Washington State Raffle Laws: Licensing & Compliance [2026]

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Below, you'll get a simplified yet detailed look at Washington's raffle laws, from eligibility criteria and a step-by-step guide to applying for a license to compliance guidelines and tips to stay risk-free.

Who can host a raffle in the state of Washington?

Only specific nonprofit organizations operating for at least 12 months can legally conduct charitable raffles in Washington State. Qualified organizations will need bylaws or articles of incorporation that state that they operate exclusively for one or more of the following purposes:

• Charitable

• Educational

• Civic

• Patriotic

• Athletic

• Agricultural

• Fraternal

• Political

• Social

Additionally, the following types of organizations can qualify:

• Agricultural fairs

• Fraternal societies

• Religious societies or churches

• Granges

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Do you need a raffle license to host a raffle in Washington State?

A raffle permit is required from the WSGC if:

• You host more than two public raffles per year.

• Gross revenue from raffles (public or members-only) exceeds $5,000 in a calendar year.

• Prizes include firearms or liquor.

• Tickets are sold by someone other than a member of your organization.

• You offer non-cash incentives or discounted tickets.

• You select winners with an alternative drawing format (e.g., poker runs).

A raffle permit is not required from the WSGC for up to two unlicensed raffles if:

• Your combined gross revenue from raffles does not exceed $5,000 each year.

• Only organization members sell raffle tickets.

• All raffle proceeds go toward the organization's stated purpose.

Good to know: In addition to public raffles, you can host an unlimited number of members-only raffles without a license. However, total revenue from these raffles can't exceed $5,000 yearly.

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Step-by-step guide: How to obtain a raffle license in Washington

Once you know if you need a raffle license, you can take the next step to apply for one and confirm you have everything you need to host a compliant raffle event. The guide below will set you up for success and hopefully remove any layers of complexity or confusion in the process.

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Step 1: Determine if your organization qualifies

It never hurts to double-check if you qualify to host a raffle in Washington as a charitable, civic, or religious organization with 12 solid months of operation. Otherwise, you might spend time applying just to find out you aren't yet ready.

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Step 2: Prepare your documentation

Before you head online to apply, prepare everything you'll need in one easy place so the application itself is a breeze.

Here's what you'll need:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status

• Your raffle plan and purpose

• A detailed description of your raffle (type, ticket sales, online entry options, dates, locations, prize, etc.)

• Financial information (estimated gross revenue and expenses)

• Governing board approval of the raffle

• Raffle rules and disclosures

• A recordkeeping and reporting plan

• Bonding or insurance (if applicable based on raffle size)

• Marketing and promotion plans

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Step 3: Register with SecureAccess Washington (SAW)

Another key step before the application itself will be to register with SecureAccess Washington (SAW) and add Washington State Gambling Commission service.

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Step 4: Apply for a raffle license online

Visit the WSGC website and navigate to the licensing section. There, you'll find the Charitable and Nonprofit Organization Raffle License Application. Applications can take up to 150 days to process, so its best to plan ahead.

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Step 5: Pay your license fees and notify local law enforcement

License fees are based on the expected gross revenue of the raffle. Check the current fee schedule on the WSGC website. If you're conducting a licensed raffle, you must also notify the local police in writing before selling tickets, so getting ahead of this now will benefit you in the long run.

A cost breakdown of annual raffle licenses and additional costs:

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Learn more about fees you might incur here.

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Step 6: Complete required training after a license is granted

Washington state requires a licensee to complete required training within 30 days of receiving their license.

Some information this training covers:

• Rules for licensees

• Charitable and nonprofit rules

• Criminal violations

• Responsibilities for officers and board members

• Management guidelines

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How will you know if your application for a Washington State charitable or nonprofit gambling license was approved or denied?

If your application is approved, a license will be available to print within 24 hours of approval through your SAW account.

If your application is denied, you will, thankfully, be provided with an explanation. A few of the more common reasons for denial are insufficient information, failure to pay the proper fees, or issues discovered during the criminal or financial background investigations.

You are allowed to supply additional information to prove your nonprofit's suitability or you can withdraw your application.

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Key Washington Raffle Statutes & Regulations

Now that you've walked through the license application process, it's worth understanding the legal framework behind these requirements. Knowing why the rules exist — and exactly where they come from — helps your organization stay compliant and respond confidently if questions arise from board members, auditors, or donors.

