In California, charities and certain other private nonprofit organizations may conduct raffles to raise funds for beneficial or charitable purposes in the state.

This exception to the general constitutional prohibition against lotteries requires that at least 90 percent of the gross receipts from these raffles go directly to beneficial or charitable purposes in California.

Unless specifically exempted, a nonprofit organization must register with the Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts prior to conducting the raffle and file an aggregate financial disclosure report for all raffles held during the reporting year. Forms for registering and reporting activities are provided on this web page.

Using the Registry’s new search feature, you can now view information regarding raffles held by nonprofits in California. The information available includes registration and raffle report data (such as the amount of money collected), and dates on which a charity intends to hold a raffle. 

What organizations qualify and how the raffles must be conducted are governed by Penal Code section 320.5, which was added by Senate Bill 639 (McPherson, Chapter 778, Stats. of 2000). For details, view the Frequently Asked Questions, Statutes and Regulations.

Raffles FAQS

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raffles

Laws/Regulations

• Penal Code Section 320.5. Charitable Raffles, pdf
• Nonprofit Raffle Program Regulations - Title 11, Division 1, Chapter 4.6, sections 410-426, pdf
• Tax-Exempt Organizations and Raffle Prices (IRS)

Nonprofit Accounting Basics

• Raffles - - The Right Way
• The California Application for Registration:  NonProfit Raffle Program (CT-NRP-1)
• The California NonProfit Raffle Report to CA Department of Justice (CT-NRP-2)