Is it legal for a non-profit organization to hold either a national raffle or a national sweepstakes?
Jennifer J asked:
I am looking to organize a fundraiser to offset costs incurred by individual players on my sport’s National Team. The national govering body for the sport is a not-for-profit organization, but this would not directly involve that organization in any way. Would a sweepstakes with “suggested donations” being payable online be legal?
I am looking to organize a fundraiser to offset costs incurred by individual players on my sport’s National Team. The national govering body for the sport is a not-for-profit organization, but this would not directly involve that organization in any way. Would a sweepstakes with “suggested donations” being payable online be legal?
Non-profit organizations have raffles all the time, this is a common fund raising tool.
Just make sure it does not violate the bylaws of the non-profit and that you comply with whatever gambling laws are applicable (usually state laws). Many states have special gambling laws for non-profits for fundraisers just like this to make it easier for the non-profits than it would be for someone in business of gambling.