Football squares raffle rules in South Carolina
Last reviewed July 10, 2026
South Carolina defines a raffle as a game whose winner is “determined by a random drawing or similar process whereby all entries have an equal chance of winning” (S.C. Code § 33-57-110). A football squares game fails both halves: the winner comes from the game score rather than a drawing, and once digits are assigned the squares do not have equal odds. So it does not qualify as a raffle in South Carolina. A registered nonprofit may still run a true drawing-based raffle (at least 90% of net receipts to the cause). Get legal advice first.
| Legal status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Governing law | South Carolina Nonprofit Raffles for Charitable Purposes Act (S.C. Code Title 33, ch. 57) |
| Register first? | Yes — before selling tickets |
| Online ticket sales | Limited |
| Proceeds to charity | At least 90% of net receipts to charity |
| Regulator | South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities |
Are charitable football raffles legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina defines a raffle as a game whose winner is “determined by a random drawing or similar process whereby all entries have an equal chance of winning” (S.C. Code § 33-57-110). A football squares game fails both halves: the winner comes from the game score rather than a drawing, and once digits are assigned the squares do not have equal odds. So it does not qualify as a raffle in South Carolina. A registered nonprofit may still run a true drawing-based raffle (at least 90% of net receipts to the cause). Get legal advice first.
South Carolina's charitable raffles are governed by South Carolina Nonprofit Raffles for Charitable Purposes Act (S.C. Code Title 33, ch. 57). Regulator: South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in South Carolina?
A nonprofit that intends to hold a raffle files an annual raffle registration form ($50) with the Secretary of State's Division of Public Charities. Small raffles are exempt — a single event with donated noncash prizes worth $500 or less, or a 50/50 raffle (proceeds ≤$950) sold only to members and guests.
Registered organizations file an annual raffle financial report with the Secretary of State.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in South Carolina?
South Carolina regulates nonprofit raffles through the Secretary of State; sell tickets in person unless another method is authorized.
Who can run a charitable raffle in South Carolina?
Nonprofit organizations that intend to operate a raffle for charitable purposes in South Carolina.
How do you stay compliant in South Carolina?
- File your annual raffle registration ($50) with the Secretary of State.
- Use at least 90% of net receipts for your charitable purpose.
- File your annual raffle financial report.
- Use the small-raffle exemptions only within their limits.
Except for 50/50 raffles, no less than 90% of the net receipts of a raffle must be used for the charitable purpose of the nonprofit organization.
Frequently asked questions
Are football squares legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina defines a raffle as a game whose winner is “determined by a random drawing or similar process whereby all entries have an equal chance of winning” (S.C. Code § 33-57-110). A football squares game fails both halves: the winner comes from the game score rather than a drawing, and once digits are assigned the squares do not have equal odds. So it does not qualify as a raffle in South Carolina. A registered nonprofit may still run a true drawing-based raffle (at least 90% of net receipts to the cause). Get legal advice first.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in South Carolina?
A nonprofit that intends to hold a raffle files an annual raffle registration form ($50) with the Secretary of State's Division of Public Charities. Small raffles are exempt — a single event with donated noncash prizes worth $500 or less, or a 50/50 raffle (proceeds ≤$950) sold only to members and guests.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in South Carolina?
South Carolina regulates nonprofit raffles through the Secretary of State; sell tickets in person unless another method is authorized.
How much of a raffle's money must go to charity in South Carolina?
Except for 50/50 raffles, no less than 90% of the net receipts of a raffle must be used for the charitable purpose of the nonprofit organization.
Official SC source
This is general information, not legal advice, and raffle laws change. Confirm the current rules with the South Carolina Secretary of State — Division of Public Charities before you sell any tickets.
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