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: June 25, 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. We recommend reviewing your jurisdiction’s official Raffle guidance and consulting the appropriate state or local resources to verify the regulations for your area.
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.
Can organizations outside the US run online Raffles?
Online Raffles are now available to organizations domiciled outside the US, including New Zealand. Please review the applicable laws and regulations in your country and jurisdiction before running your Raffle, and consult the appropriate official resources for your area.
Should I run a Sweepstakes instead of a Raffle?
Like Raffles, Sweepstakes allow people to donate for a chance to win a prize, but a few key differences make it legal to run them nationally. 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
What is the Raffle/Sweepstakes Eligibility Attestation?
Before you can enable a Raffle or Sweepstakes Component in Campaign Setup, you’ll be asked to complete a brief eligibility attestation. You must agree to this attestation before the Component can be activated.
The attestation asks you to confirm:
- Your organization is properly registered and in good standing, and has obtained any licenses or permits required to conduct a charitable raffle in the jurisdictions where your Campaign will be offered.
- You understand that your organization is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, provincial, and local laws governing charitable raffles and games of chance.
- You understand that RallyUp does not provide legal advice, does not review or approve your legal compliance, and does not act as your legal representative.
By checking the box in the attestation, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms, as well as RallyUp’s Terms of Use.
If you have questions about your eligibility or legal requirements, we recommend consulting the appropriate official resources for your area.
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. Online Raffles are now also available to organizations domiciled outside the US, including New Zealand. Please review the applicable laws and regulations in your country and jurisdiction before running your Raffle, and consult the appropriate official resources for your area. 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. Organizations in these states should consider running a Sweepstakes instead.
Who is responsible for verifying that my Raffle meets applicable regulations?
The organization benefitting from the Raffle is responsible for understanding and meeting the applicable regulations. RallyUp recommends reviewing your jurisdiction’s official Raffle guidance and consulting the appropriate official resources for your area.
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 important to consult the appropriate official resources for your area before launching your Raffle.
What’s a good alternative if my state does not permit the online sale of Raffle entries?
Sweepstakes are an excellent alternative to Raffles. Like Raffles, Sweepstakes allow people to donate for a chance to win prizes, but key differences make it legal to run them nationally with fewer geographic restrictions. Sweepstakes on RallyUp are available to US-based organizations only.