What are the rules for the Washington state raffle?

In the USA, each state has its special rules for raffles. Every state imposes its definitions and regulations on what can be said to be a raffle, how it is carried out, and who can host raffles.

Anyone who intends to host a raffle should understand a few aspects.

Some of the top factors to keep in mind are licensing, age restrictions, financial regulations, and penalties. You should also understand how you can promote or advertise your raffles to avoid penalties or lawsuits.

Here is what you should know about hosting raffles in the Washington State:

Overview of Raffles in Washington State

In most cases, raffles are used to raise funds by social clubs or non-governmental organizations. But they are always regulated to make sure they are transparent and fair.

The Washington State Gambling Commission(WSGC) is the body that makes sure the raffles comply with the laws that are laid down.

Note that a raffle is considered gambling by the law. As such, it must comply with laws that stipulate how gambling should be carried out in Washington State.

Licensing and Authorization

Washington State has rules governing all raffles. The state demands that raffles must be licensed and authorized by the authorities. The rules also state that some organizations can run raffles without a license.

Some of the groups exempted from raffle licenses are:

Bona fide charitable organization
Nonprofits
Charities

However, these groups must prove that they have been operational for over 12 months to be eligible for the exemption. They should also limit the raffles available to the guests or the members of the group. Notably, the group or organization should only host two raffles in a year.

All other large raffles, especially those open to the public, must obtain a license from the WSGC. After receiving the raffle license, the hosting organization should be keen enough to follow the rules.

Operational Rules for Raffles

The following are some of the operational guidelines that raffle hosts should keep in mind:

The raffle tickets should have consecutive numbers or labels. They should also be sold at a certain price. Raffle sales should not involve any free or discounted tickets. All info must be clearly written on the ticket.

The raffles should be fair. It should be done in public and every ticket holder should have an equal opportunity of winning.

The raffles should be carried out in the state and at a location well-known to the public.

The winners should receive the raffle prizes at the end of the event. No switching of prizes after the finalists are announced.

Financial Regulations

The state has guidelines that govern how the funds raised in the raffles should be used. Note that the funds should only be used for the specific purpose as intended by the organization.

The organization must also keep records of the raffle. There should also be records on how the funds were used. Lastly, the organization should give a raffle report to the WSGC.

Specific Rules for Different Types of Raffles

Raffles are not the same, and this state has rules for various types of raffle events.

Here we go:

50/50 raffles: In this type of raffle, 50% of the funds raised go to the organization, and the rest becomes the prize.
Employee Raffles: Businesses can host raffles, but the prize should not be money.
Online raffles: You are not allowed to swell raffle tickets online unless you are selling them to the members of your organization.

Advertising and Promotion Rules

While advertising raffles, you should include:

Name of the organization
Available prizes
Price of tickets
Date of drawing
Location of the drawing

Notably, the advert should not provide any misleading information.

Age Restrictions and Verification

The state restricts anyone below eighteen years from taking part in raffles. The organization hosting the raffle should verify the age of the individuals who intend to participate in the raffles.

Enforcement and Penalties

The WSGC can do the following to organizations that fail to adhere to raffle hosting regulations:

Suspends license
Revokes the group’s ability to host raffles
Fines the organization

However, the penalty depends on the type of mistake or crime committed by the group. Organizations can avoid penalties by making sure they follow the WSGC rules.

Conclusion

You can host a raffle event and achieve your goals if you are aware of the various aspects involved. You should apply for the license, learn about the raffle rules, consider appropriate advertising, and follow all operational guidelines.

You can seek help from a raffle expert in Washington state to help you run a successful raffle.