What are the penalties for holding a raffle in Utah?

Illegal gambling in Utah is a Class B misdemeanor for participants and a Class A misdemeanor for operators. Repeat offenses can be charged as felonies with fines and jail time.

What fundraising alternatives exist for Utah nonprofits?

Utah nonprofits can use silent auctions, live auctions, donation drives, sweepstakes with free entry (no purchase necessary), crowdfunding, and direct solicitation.

Utah Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits

Q: Are raffles legal in Utah?

No. Utah completely prohibits all forms of gambling including raffles. There is no charitable exemption. The prohibition is in the Utah Constitution and reinforced by state statutes.

Q: Can nonprofits hold raffles in Utah?

No. Unlike most states, Utah does not provide any exemption for charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations. All raffles are illegal regardless of who conducts them.

Q: Will Utah ever legalize raffles?

As of 2026, there is no pending legislation. The constitutional ban would require a voter-approved amendment, making legalization unlikely in the near term.

Utah is one of only two states in the nation (along with Hawaii) that prohibits virtually all forms of gambling, including charitable raffles. The Utah Constitution and state statutes contain a comprehensive gambling ban with no exemptions for nonprofits, churches, or charitable organizations. This guide explains the legal landscape and explores alternatives for Utah nonprofits looking to fundraise.

Important: All forms of gambling, including raffles, are illegal in Utah. There are no charitable exemptions. This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult with legal counsel before conducting any activity that could be classified as gambling.

Utah Raffle Laws: Quick Facts

Raffles Legal:	No - completely prohibited
Charitable Exemption:	None - no exceptions
Constitutional Ban:	Utah Constitution Article VI, Section 27
Statutory Ban:	Utah Code 76-10-1101 et seq.
Online Raffles:	Prohibited
Alternatives:	Auctions, donations, sweepstakes with free entry

Why Are Raffles Illegal in Utah?

Utah's gambling prohibition is rooted in its constitution and reflects the state's cultural values. The ban covers all activities involving consideration, chance, and a prize.

Raffles Are Illegal Because They Contain:

Consideration: The ticket purchase price
Chance: The random selection of a winner
Prize: The item or cash awarded

Because raffles contain all three elements, they are classified as gambling. For comparison with other states, see our comprehensive state-by-state raffle laws guide.

No Exceptions - Not Even for Nonprofits

Unlike 48 other states, Utah provides absolutely no exemption for charitable, religious, or nonprofit organizations:

Churches cannot hold raffles
Schools and PTAs cannot hold raffles
Charitable organizations cannot hold raffles
Veterans groups cannot hold raffles
No organization of any kind can legally conduct a raffle

Legal Fundraising Alternatives

Utah nonprofits have several viable alternatives. To understand what makes a raffle different from other events, see our guide on what is a raffle.

Silent and live auctions: No element of chance; participants choose what to bid on
Sweepstakes with free entry: Removing consideration can avoid gambling classification
Donation drives: Direct solicitation without any prize element
Crowdfunding: Online platforms for direct giving
Themed events: Galas, dinners, and concerts with ticket sales for entertainment value

Penalties for Violations

Warning: Illegal gambling in Utah is a Class B misdemeanor for participants (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine) and a Class A misdemeanor for operators (up to 1 year jail, $2,500 fine). Repeat offenses can be charged as felonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are raffles legal in Utah?

No. Utah completely prohibits all gambling including raffles, with no charitable exemption.

Can nonprofits hold raffles in Utah?

No. There is no exemption for any type of organization.

What are the penalties?

Class B misdemeanor for participants, Class A misdemeanor for operators. Repeat offenses can become felonies.

What alternatives exist?

Auctions, donation drives, sweepstakes with free entry, crowdfunding, and themed events.

Will Utah ever legalize raffles?

No pending legislation as of 2026. A constitutional amendment requiring voter approval would be needed.

Official Resources

Looking for raffle laws in other states?

View All States | Nevada | Idaho

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