So your organization is thinking about conducting RAFFLES....
Here are a few of the requirements that must be met under Wisconsin law. Please note that these are not all-inclusive; refer to the links below for the statutes, brochure and application materials for complete information.
Any local religious, charitable, service, fraternal or veterans organization or any organization to which contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes or state income or franchise tax purposes, which has been in existence for one (1) year immediately preceding its application for a license or which is chartered by a state or national organization which has been in existence for at least three (3) years, may conduct a raffle upon receiving a license for the raffle event from the department. No other person may conduct a raffle in this state.
An organization whose activities are limited to this state, to a specific geographical area within this state or to a specific geographical area that is partly within this state and partly within another state. An example of partly within this state and partly within another state would be Beloit, WI and South Beloit, IL or Superior, WI and Duluth, MN or other Wisconsin municipalities that bridge across state lines.
State statutes require that organizations must be in existence for at least one year immediately preceding its application or belong to a state or national organization that has been in existence for at least three years. ch. 563.90, Wis. Stats.
An established religious institution or group thereof. If not, additional background information is requested.
An established group of past participants in the United State Armed Forces. If not, additional information is requested.
An organization with a representative form of government that (1) operates under the lodge system with a ritualistic form of work; (2) is organized to promote the payment of life, sickness, accident or other insurance benefits to its members; or (3) is organized to carry on some worthy civic or service purpose.
An organization which has, as a minimum, the benefit, the growth and the general welfare of the community as one of its principle purposes. This category includes a labor organization whose jurisdiction is limited to a specific geographical area within the state or political party, except a state committee registered under s. 11.05 and organized exclusively for political purposes under whose name candidates appear on a ballot at any election. This also excludes a trade association or a social club.
An organization will be classed as such if the dominant purpose of its work is for the public good, and the work done for its members is but the means adopted for this purpose. Include registration certificate issued from the State of Wisconsin.
Internal Revenue Service determination letter stating that contributions to your organization are deductible for income tax purposes.
raffle is the license type needed when tickets are sold in advance and the day of the raffle. Tickets are pre-printed with all raffle information on them. A winner need not be present to win. Please click here for more information regarding conducting a Class A raffle.
raffle is the license type needed when tickets are only sold the day of the raffle. Generic raffle tickets may be used. A winner must be present to win. Please click here for more information regarding conducting a Class B raffle.
An organization conducting both Class A and Class B raffles must obtain both license types. You must submit a separate application, supporting documentation (Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, Charter or By-Laws) and a fee for each license.
All profits from raffles must be expended in a manner consistent with the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, Charter or By-Laws of the organization.
Below are the Original Raffle License Application along with ticket samples and the rules and regulations for raffles in Wisconsin.
If you have any questions regarding Raffles, please call us at 608-270-2552 or 1-800-791-6973 or to send an e-mail, click here.
Charitable Gaming