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.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Georgia raffle laws as of 2025. Laws change frequently. Always consult with legal counsel or your local sheriff's office for current requirements specific to your situation.
Georgia Raffle Laws: Quick Facts
Who Can Hold Raffles:
Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits
License Required:
Yes, from county sheriff
License Cost:
$50-$150 (varies by county)
Minimum Existence:
1 year in Georgia
Prize Limits:
None specified
Cash Prizes:
Allowed
Online Sales:
Not addressed (likely prohibited)
Annual Report:
Required to sheriff
Who Can Conduct Raffles in Georgia?
Georgia law restricts raffles to specific types of nonprofit organizations:
Eligible Organizations Must:
Be qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code
Have operated continuously in Georgia for at least 1 year
Be organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes
No part of net earnings can benefit private shareholders or individuals
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
Operating Requirements:
All operations must be conducted by members
No compensation for raffle work allowed
Cannot hire professional fundraisers
Must maintain detailed records
Drawing must be public
Winner need not be present
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
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Conducting Your Raffle: Step-by-Step
Georgia Raffle Compliance Checklist
Verify 501(c)(3) status is current
Confirm 1+ year operation in Georgia
Apply for license with county sheriff
Pay required license fee
Design tickets with mandatory information
Set up volunteer management system
Establish financial tracking procedures
Plan public drawing event
Prepare record-keeping system
Schedule annual report preparation
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
Proceeds Must Be Used For:
Organization's stated charitable purposes
Cannot benefit private individuals
Reasonable expenses may be deducted
Must align with 501(c)(3) mission
Subject to sheriff's review
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
Warning: Violations can result in criminal misdemeanor charges, fines, and prohibition from future raffles. Sheriffs have broad enforcement authority.
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
Build Sheriff Relationship: Maintain good communication with licensing office
Document Everything: Georgia requires detailed records
Use Volunteers Wisely: Train thoroughly on legal requirements
Track by County: Keep separate records if multi-county
File Reports Early: Don't wait until deadline
Be Transparent: Public trust is crucial
Plan Conservatively: Better to under-promise and over-deliver
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.
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