Nebraska Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits

Nebraska regulates raffles under its charitable gaming laws, administered by the Department of Revenue Charitable Gaming Division. The state requires a lottery/raffle license and has a notable 5-year organizational existence requirement - one of the strictest in the nation. This guide covers what you need to know about running a legal raffle in the Cornhusker State.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Nebraska raffle laws as of 2026. Always consult with legal counsel or the Nebraska Department of Revenue for current requirements.

Nebraska Raffle Laws: Quick Facts

Governing Agency:Nebraska Dept. of Revenue, Charitable Gaming Division
License Required:Yes - Lottery/Raffle License
Who Can Hold Raffles:Qualified nonprofits (5+ years in NE)
Prize Limits:Set by license type
Online Ticket Sales:Not authorized
Governing Law:Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 9

Who Can Conduct Raffles in Nebraska?

Nebraska's 5-year existence requirement makes it one of the stricter states. Understanding raffle basics helps with planning.

Eligible Organizations Must:

  • Be a qualifying nonprofit organization
  • Have been in continuous existence in Nebraska for at least 5 years
  • Be tax-exempt under federal or state law
  • Obtain a lottery/raffle license from the Department of Revenue
  • Use net proceeds for the organization's charitable purpose

Nebraska Raffle Restrictions

  • Prize limits set by the Department of Revenue based on license type
  • Only organization members can manage the raffle
  • Workers cannot be compensated
  • All ticket sales must be in person within Nebraska
  • Net proceeds must benefit the charitable purpose
  • Federal tax reporting for prizes $600+

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Conducting Your Raffle

Nebraska Raffle Compliance Checklist

  • Verify 5+ years of continuous existence in Nebraska
  • Obtain lottery/raffle license from the Department of Revenue
  • Use only unpaid organization members
  • Design tickets with required information
  • Sell tickets in person only (no online sales)
  • Maintain detailed financial records
  • File post-event and annual reports
  • Report prizes of $600+ to the IRS
  • Dedicate net proceeds to charitable purposes

Online Raffle Rules

Nebraska does not authorize online ticket sales. All sales must be in person. See our online raffle laws guide for other states. For ticket design, check our raffle ticket templates.

Penalties for Violations

Warning: Operating without a license or violating Nebraska charitable gaming laws can result in license revocation, fines, and criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license?

Yes. A lottery/raffle license from the Department of Revenue is required. The organization must have existed for at least 5 years.

Who can hold a raffle?

Qualifying nonprofits with 5+ years of existence in Nebraska.

What are the prize limits?

Set by license type. Check with the Department of Revenue.

Can tickets be sold online?

No. All sales must be in person.

What reports are required?

Post-event and annual reports to the Department of Revenue.

Official Resources

Looking for raffle laws in other states?

View All States | Iowa | Kansas

Ready to Run a Compliant Nebraska Raffle?

Nebraska's 5-year requirement is strict but provides certainty for established organizations. Get your license, maintain records, and file reports.

rafflr makes it easy to manage your raffle drawing, track winners, and maintain proper records. Get started with rafflr today.