Washington's raffle laws are governed by a combination of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), administered by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC). Below is a consolidated reference table of the statutes and administrative rules that directly affect nonprofit raffle operations in Washington State.

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Quick-Reference: Washington Raffle Law Table

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Why These Citations Matter for Your Organization

RCW 9.46.0315 is the foundational definition that determines whether your fundraiser is a raffle at all. If your event involves selling chances and awarding prizes by random drawing, it almost certainly meets this definition — and therefore requires a license if prizes or gross receipts exceed the exempt thresholds.

WAC 230-11-055 has direct operational impact: if a required field is missing from your ticket (such as the drawing date or ticket price), your organization can be found in violation even if everything else was conducted properly. Print this WAC out and use it as a checklist before your tickets go to print.

WAC 230-11-200 is especially important for nonprofits exploring online raffles. This rule specifies that ticket purchasers must be physically located in Washington State at the time of purchase, and it restricts certain automated or third-party selling mechanisms. Review this rule carefully before setting up any digital ticket sales.

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Where to Verify the Current Law

Washington statutes are updated through the legislative session. Always verify you're reading the current version before making compliance decisions:

• RCW full text: app.leg.wa.gov/rcw

• WAC full text: app.leg.wa.gov/wac

• Cornell LII cross-reference: law.cornell.edu/regulations/washington

If you have specific legal questions about how a statute applies to your situation, consult a Washington-licensed attorney or contact the WSGC directly at (360) 486-3440. The Commission offers compliance guidance and is generally willing to clarify rules before a violation occurs.

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Penalties and Violations for Illegal Raffle Activity

Understanding the license process is one thing. Knowing what happens when organizations skip it — or make mistakes along the way — is just as important. Washington State takes gambling violations seriously, and the penalties range from fines to felony charges depending on the nature and scale of the violation.

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Criminal Classifications Under the Washington State Gambling Act

Washington's raffle enforcement falls primarily under two criminal statutes:

RCW 9.46.220 — Misdemeanor violations cover less severe infractions, including conducting a raffle without the required license, failing to maintain required records, or violating administrative rules. A misdemeanor conviction under this statute can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

RCW 9.46.230 — Felony violations apply to more serious conduct, including operating professional gambling activities, knowingly allowing illegal gambling on your premises, or participating in a scheme to evade gambling regulations. A Class C felony conviction in Washington carries up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If the illegal raffle operation is found to have a professional gambling angle — meaning someone profited from the operation in ways not permitted for charitable organizations — the WSGC refers cases to local prosecutors.

It's worth emphasizing: these aren't just hypothetical worst-case scenarios. Officers, directors, and board members can be held personally liable for violations committed by their organization. The required training after licensing (Step 6 above) covers criminal violations specifically for this reason.

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Administrative Penalties and License Actions

Beyond criminal charges, the WSGC has its own administrative enforcement tools. If your organization violates raffle rules, the Commission can:

• Issue a formal warning or reprimand for minor or first-time violations

• Impose civil fines scaled to the severity and frequency of the violation

• Suspend your raffle license temporarily while an investigation is underway

• Revoke your raffle license permanently for serious or repeated violations

License revocation is the most damaging outcome for an organization's long-term fundraising capacity. A revoked organization can't simply re-apply — the WSGC reviews the history of violations when evaluating any future applications. Reinstatement is possible but not guaranteed, and the process is lengthy.

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The Most Common Violations to Avoid

Most violations aren't the result of deliberate fraud. They're administrative oversights that could have been caught with better processes. Common triggers for enforcement action include:

• Missing ticket fields — violating WAC 230-11-055 by omitting the drawing date, ticket price, or prize description from printed tickets

• Exceeding revenue thresholds without obtaining a license

• Selling tickets through unauthorized channels — online, by phone, or through non-members

• Awarding prizes the organization didn't own before the drawing

• Failing to notify local law enforcement before ticket sales begin

• Commingling raffle funds with other organizational accounts

• Late or missing annual reports to the WSGC

If you suspect your organization has made an error, don't wait for the WSGC to find it. Contact the Commission proactively at (360) 486-3440. Self-disclosure typically results in more favorable outcomes than violations discovered during audits.

