Football squares raffle rules in New York

Are charitable football raffles legal in New York?

New York is one of the few states whose raffle definition fits a score-determined game: a prize may be awarded by “a random event, the results of which correspond with tickets or receipts previously sold” (General Municipal Law § 186). But a raffle may only run in a municipality that has opted in to games of chance, the nonprofit must conduct it itself (it may not hand the operation to an outside company or platform), and the drawing must be held in public view. Confirm the structure with counsel and the Gaming Commission before selling a ticket.

New York's charitable raffles are governed by New York General Municipal Law Article 9-A (Games of Chance). Regulator: New York State Gaming Commission — Division of Charitable Gaming (plus your municipality).

Do you need to register to run a raffle in New York?

An organization expecting less than $5,000 in net raffle proceeds doesn't need to register. At $5,000 or more, get a Games of Chance Identification Number from the NYS Gaming Commission. Larger raffles (roughly $30,000+ a year, or $5,000+ from a single raffle) also need a municipal license. And a raffle can only be held in a municipality that has authorized games of chance.

Category 1 organizations file a financial statement of raffle operations (Form GC-7R) with the municipal clerk and the Gaming Commission by January 30 of the following year.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in New York?

New York regulates how raffle tickets may be sold — sell tickets in person unless you've confirmed a permitted method with the Gaming Commission.

Who can run a charitable raffle in New York?

Bona fide religious, charitable, educational, fraternal, service, or veterans' organizations (and volunteer fire companies) that have existed for at least one year and keep a current membership roster.

How do you stay compliant in New York?

• Conduct the raffle yourself — New York bars delegating the operation of the raffle to an outside company or platform.
• Confirm your municipality has opted in to games of chance before you sell tickets.
• Register for a Games of Chance Identification Number if you expect $5,000+ in net proceeds.
• Get a municipal license and file Form GC-7R for larger (Category 1) raffles.
• Keep the total cash prize value within the annual cap (currently $100,000).
• Use net proceeds for your organization's lawful purposes.

New York doesn't set a single fixed percentage, but net proceeds must go to the organization's lawful purposes, and organizations taking in more than $30,000 a year from raffles must keep the proceeds in a separate account before disbursing them. The total cash value of prizes is capped (currently $100,000 per calendar year).