Football squares raffle rules in Washington
Last reviewed July 10, 2026
Washington defines a raffle as a game in which prizes are awarded “on the basis of a drawing from the tickets” (RCW 9.46.0277), so a football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not a raffle here. Washington does separately authorize a “sports pool” that is exactly football squares — but only at a dollar or less per square, and all the money (less taxes) must be paid out to the winners, so a nonprofit cannot keep any of it as a fundraiser (RCW 9.46.0335). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
| Legal status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Revised Code of Washington ch. 9.46 (Gambling) |
| Register first? | Yes — before selling tickets |
| Online ticket sales | Limited |
| Regulator | Washington State Gambling Commission |
Are charitable football raffles legal in Washington?
Washington defines a raffle as a game in which prizes are awarded “on the basis of a drawing from the tickets” (RCW 9.46.0277), so a football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not a raffle here. Washington does separately authorize a “sports pool” that is exactly football squares — but only at a dollar or less per square, and all the money (less taxes) must be paid out to the winners, so a nonprofit cannot keep any of it as a fundraiser (RCW 9.46.0335). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
Washington's charitable raffles are governed by Revised Code of Washington ch. 9.46 (Gambling). Regulator: Washington State Gambling Commission.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Washington?
A nonprofit may hold up to two unlicensed public raffles a year if the combined gross stays at or under $5,000 (plus unlimited members-only raffles under $5,000 combined). Beyond that — more than two public raffles, or gross over $5,000 — you need a raffle license from the Washington State Gambling Commission. The organization must have operated for at least 12 months.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Washington?
Standard raffles are sold in person; electronic and “enhanced” raffles are a separate licensed category. Notify local law enforcement before selling tickets (licensed) or at least five days before the drawing (unlicensed).
Who can run a charitable raffle in Washington?
Bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations that have been organized and continuously operating for at least 12 months.
How do you stay compliant in Washington?
- Keep unlicensed raffles within the limits (two public raffles a year, $5,000 combined).
- Get a Gambling Commission license once you go beyond those limits.
- Make sure your organization has operated for at least 12 months.
- Notify local law enforcement as required before your raffle.
- Keep raffle records (3 years licensed, 1 year unlicensed).
Washington doesn't set a fixed percentage here, but raffle proceeds must support the organization's purposes, and you must keep raffle records (three years for licensed raffles, one year for unlicensed).
Frequently asked questions
Are football squares legal in Washington?
Washington defines a raffle as a game in which prizes are awarded “on the basis of a drawing from the tickets” (RCW 9.46.0277), so a football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not a raffle here. Washington does separately authorize a “sports pool” that is exactly football squares — but only at a dollar or less per square, and all the money (less taxes) must be paid out to the winners, so a nonprofit cannot keep any of it as a fundraiser (RCW 9.46.0335). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Washington?
A nonprofit may hold up to two unlicensed public raffles a year if the combined gross stays at or under $5,000 (plus unlimited members-only raffles under $5,000 combined). Beyond that — more than two public raffles, or gross over $5,000 — you need a raffle license from the Washington State Gambling Commission. The organization must have operated for at least 12 months.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Washington?
Standard raffles are sold in person; electronic and “enhanced” raffles are a separate licensed category. Notify local law enforcement before selling tickets (licensed) or at least five days before the drawing (unlicensed).
Official WA source
This is general information, not legal advice, and raffle laws change. Confirm the current rules with the Washington State Gambling Commission before you sell any tickets.
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