Georgia Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits

Georgia allows qualified nonprofits to conduct raffles with proper licensing from local sheriffs. This comprehensive guide covers everything nonprofits need to know about running legal raffles in the Peach State, including licensing, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Who Can Conduct Raffles in Georgia?

Georgia law restricts raffles to specific types of nonprofit organizations:

Additional Eligible Organizations

Georgia also allows raffles by:

• Volunteer fire departments
• Nonprofit hospitals
• Chambers of commerce
• Jaycees organizations
• Exchange, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, and Rotary clubs

Licensing Requirements

Sheriff's License Process

Georgia's unique system requires licensing through county sheriffs:

• Application to: Sheriff of county where drawing will occur
• License fee: Varies by county ($50-$150 typical)
• Valid period: One calendar year
• Multiple counties: Need separate license for each
• Processing time: Usually 7-14 days

Application Requirements

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status
• Evidence of 1-year operation in Georgia
• List of officers and directors
• Description of raffle plans
• Previous year's financial statements

Raffle Operations and Restrictions

Prize Considerations

Georgia law does not specify prize limits, but organizations should:

• Ensure prizes are reasonable for organization size
• Document prize sources and values
• Consider tax implications for winners
• Obtain proper releases for vehicle/property prizes

Conducting Your Raffle: Step-by-Step

Required Ticket Information

Each raffle ticket should display:

• Name of nonprofit organization
• License number from sheriff
• Date, time, and location of drawing
• Prizes to be awarded
• Price of ticket
• Sequential number
• Statement about winner presence requirements

Sales Guidelines

• Only organization members can sell tickets
• Cannot use paid solicitors
• Sales limited to Georgia residents
• Must provide receipts upon request
• Cannot extend credit

Financial Management & Reporting

Use of Proceeds

Record Keeping Requirements

Maintain these records for at least 3 years:

• Complete ticket sales records
• List of all ticket purchasers
• Gross receipts documentation
• Itemized expense records
• Prize winner information
• Distribution of net proceeds
• Bank statements and deposits

Annual Reporting

• Report to: Licensing sheriff's office
• Due date: Usually within 90 days of year-end
• Contents: Financial summary of all raffles
• Penalties: May affect future licensing

Special Considerations

Multi-County Operations

If conducting raffles in multiple Georgia counties:

• Must obtain license from each county sheriff
• File separate reports for each county
• Track sales and expenses by county
• Ensure compliance with each county's specific rules

Joint Raffles

Multiple organizations can partner if:

• Each organization is separately qualified
• Written agreement specifies responsibilities
• Proceeds division clearly documented
• Each maintains required records

Common Violations and Penalties

Common Violations

• Operating without sheriff's license
• Using paid workers or solicitors
• Failing to file annual reports
• Misuse of raffle proceeds
• Poor financial records
• Conducting drawings outside licensed county

Enforcement Actions

• License revocation
• Criminal prosecution
• Civil penalties
• Prohibition from future raffles
• Required return of proceeds

Best Practices for Georgia Raffles

1. Build Sheriff Relationship: Maintain good communication with licensing office
2. Document Everything: Georgia requires detailed records
3. Use Volunteers Wisely: Train thoroughly on legal requirements
4. Track by County: Keep separate records if multi-county
5. File Reports Early: Don't wait until deadline
6. Be Transparent: Public trust is crucial
7. Plan Conservatively: Better to under-promise and over-deliver

Make Your Georgia Raffle a Success

Georgia's raffle laws provide a straightforward framework centered on local control through county sheriffs. This system allows for community oversight while supporting charitable fundraising. The lack of specific prize limits gives organizations flexibility, but requires responsible self-regulation.

Success in Georgia comes from building strong relationships with your local sheriff's office, maintaining impeccable records, and focusing on your charitable mission. With proper licensing and compliance, your Georgia raffle can effectively support your nonprofit's important work.