Football squares raffle rules in Rhode Island

Are charitable football raffles legal in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island allows charitable raffles, regulated by the State Police Charitable Gaming Unit, with the application filed through your local police department.

Rhode Island's charitable raffles are governed by Rhode Island Games of Chance rules (270-RICR-50-00-1). Regulator: Rhode Island State Police — Charitable Gaming Unit (with your local police department).

Do you need to register to run a raffle in Rhode Island?

Submit your raffle application (with a $5 fee) to the local city/town police department where the drawing is held, and check whether your local licensing authority requires a separate event license. The organization must be a registered Rhode Island nonprofit that has existed for at least one year.

Within 60 days of the raffle, file a report (gross receipts, expenses, and use of net profit) with the local police department and the Superintendent of the State Police.

Can you sell raffle tickets online in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's State Police Charitable Gaming Unit regulates raffles; sell tickets in person unless another method is authorized.

Who can run a charitable raffle in Rhode Island?

Religious, charitable, fraternal, civic, educational, benevolent, philanthropic, humane, patriotic, social-service, police, labor, or veterans' organizations registered as Rhode Island nonprofits for at least one year.

How do you stay compliant in Rhode Island?

• File your application (with the $5 fee) through your local police department.
• Check whether your city/town requires a separate event license.
• Meet the one-year Rhode Island nonprofit requirement.
• File your report within 60 days with the local police and State Police.

Rhode Island doesn't set a single fixed percentage here, but proceeds must go to the organization's charitable purposes.