Ensure that your organization is eligible to run a Raffle in your jurisdiction before creating your Campaign.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Last reviewed: August 3, 2026.
Charity Raffles are a popular and engaging way to raise money for your organization. Charity Raffles fall under specific state and local regulatory requirements that govern their use, however, so you’ll want to ensure that your organization is eligible to run a Raffle in your jurisdiction before creating your Campaign.
Note that Raffles to benefit personal causes are not allowed on RallyUp under any circumstances.
The organization benefitting from a Raffle is responsible for the Raffle’s legal compliance. If you’re not sure of the rules for your location, it’s the organizer’s responsibility to research them and confirm legality — starting with your state’s official guidance (often the attorney general’s or gaming authority’s site) and your own legal counsel as needed.
What are the legal requirements for US organizations running Raffles?
Every state, county, and locality may have its own Raffle laws that vary widely by jurisdiction and frequently change. We recommend starting with a search of your jurisdiction’s official Raffle guidance and then reviewing the applicable state and local regulations for your area.
Several states currently do not permit the online sale of Raffle entries. If your organization is domiciled in one of the following states, you won’t be able to sell Raffle entries online:
- Alabama
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Washington
Selling Raffle entries online in these states is not permitted under state law, regardless of which fundraising platform you use.
How do Sweepstakes differ from Raffles?
Like Raffles, Sweepstakes let people donate for a chance to win a prize. Because a free method of entry is always included, Sweepstakes can be subject to different requirements than Raffles. Whether a Sweepstakes is permitted — and what’s required to run one — depends on several factors, not just your state, so it’s the organizer’s responsibility to research the applicable rules and confirm legality for their own situation, including with the relevant authorities and their own legal counsel as needed. RallyUp doesn’t provide legal advice or confirm that any Campaign is legal.
Sweepstakes on RallyUp are available to US-based organizations only.
Understand: Raffles vs. Sweepstakes
You may also consider running an Offline Raffle, where entries are sold offline and then manually entered into the system.
How-to: Add Raffle or Sweepstakes Entries You’ve Sold Offline
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of organization can run a Raffle on RallyUp?
US-based organizations do not need to be registered 501(c) organizations to run online Raffles, as long as they are fundraising for charitable purposes and are not located in a state that does not permit the online sale of Raffle entries. Raffle rules vary by country, state, and locality — and by other factors too. It’s the organizer’s responsibility to research the rules that apply and confirm legality for their own situation, including with the relevant authorities and their own legal counsel as needed. RallyUp doesn’t provide legal advice.
Raffles to benefit personal causes are not allowed on RallyUp under any circumstances.
Which states currently do not permit the online sale of Raffle entries?
Nine states currently do not permit the online sale of Raffle entries: Alabama, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington.
Who is responsible for verifying that my Raffle meets applicable regulations?
The organization benefitting from the Raffle is responsible for researching the rules that apply and confirming legality for their own situation, including with the relevant authorities and their own legal counsel as needed. RallyUp doesn’t provide legal advice.
Do Raffle laws vary by location?
Yes, every country, state, county, and locality may have its own Raffle laws that vary widely by jurisdiction and frequently change. It’s the organizer’s responsibility to research the rules that apply and confirm legality for their own situation, including with the relevant authorities and their own legal counsel as needed. RallyUp doesn’t provide legal advice.
What are the options if a Raffle isn’t available in my state?
Some organizations look into running a Sweepstakes as a separate option. Sweepstakes carry their own rules and requirements. Whether a Sweepstakes is permitted — and what’s required to run one — depends on several factors, not just your state, so it’s the organizer’s responsibility to research the applicable rules and confirm legality for their own situation, including with the relevant authorities and their own legal counsel as needed. RallyUp doesn’t provide legal advice or represent that any Campaign is legal.
Sweepstakes on RallyUp are available only to US-based organizations.