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Raffle Ticket and Prize Rules in Washington State

Ticket Sales Regulations

Raffle ticket sales must adhere to the following rules:

• The maximum ticket price is $100 ($250 for enhanced raffles with additional benefits).

• All tickets must be consecutively numbered or printed with non-repeating symbols.

• No complimentary, gifted, or free tickets are allowed.

• Tickets must be sold at the same price to all participants.

• Tickets may only be sold by members of the organization.

• Cash, check, or credit card payments must be made (no IOUs).

• Tickets cannot be sold online, over the phone, or through mail.

Here is a sample ticket to help you design yours:

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Enhanced Raffles

Enhanced raffles involve additional benefits, perks, or multiple prize tiers. They increase ticket prices to $250 and typically include bonus entries, unique experiences, or exclusive rewards. A license is required for enhanced raffles if total revenue exceeds $5,000 annually.

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Use of Raffle Proceeds

Proceeds from raffles must be used for the organization's stated purpose. Funds may be used for:

• Supporting charitable, educational, or community programs.

• Benefiting a specific person (only with prior approval from the WSGC).

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Notifying Law Enforcement Requirements

Organizations conducting unlicensed raffles must notify local law enforcement at least five days before the drawing. For licensed raffles, written notification is required before ticket sales begin.

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Prizes and Awards

• The organization must own prizes before being awarded.

• Firearms can only be awarded at licensed raffles.

• Liquor can be a prize only at member-only raffles.

• Prior approval is required if a prize exceeds $40,000 in retail value or more than $300,000 is awarded in a year.

• For percentage-based prizes, a minimum guaranteed prize must be disclosed.

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Online Raffles

Rules and regulations around an online raffle are a little different than other raffles. Only a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization can host a raffle online, with a valid Electronic Raffle License. Generally, tickets cannot be sold over the internet or telephone.

That means you can also use online raffle software like Zeffy — trusted by 100,000+ nonprofits who have raised over $2 billion on the platform — to:

• Track your raffle sales by adding offline ticket purchases to your campaign.

• Keep track of who purchased what and their info (such as email addresses and phone numbers) so you can contact the winner(s).

• Keep track of how many tickets you have sold, any additional donations, etc.

• Automatically create a contact list to send thank-you emails, re-engage with donors, and even let donors know when next year's raffle comes along.

The state of Washington also allows you to use the internet to:

• Advertise your raffle. (Newsletters, banners, etc.)

• Display the rules of the raffle.

• Store raffle contact information for your nonprofit, including the eligible organization's name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, or e-mail address.

• Allow participants to download raffle entry forms for manual completion by raffle ticket purchasers. (But, the forms cannot be submitted online.)

• Answer frequently asked questions.

• List descriptions, photographs, or videos of the raffle prizes.

• List the prize winners.

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Raffle Requirements by Organization Type

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Raffle Rules for Schools, PTAs, and Student Organizations

Schools and student groups face raffle questions all the time — booster club fundraisers, PTA fall carnivals, ASB scholarship drawings. The same Washington State raffle laws apply, but there are some important nuances that school-affiliated groups need to understand.

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PTAs and Parent Organizations

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) are treated as nonprofit organizations under Washington raffle law. The same thresholds apply: two or fewer public raffles per year with under $5,000 in combined gross revenue, and no license is required. Exceed either limit, and the PTA needs a WSGC raffle license.

One critical point: the $5,000 threshold applies to the entire PTA, not to individual committees or sub-groups within it. A spring carnival committee and a fall fundraising committee can't each independently claim their own $5,000 exemption. If the PTA collectively raises more than $5,000 from raffles in a calendar year, a license is required — regardless of how those raffles are organized internally.

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Associated Student Bodies (ASBs)

ASBs at public schools operate under a distinct legal framework. Washington State's ASB rules are governed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in addition to WSGC gambling regulations. An ASB conducting a raffle must comply with both.

Practically, this means ASB raffles need board-level approval from the school's associated student body governing structure, proper accounting through ASB fund management, and compliance with WSGC licensing rules if they exceed the unlicensed exemption thresholds. Check with your district's ASB coordinator before planning any raffle that involves cash prizes or ticket sales beyond a small, internal event.

