RAFFLES

Under M.G.L. c. 271, s. 7A and its implementing regulations, 940 CMR 12, some nonprofit organizations are permitted to hold certain gaming activities in order to fundraise.  Please review the Attorney Generals website for specific information on your eligibility.

Before conducting a raffle, M.G.L. c. 271, s. 7A requires the organization to obtain a raffle/bazaar permit from the City or Town clerk where the raffle is going to be held.  The permit application & Issuance forms must include:

the name and address of organization;

the evidence it relies on to qualify for a permit

the names of three officers or members who are responsible for the raffle; and

the uses to which the net proceeds will be applied.

The process to obtain a permit is as follows:

The permit application is submitted and reviewed by the City or Town Clerk.

It then goes to the Chief of Police who decides whether or not to endorse it.

If endorsed by the Police Chief, it is returned to the Clerk who issues the permit.

The Clerk issues a permit valid for one calendar year and sends a copy to the Commissioner of Public Safety and to the Lottery Commission.

The Lottery Commission sends a financial form for the organization to complete within 10 days after the raffle is completed.

If the application is not endorsed by the Chief of Police or not approved by the Clerk within 30 days of applying, the organization may seek judicial review in the District Court

Raffle Permits and renewals are $10.00.  An organization that is renewing their permit, must complete and and file their annual report from the previous year with the Town Clerk before such permit can be renewed.