Qualified non-profit organizations have generated millions of dollars in raffle ticket sales each year through raffle licenses issued by the Michigan Lottery's Charitable Gaming Division. A raffle is a game of chance where raffle tickets are sold or provided, a winner(s) is determined by conducting a random drawing, and a prize is awarded. Consideration, chance and prize together equal a gambling event that is likely going to require a license. There are three raffle license types, small, large, and combination (large and small on one license). Each raffle license is only good for the times, dates, and location listed on that license. The raffle license must be posted during the event. When submitting your application, please allow 4-6 weeks for processing before the first drawing date.
There are required accountability forms and a financial statement that must be completed. Those forms are sent with the raffle license and can also be found on this page. The financial statement must be sent to Lansing by the 10th day of the month following the last drawing date. Keep a copy with your records. The accountability forms are not sent to Lansing but must be maintained with game records in case the event is inspected at a later date.
Charity game tickets can be sold under a large raffle license during the hours on the license.
If your organization has not yet qualified with the Charitable Gaming Division, start here-Qualification Requirements.
If your organization has applied for a raffle license and you are inquiring about the status-Check Raffle License Application Status.
If you need supplies for your licensed raffle event or want to sell charity game tickets-Find a Supplier.
A qualified organization can apply for a Raffle License. For drawing dates awarding no more than $500 in prizes, the cost is $15 for up to three drawing dates and $5 for every additional date. To be able to award an unlimited amount in prizes, the license will cost $50 per drawing date. Print off and mail along with the appropriate fee.
CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE A RAFFLE
To cancel a raffle, notify our office in writing, contact all ticket purchasers, and provide a refund. If you have presold tickets and the raffle drawing is postponed, notify our office in writing with a new date. If you don't know the new date, please state in your notification that you will contact us in writing when you have a new date. Then contact all ticket purchasers to offer a refund or inform them that their ticket will still be valid for the new drawing. If you plan to sell more tickets you'll need to correct the drawing date on your tickets.
The raffle guide helps the organization in applying for a raffle license, preparing for the event, and what to do after the event has happened.
This list of the most frequently asked questions might take care of any questions you have.
Otherwise, contact our office with any further questions at cg-questions@michigan.gov or 517-335-5780.
Organizations that sell charity game tickets should be aware of their federal tax responsibilities. Organizations that award a raffle prize greater than $599 or a bingo prize greater than $1,199 should be aware of player withholding responsibilities. These obligations are described in these links.
This schedule indicates the maximum amount that can be paid to a chairperson, recordkeeper, person preparing the financial statement, or other workers.
