In the U.S., Raffles are subject to federal and state regulations that prevent some organizations from running a Raffle.
What are the reasons I can’t run a Raffle?
You may not be able to add a Raffle to your Campaign for one of the following reasons:
Your organization is in the US and is not a registered 501(c) organization.
Your organization is a registered 501(c) organization but is located in one of the following states which prohibit online raffles:
Alabama
California
Hawaii
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
New Jersey
New Mexico
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
If your organization has only recently been granted 501(c) status, it’s also possible that your organization may not be in our database yet. In this case, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I run a Raffle if I’m not a 501(c) organization?
US federal regulations classify Raffles as a form of gambling, and only registered 501(c) organizations are legally allowed to run charity Raffles. This is an IRS requirement that Givebacks must enforce for compliance.
What should I do if my state prohibits online Raffles?
If your organization is located in a state that prohibits online Raffles, consider running a Sweepstakes instead. Sweepstakes have fewer geographic restrictions and can be run nationally or internationally with proper compliance measures.
My organization just received 501(c) status but still can’t create a Raffle. Why?
If your organization recently received 501(c) status, it may not be in Givebacks' database yet. Contact Givebacks support to verify your organization’s status and update the database so you can create Raffle Campaigns.
Can I run a Raffle for a personal cause or individual fundraiser?
No, Raffles to benefit personal causes are not allowed on Givebacks under any circumstances. Raffles must be run by qualified charitable organizations that meet federal and state regulatory requirements.
Questions? Click the "?" icon to contact Givebacks Support.