Note: Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure that this web page is correct at the time of publication, we take no responsibility for any information that is incorrect or out of date.

Fundraising raffles held by non-profits and charities is regulated by each state and territory in Australia.

We have summarised the main requirements for all states and territories here. We also provide a link to each government department responsible for regulating raffles by state and territory.

Things to know before holding a raffle

  • Only non-profit organisations can hold raffles
  • Tobacco based products, firearms, and cosmetic surgery prizes are banned
  • Limits to liquor prizes with age restrictions to ticket buyers
  • If you intend to sell tickets in a street or public place you may need permission from your local council and public liability insurance
  • Every person who has purchased a ticket should have an equal chance of winning a prize

Basic Raffle Ticket Requirements

  • A full description stating the nature and retail value of each prize
  • The permit number obtained from your state authority (if required)
  • The beneficiary and purpose of the raffle
  • A sequential number
  • Any conditions attached to the prizes
  • The date, time and location of the draw
  • Where and when the results will be published

State/Territory Specific Details

Note: You must comply with each state’s regulations wherever you are selling tickets.

ACT

Australian Capital Territory Raffle Regulations

The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission is the authority that regulates raffles in the ACT.  The direct link to find more details is at https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/industry/lotteries/raffles

Notes:

  • If you are a non-profit and the proceeds are less than $500 (money raised less costs) you may be exempt
  • If you run a private raffle and it isn’t advertised outside your club you might also be exempt
NSW

New South Wales Raffle Regulations

Fair Trading NSW is the authority that regulates raffles in New South Wales.

For raffles with prizes under $30,000 see https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/community-gaming/lotteries

No permit is required but your raffle still needs to comply with above link

  • The benefiting organisation must achieve a 40% profit
  • Winners should be notified within 2 days of the draw
  • If the total value of prizes exceeds $10,000 the prize winners list must be published in a newspaper within 7 days of the draw
  • Records should retained for 3 months for raffles with total prizes under $5,000 and 3 years for raffles with total prizes over $5,000
  • There is a detailed procedure to follow for unclaimed prizes

For raffles with prizes over $30,000 (referred to as Art Unions) see https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/community-gaming/art-unions

  • A permit is required from Fair Trading NSW
  • The tickets need to include the total number of tickets in the art union
  • Records should be retained for 3 months and unsold tickets kept for 3 years
NT

Northern Territory Raffle Regulations

All information about raffles in the Norther Territory can be found at nt.gov.au.  The direct link to find more details is at https://nt.gov.au/industry/gambling/gambling/lotteries-community-gambling/conditions-on-lotteries-raffles-games

Notes:

  • If you are a non-profit and the total value of tickets to be sold is under $5,000 then no permit is required
  • For raffles where the total value of tickets to be sold is over $5,000 a permit is required
QLD

Queensland Raffle Regulations

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation is the authority that regulates raffles in Queensland.  The direct link to find more details is at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/gaming/not-profit-charitable/competitions-raffles-bingo

Notes:

  • Category 1 raffles (gross proceeds not more than $2,000) don’t need a permit
  • Category 2 raffles (gross proceeds more than $2,000 but not more than $50,000) don’t need a permit
  • Category 3 raffles (gross proceeds more than $50,000) you do require a permit
SA

South Australia Raffle Regulations

All details relating to raffles is South Australia can be found at https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/community-organisations/fundraising-for-organisations/lotteries

Notes:

  • Minor Lotteries (total retail value of prizes under $5,000) don’t require a permit.
  • Major Lotteries (total retail value of prizes over $5,000) do require a permit.
TAS

Tasmania Raffle Regulations

The Department of Treasury and Finance is the authority that regulates raffles in Tasmania. The direct link to find more details is at https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/Raffles%20Rules%20&%20Conditions.pdf

Notes:

  • A permit is not required where the total retail value of prizes is under $5,000
VIC

Victoria Raffle Regulations

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation is the authority that regulates raffles in Victoria. The direct link to find more details is at https://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/communitygaming

Notes:

  • A permit is not required where the total retail value of prizes is under $5,000
  • You are required to have printed tickets if the prize value is $500 or over
WA

Western Australia Raffle Regulations

The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor is the authority that regulates raffles in Western Australia. The direct link to find more details is at https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/publications/publication/standard-lotteries-(raffles)

Notes:

  • There are certain situations when a permit is not required where the value of prizes us under $500, $1,000 and $2,000 (see link above for full details).

Our Experience

Budget Raffle Tickets have been helping non profit organisations fundraise since 2007. We’ve gained extensive knowledge – working with thousands of raffle holders – and have years of experience running local raffles ourselves (see about us).

We can provide information and guidance to help you achieve a successful fundraising outcome. If you have any questions about raffle fundraising please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How can we help you fundraise?

Do you need any extra information or guidance to help you achieve your fundraising goal? Talk to us today - we're glad to help.