general information, not legal advice, and raffle laws change. Confirm the current rules with the NJ Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and your municipality before you sell any tickets.
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