Louisiana Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits

Louisiana has a well-established charitable gaming framework regulated by the Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming. Despite being one of the most gambling-friendly states in the country, Louisiana still requires nonprofits to obtain a license before conducting raffles. This guide covers the licensing process, prize limits, reporting requirements, and compliance steps for running a legal raffle in the Pelican State.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Louisiana raffle laws as of 2026. Laws change frequently. Always consult with legal counsel or the Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming for current requirements.

Louisiana Raffle Laws: Quick Facts

Governing Agency:Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming
License Required:Yes - Raffle License (multiple classes)
Who Can Hold Raffles:Tax-exempt nonprofits domiciled in LA
Prize Limits:Varies by license class
Small Raffle Threshold:$5,000 total prizes (simplified process)
Online Ticket Sales:Not specifically authorized
Governing Law:LA RS 33:4861.1 et seq.

Who Can Conduct Raffles in Louisiana?

Louisiana allows qualified nonprofit organizations to conduct licensed raffles. Understanding the different raffle formats can help you choose the right approach for your event.

Eligible Organizations Must:

  • Be a bona fide nonprofit organization
  • Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Be domiciled in Louisiana
  • Have charitable, religious, fraternal, educational, civic, or veterans purposes
  • Not have gambling as its primary purpose

Louisiana Raffle License Classes

Louisiana uses a tiered licensing system based on the scale of your raffle:

  • Small Raffle: Total prizes under $5,000 - simplified licensing process
  • Class A: Higher prize thresholds with more detailed requirements
  • Class B and C: For smaller-scale operations with lower limits

License Application Process:

  • Complete the raffle license application from the Office of Charitable Gaming
  • Provide proof of tax-exempt status
  • Submit organizational documents (bylaws, articles of incorporation)
  • Pay the applicable license fee
  • Designate responsible individuals within the organization
  • Allow adequate processing time before your event

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Louisiana Raffle Restrictions

Prize Rules

  • Prize limits vary by license class
  • Cash prizes are permitted within established limits
  • Prizes of $600 or more require IRS reporting
  • Vehicle and property prizes are allowed with proper documentation

Operational Rules

  • Only members of the licensed organization can manage the raffle
  • Raffle workers generally cannot be compensated
  • Minors may not purchase tickets
  • All net proceeds must benefit the organization's stated purpose
  • Cannot use unlicensed operators

Conducting Your Raffle: Louisiana Requirements

Louisiana Raffle Compliance Checklist

  • Obtain raffle license from the Office of Charitable Gaming
  • Verify organization meets eligibility requirements
  • Determine appropriate license class for your raffle
  • Design tickets with organization name, drawing details, and price
  • Use only organization members to manage the raffle
  • Maintain detailed financial records
  • Conduct drawing as announced
  • File post-event financial report
  • File annual report if applicable
  • Report prizes of $600+ to the IRS

Financial Management & Reporting

Louisiana requires thorough financial documentation for all charitable gaming activities:

  • Post-event reports due to the Office of Charitable Gaming
  • Annual summary reports for all charitable gaming activities
  • Track gross receipts, prizes awarded, expenses, and net proceeds
  • Maintain records for at least 3 years
  • Records subject to audit by the Office of Charitable Gaming

For raffle planning tips, see our guide on how to organize a raffle.

Online Raffle Rules in Louisiana

Louisiana's charitable gaming laws do not specifically authorize online raffle ticket sales. Despite the state's generally permissive attitude toward gambling, charitable gaming follows its own regulatory framework. For more on digital raffle regulations, see our online raffle laws guide.

Penalties for Violations

Warning: Conducting an unlicensed raffle in Louisiana can result in criminal charges. Violations of the charitable gaming laws can lead to fines, license revocation, and potential criminal prosecution. Louisiana takes gaming regulation seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to hold a raffle in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana requires a raffle license from the Office of Charitable Gaming. Small raffles with prizes under $5,000 may qualify for a simplified process.

Who can hold a raffle in Louisiana?

Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations domiciled in Louisiana, including charitable, religious, fraternal, veterans, civic, and educational organizations.

What are Louisiana's raffle prize limits?

Prize limits vary by license class. The Office of Charitable Gaming publishes current thresholds for each class.

Can raffle tickets be sold online in Louisiana?

Louisiana's charitable gaming laws do not specifically authorize online ticket sales. Consult with the Office of Charitable Gaming and legal counsel.

What reports are required for Louisiana raffles?

Post-event financial reports and annual reports are required. Records must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Official Resources

Looking for raffle laws in other states?

View All States | Texas | Mississippi

Ready to Run a Compliant Louisiana Raffle?

Louisiana's charitable gaming framework provides a clear path for nonprofits to conduct legal raffles. The key is obtaining the right license class, maintaining thorough records, and filing required reports.

rafflr makes it easy to manage your raffle drawing, track winners, and maintain proper records for Louisiana compliance. Get started with rafflr today and run your next raffle with confidence.