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Booster Clubs

Athletic and arts booster clubs often operate as independent nonprofit entities affiliated with a school. If your booster club has its own 501(c)(3) or operates as a separate legal entity with its own EIN, it's treated independently from the school for raffle purposes. That means its own licensing thresholds, its own reporting obligations, and its own compliance responsibilities.

If your booster club operates under the school's tax-exempt status without a separate legal identity, the school's administration should be involved in any raffle planning. Some districts have explicit policies prohibiting raffles run under their tax umbrella without district approval.

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Student Organizations at Universities and Colleges

Registered student organizations (RSOs) at Washington universities face an additional layer of oversight. Most institutions — including the University of Washington — have their own campus-level raffle guidelines that are often more restrictive than state minimums. For example, UW's guidelines prohibit RSOs from selling raffle tickets to the general public and require all drawings to occur on campus.

Before planning a raffle, check your institution's student affairs or student activities office policies. Campus rules and state rules both apply, and the more restrictive rule governs.

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What School-Affiliated Groups Can't Do

Regardless of the group type, a few restrictions apply universally to school-affiliated organizations:

• Minors cannot purchase raffle tickets. Washington law does not set a specific minimum age in the raffle statutes, but WSGC guidance makes clear that raffle ticket sales constitute participation in gambling, which minors are prohibited from under state law.

• Proceeds must serve the organization's stated purpose. A booster club can't run a raffle and redirect proceeds to individual student stipends without prior WSGC approval.

• Non-member ticket sales are prohibited without a license. If a student organization wants parents, alumni, or community members to buy tickets, that counts as public raffle activity and counts toward the $5,000 threshold.

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Washington Raffles vs. Other Fundraising Gambling Activities

If your nonprofit is exploring fundraising options beyond a standard raffle, it helps to know where raffles end and other regulated gambling activities begin. Washington's Gambling Act regulates multiple types of charitable gaming, and each comes with its own rules, license categories, and restrictions.

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Raffles vs. Bingo

Bingo is one of the most common charitable gambling activities in Washington — and it's regulated separately from raffles. Licensed charitable bingo games are governed by their own WAC rules and require a separate bingo license from the WSGC. Unlike raffles, bingo involves active game play by participants (not just a chance drawing), and the rules around session length, prize limits, and who can operate the games differ significantly.

Key distinction: in a raffle, tickets are sold in advance and a winner is drawn at a designated time. In bingo, participants play in real time. If your event involves live bingo cards and caller-based play, it's bingo — not a raffle — and requires different licensing.

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Raffles vs. Casino Nights (Charitable Games)

Casino night" fundraisers in Washington — sometimes called Las Vegas Nights — involve table games like blackjack, roulette, or poker. These fall under the "Fundraising Event" license category rather than a raffle license. The fee structure is different ($200 base fee, 3.318% gross gambling receipts rate up to $1,600/year — as shown in the fee table above), and the operational rules are distinct.

You can't combine a licensed casino night with a raffle under the same license. If your event includes both a raffle drawing and table games, you'll need separate authorization for each activity.

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Raffles vs. Auctioned Items

Silent and live auctions are generally not considered gambling under Washington law, because winners pay a determined price (the highest bid) rather than winning by chance. Auctions don't require WSGC licensing. However, if you combine an auction with a raffle element — for example, selling chances to win a specific item — that component becomes a raffle and falls under WSGC rules.

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Raffles vs. Poker Runs

A poker run is a type of event where participants travel between multiple checkpoints and collect playing cards, with the best hand winning a prize. Washington classifies poker runs as a form of raffle when tickets are sold and prizes are awarded by the outcome of the run. A standard raffle license covers a poker run, but the alternative drawing format means a license is always required (you can't use the two-raffle/under-$5,000 exemption for poker runs).

The bottom line: when in doubt about whether your fundraiser constitutes a raffle, bingo, or some other regulated activity, contact the WSGC at (360) 486-3440 before selling a single ticket.

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4 Critical Compliance Tips

Hosting a raffle can help you raise funds quickly and engage your donor community while attracting new supporters. Staying compliant with The Washington State Gambling Act and other raffle laws should be at the forefront of your mind to ensure your earnings aren't interrupted by fines or costly penalties.

Whether you're running an unlicensed community raffle or a high-stakes fundraiser with valuable prizes, understanding and following the rules ensures a smooth and successful event.

