www.michigan.gov/cg�(517) 335-5780

RAFFLES

WHAT IS A RAFFLE?

Consideration+ Chance + Prize = Raffle

A raffle is an event where raffle tickets (chance) are provided, at least one winner is determined by a random method, typically the drawing of a ticket stub, and a prize is awarded.

If your organization has previously qualified, submit a raffle application with license fee.

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Organizations that have not previously qualified must provide the appropriate qualification documents.

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Visit www.Michigan.gov/CG to review qualification information or email

cg-questions@michigan.gov.

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How do I get a raffle license?

PRINCIPAL OFFICER DUTIES

• The principal officer of the organization is ultimately responsible for all gaming assets.
• The principal officer must appoint at least one chairperson to oversee the event. All chairpersons are listed on the application and must have been a member of the organization for at least six months.

WHAT LICENSE DO I NEED

No limit on the number of raffle licenses per year

The license can be obtained up to 18 months in advance

Large Raffle License

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Total of all prizes awarded exceed $500 per drawing date

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License fee is $50 per drawing date

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Allows for the sale of Charity Game Tickets

Small Raffle License

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Total of all prizes awarded are $500 or less per drawing date

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License fee is $15 for 1-3 drawings at the same location and $5 for each additional date at the same location

Versus

IN HOUSE RAFFLE�NO PRESALE

• No ticket content requirement
• Sales only allowed during the time/date/location on the license
• All prizes must be awarded during the license time
• If a winner cannot be located or does not claim the prize, another drawing must be conducted the same day of the event, using the original pool of tickets
• Accountability form is required

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Examples: STROLLING RAFFLE, 50/50’S

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*Raffle drawings cannot be conducted during bingo

www.michigan.gov/cg

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*All rules, directives and forms available

Example of Theater Type Roll Tickets (In-House Raffle)

Use the starting # and ending # to determine the # of tickets sold by ticket seller

Ticket Content

Required for Presale of Tickets

Ticket Content

Required for Presale of Tickets

• Name of Licensee

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• License number

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• The word “Raffle”

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• Date, Time, and Location of the drawing

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• Price of raffle ticket

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• A unique sequential identification number on raffle ticket and raffle stub

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• Top prize

PRESALE OF RAFFLE TICKETS

• Cannot use the word “Lottery” or “Lotto”
• Cannot require winner to be at drawing or reduce prize
• Winners have 60 days to claim prize
• Ticket sellers are responsible to return unsold tickets & stubs
• In the case of a large prize giveaway, it is recommended to include a disclaimer.

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www.michigan.gov/cg

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*All rules, directives and forms available

Example of Pre-Sale Raffle Tickets

ACCOUNTABILITY

• To ensure compliance with accountability requirements, the organization must be able to verify all sales.
• If an organization chooses to offer multiple price points for tickets (e.g., $1 each or 6 for $5), methods must be put in place to ensure accountability. Examples-different color tickets, different series numbers
• A separate accountability form should be used for each price point.
• The ticket type/cost must be identified at the top of each Raffle Ticket Accountability form.

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TICKET SELLERS

• Instruct sellers to collect the completed ticket stubs from the purchaser at the time of sale.
• Ensure sellers understand that purchasers must be at least 18 years of age to buy raffle tickets; however, an adult may put a minor’s name on the ticket stub.
• Raffle tickets cannot be purchased in the name of the licensee, although members of the organization may purchase tickets.
• Ticket seller incentive prizes can be offered if they are reasonable and within the rules

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HOUSE RULES-ALL RAFFLES

• House Rules
• Name of organization
• License number
• Price of raffle ticket
• How raffle will be conducted**
• Method used to determine winners**
• Contingency plan
• Refund policy
• Effective date

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• Must be 18 years old to purchase or sell raffle tickets
• Prize must be awarded

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**Any raffle that does not involve a ticket stub requires written approval prior to the event. Submit house rules with application.

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EXAMPLE HOUSE RULES

Your Organization Name

License # R00001

Effective Date: 3/1/22

1.Ticket price is $10.

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2. The first ticket drawn will be the first place prize, the second ticket drawn will be the second place prize, and so on…

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3. If the raffle drawing cannot be conducted as scheduled, the drawing will occur on the following Saturday at the same location.

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4. No refunds will be given for purchases raffle tickets.

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DEPOSITS

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• Deposits must be made within 2 business days of the drawing date

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• Deposits must be made into a bank account in the name of the organization

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• Deposits are made separately from all other monies

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• The account is set up to have check images on the statement or are printed at the end of each month

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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

RECORDS

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• Retain for 3 years + current year
• Raffle ticket accountability form
• A list of winners over $100
• Copy of raffle ticket
• Bank verified copies of checks and bank statements
• Receipts, invoices and validated deposit slips
• Financial Statement
• House rules from the raffle event
• A copy of the current license and application
• DO NOT MAIL YOUR RECORDS TO LANSING-only the financial statement

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REMEMBER…

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• Any changes to your license must be approved in writing by the bureau

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• Must be 18 years or older to sell or purchase raffle tickets

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• All drawings must be conducted during the date/time on the license

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• 60 days to claim a prize if there was a pre-sale

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• Prize can never revert to the organization

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• No limit on the number of raffle licenses allowed per year

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• License can be issued up to 18 months in advance

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• Raffle drawings are not allowed during bingo

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ALTERNATIVE RAFFLES

Playing Card Progressive Raffle

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Animal Determination

Duck Race

An alternative raffle is a raffle for which a method other than the random drawing of a ticket stub is used to determine a winner.  There are many types of alternative raffles. Some are so popular that the Charitable Gaming Division has provided instructions on how to conduct these alternative raffles. 

Alternative Raffles

PLAYING CARD PROGRESSIVE RAFFLE

• A playing card progressive raffle commonly referred to as Jack of Spades, Queen of Hearts etc., requires multiple drawing dates (typically 52 or 54) and utilizes a standard deck of playing cards with a “jackpot prize card” that is used to determine the raffle winner.

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• The jackpot prize is based on a percentage of the raffle ticket sales and will continue to accumulate over the drawing dates, until someone selects the “jackpot prize card”.

SELLING

• Take advantage-get your license early.
• The 1^st drawing is the only time you have more than 1 week to sell tickets.
• Do not only rely on drawing location to sell tickets.
• Raffle tickets sales are not limited to the licensed location.
• Ask members to sell tickets, local businesses.
• $1 is most common ticket price. $2 ticket has become popular.
• Tickets may only be sold at a uniform price - no discounting for multiple ticket purchases.
• Must be 18 to buy or sell tickets, not limited to members.

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A playing card bingo raffle, commonly referred to as three card bingo, three card raffle, etc., is an in-house raffle that is played in rounds similar to bingo but utilizes playing cards rather than bingo cards and bingo balls.

Playing Card Bingo Raffle

Duck Race Raffle

See Our Website for Other Approved Alternative Raffles

www.michigan.gov/cg/raffles

• Animal Determination

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• Ball Drop Raffle

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• Daily 3/4 Raffle

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• Heads or Tails Raffle

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• Quarter Raffle

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• Wine Pull Raffle

Inspector Cole

Coleh1@michigan.gov

Inspector Foster

Fostera3@michigan.gov

Find us at www.michigan.gov/cg

Thank you for Coming! Thank you to our host!

??Questions??

Inspector Isaac

Isaacd@michigan.gov

Inspector Sorelle

Sorellez@mighigan.gov

Inspector Myles

MylesS5@michigan.gov

Problem Gaming Hotline

Call:-800-270-7117

Chat:248-648-3363