Do I need a license to hold a raffle in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota requires organizations to obtain a gaming license from the Attorney General's office before conducting raffles. The license type depends on the expected gross proceeds from gaming activities.

Who can legally hold a raffle in North Dakota?

North Dakota allows eligible nonprofit organizations, including charitable, educational, religious, fraternal, civic, and veterans organizations, to conduct raffles. Organizations must have been in existence for at least three years and have a primary purpose other than gaming.

What are the different gaming license types in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers several gaming site authorization levels based on expected gross proceeds. Organizations with lower expected revenue have simplified requirements, while larger operations face more stringent oversight and reporting. The Attorney General's Gaming Division provides specific thresholds.

How much of raffle proceeds must go to charity in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires that a significant portion of net gaming proceeds be used for the organization's stated eligible purposes. The specific percentage requirements are established by the Gaming Division and vary based on the type of organization and gaming activity.

Can I sell raffle tickets online in North Dakota?

North Dakota's gaming laws generally require in-person ticket sales. Online raffle ticket sales are not explicitly authorized. Organizations should consult with the Attorney General's Gaming Division before attempting to sell tickets through digital channels.

North Dakota Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits

North Dakota regulates charitable gaming through the Attorney General's Gaming Division, requiring organizations to obtain gaming licenses before conducting raffles. This guide covers the licensing process, prize limits, reporting requirements, and compliance steps for running a legal raffle in the Peace Garden State.

Nonprofit raffle fundraiser in North Dakota — North Dakota nonprofits rely on raffles for effective fundraising

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about North Dakota raffle laws as of 2026. Laws change frequently. Always consult with legal counsel or the ND Attorney General's Gaming Division for current requirements.

North Dakota Raffle Laws: Quick Facts

Who Can Hold Raffles:	Qualified nonprofit organizations
License Required:	Yes, from Attorney General's office
Governing Law:	NDCC Chapter 53-06.1
Regulator:	AG Gaming Division
Minimum Existence:	3 years
Cash Prizes:	Permitted within limits
Online Sales:	Generally not permitted
Reporting:	Quarterly reports required

Who Can Conduct Raffles in North Dakota?

North Dakota Century Code Chapter 53-06.1 governs charitable gaming, including raffles. The Attorney General's Gaming Division administers all licensing and enforcement. For a comprehensive overview of raffle laws in other states, see our complete raffle laws guide.

Eligible Organizations Must:

Be a bona fide nonprofit organization
Have been organized and active in North Dakota for at least three years
Have a primary purpose other than conducting gaming
Be tax-exempt under applicable IRS sections
Maintain active registration with the ND Secretary of State

Gaming License Requirements

License Application Process:

Submit application to the AG Gaming Division
Provide documentation of nonprofit status and three-year history
Identify the gaming manager and key personnel
Describe planned gaming activities and expected revenue
Select the appropriate license level based on expected gross proceeds
Pay the applicable license fee

License Levels

North Dakota offers tiered licensing based on expected gross gaming proceeds. Organizations with lower expected revenue face simplified requirements, while larger operations must meet more stringent standards.

Simplify Your North Dakota Raffle

See how rafflr helps you run compliant raffles with proper tracking and transparent drawings

Prize Limits and Restrictions

Key Prize Regulations:

Individual prizes: Subject to limits based on license type
Cash prizes: Permitted within established caps
Annual revenue caps: Vary by license level
Net proceeds: Must be distributed to eligible uses as defined by law

Conducting Your Raffle: ND Requirements

North Dakota Raffle Compliance Checklist

Obtain gaming license from AG Gaming Division
Verify three-year organizational existence requirement
Designate a qualified gaming manager
Ensure prizes fall within permitted limits
Use approved ticket formats
Set up proper financial tracking
Conduct drawing fairly and transparently
File quarterly activity reports
Distribute net proceeds to eligible uses
Maintain records for required retention period

Financial Reporting

North Dakota requires licensed gaming operators to file quarterly reports with the AG Gaming Division. Reports must detail all gaming revenue, prizes, expenses, and charitable distributions. The Gaming Division conducts regular audits to ensure compliance.

Online Raffle Rules in North Dakota

North Dakota's gaming laws generally require in-person ticket sales. Online sales are not specifically authorized. Organizations should check with the AG Gaming Division before pursuing digital ticket sales. For more about organizing effective raffle events, see our raffle organizing guide.

Tax Implications

Winners: Prizes of $600 or more must be reported to the IRS
North Dakota income tax: Winners owe state income tax on gambling winnings
Organizations: Must track and report gaming tax obligations

Penalties for Violations

Warning: Unlicensed gaming in North Dakota is a criminal offense. The AG Gaming Division can impose fines, revoke licenses, and refer cases for criminal prosecution. Organizations found in violation may be permanently barred from charitable gaming.

Best Practices for North Dakota Raffles

Choose the Right License Level: Match your license to expected revenue
Appoint a Qualified Manager: Designate someone familiar with ND gaming rules
Separate Gaming Funds: Maintain dedicated bank accounts
File Quarterly Reports: Never miss a reporting deadline
Track Distributions: Document how net proceeds are used
Prepare for Audits: Keep organized records at all times

Official Resources

Looking for raffle laws in other states?

View All States | South Dakota

Make Your North Dakota Raffle a Success

North Dakota's tiered licensing system provides a clear framework for nonprofits to conduct legal raffles. By working with the AG Gaming Division and maintaining proper records, your organization can run successful fundraising events.

Ready to streamline your raffle management? Get started with rafflr today to handle drawings, track tickets, and generate the reports North Dakota requires.