For the most up-to-date information and additional resources, always familiarize yourself with the Washington State Gambling Commission.

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1. Be Proactive to Simplify Reporting

Maintaining accurate records will help you out big time, but it starts long before your raffle. You're in a better position when you set up a plan for where, how, and who will track raffle records.

Real-time, detailed records help your organization meet the Washington State Gambling Commission's (WSGC) audit and reporting requirements. The extra work upfront will prevent errors or omissions that lead to fines or potential suspension of raffle licenses.

Recordkeeping timelines to keep in mind:

• Unlicensed raffle records must be kept for one year.

• Licensed raffle records must be kept for three years.

WSGC-approved recordkeeping forms can ensure proper documentation, and staying on top of these reports can also get you ahead of paying federal income taxes.

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2. Conduct Internal Audits to Detect Illegal Activity

If something seems off, like missing ticket sales or unaccounted funds, gambling commission expects you to report it. Ignoring potential fraud or errors could lead to losing your license or even criminal charges.

Set a routine to check your records after every raffle. Make sure:

• Ticket sales match the money collected.

• All prizes were awarded and appropriately documented.

• Proceeds went precisely where they were supposed to.

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3. Avoid Unapproved Raffles or Side Games

Letting anyone run an unapproved raffle or allowing games like poker nights without proper authorization can land your organization in serious trouble. Even if you aren't directly involved, allowing illegal activities on your premises can lead to felony charges for professional gambling.

Put a zero-tolerance policy in place and make sure everyone involved knows the rules.

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4. Keep Raffle Money in Its Own Account

Mixing raffle money with other funds can create confusion and make it harder to prove that proceeds went where they should. Mismanaging funds, even by accident, can lead to fraud accusations and put your organization's license at risk.

Set up a separate bank account just for raffle proceeds where you can log:

• Every ticket sale

• Prize payouts

• Administrative costs and any other expenses

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Washington Raffle Compliance Checklist

Planning your raffle and keeping all the requirements straight can feel overwhelming. Use this checklist as a quick reference before, during, and after your event. Print it out and share it with anyone helping to run the raffle.

 Download this checklist: Save or print a clean one-page version of this checklist as a PDF to keep on file for your raffle planning team. Contact your WSGC compliance officer or visit wsgc.wa.gov for additional printable resources.

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Before the Raffle

• [ ] Confirm your organization has been operating for at least 12 months

• [ ] Verify your stated purpose qualifies under Washington raffle law (RCW 9.46.0321)

• [ ] Determine if a license is required based on number of raffles and expected gross revenue

• [ ] If a license is needed, register with SAW and submit your WSGC application (allow up to 150 days to process)

• [ ] Pay the correct license fee based on expected gross receipts

• [ ] Notify local law enforcement in writing before ticket sales begin (licensed raffles) or at least 5 days before the drawing (unlicensed raffles)

• [ ] Confirm all prizes are owned by the organization before the drawing

• [ ] Get prior WSGC approval if any prize exceeds $40,000 in retail value

• [ ] Review WAC 230-11-055 and confirm all required information appears on your tickets: ticket price, drawing date, prize description, consecutive numbering

• [ ] Set up a dedicated bank account for raffle proceeds

• [ ] Brief all members who will sell tickets on the rules (members only, no online or phone sales)

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During the Raffle

• [ ] Ensure only organization members sell tickets

• [ ] Accept only cash, check, or credit card (no IOUs)

• [ ] Sell tickets at the same price to all participants — no discounts or complimentary tickets

• [ ] Track all ticket sales in real time

• [ ] Conduct the drawing according to WAC 230-11-065 requirements

• [ ] Document all prizes awarded with winner information

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After the Raffle

• [ ] Reconcile ticket sales against funds collected

• [ ] Document all prize payouts

• [ ] Confirm proceeds are directed to your organization's stated purpose

• [ ] File any required reports with the WSGC

• [ ] Retain records for the required period (1 year for unlicensed raffles, 3 years for licensed)

• [ ] Complete WSGC-required training within 30 days if newly licensed

This checklist is a practical summary — not a substitute for reading the full statutes and administrative code. Always verify current requirements at wsgc.wa.gov or by calling (360) 486-3440.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Raffle Laws

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