Football squares raffle rules in Pennsylvania

Are charitable football raffles legal in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania defines a raffle as a game whose winner is “determined by a random drawing of corresponding ticket stubs” (Small Games of Chance Act; 61 Pa. Code § 901.743 requires stubs drawn from a receptacle). A football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not that drawing — it fits the Act’s separate “pool” category, which caps players and requires all entry fees be paid out as prizes, so a nonprofit cannot keep any as a fundraiser. Get legal advice before selling a ticket.

Pennsylvania's charitable raffles are governed by Pennsylvania Local Option Small Games of Chance Act. Regulator: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and your county treasurer.

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

Before selling raffle tickets, an eligible organization must obtain a Small Games of Chance license from its county treasurer. An annual license is $125 (a 30-day monthly license is $25); the organization must have existed for at least one year and files its articles/bylaws with the application. Larger organizations also register with and report to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Licensed organizations keep records and, depending on size, file reports with the county and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania small games of chance, including raffles, are conducted and sold in person — not online.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Pennsylvania?

Eligible organizations under the Act — charitable, religious, fraternal, veterans', civic, or service organizations and clubs (and affiliated nonprofits of a major-league sports team) that have existed for at least one year.

How do you stay compliant in Pennsylvania?

• Get a Small Games of Chance license from your county treasurer before selling tickets.
• Meet the one-year existence requirement and submit your articles/bylaws with the application.
• Stay within the Act's prize limits.
• Sell tickets in person and use the proceeds for allowed public-interest purposes.
• Keep records and file any required reports with the county and Department of Revenue.

Proceeds must be used for the public-interest and charitable purposes the Act allows, and the Act sets limits on prize amounts per game and per week. It doesn't set a single “percent to charity” figure like some states.