selling raffle tickets

nohr4u1yr · November 2004

We are having our company Christmas Party in a couple of weeks and we were thinking of selling raffle tickets ($1.00 each) and at the end of the night picking a winner and giving them all of the cash we collected. Would it be legal for us to do this? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Shelley

KathiHR · November 2004

This depends on the gambling laws of your state. In Kansas, raffles are illegal (even though most counties look the other way if its for fund-raising.) Your Christmas Party idea is the same as a lottery, so check you state laws.

National Guard · November 2004

Door prizes and 50-50s are allowed, so I am thinking a raffle would be ok also.

Don D · November 2004

In my state, buying a chance on the prospect of winning something of value is a lottery and is illegal. Unless the money goes to a charity registered with the attorney general's office. Same with pools and pitching quarter's.

marc · November 2004

So many companies do this. It is probably illegal in some fashion in your state with some exceptions, such as the ones Don has mentioned. But, just like superbowl grids and other sports related pools, it is difficult to enforce in any meaningful way. We don't officially get involved in any of that, but I did win the baseball pool this year, as a private citizen./:)

Whatever · November 2004

While, realistically, a company cannot prevent baseball, football pools etc., it should not be endorsing any form of gambling and lottery.

mdm · November 2004

I know in RI you need to get a permit from the town where the raffle is to be held.

nohr4u1yr · November 2004

We are not going to be selling them - some of the officers wanted to see if we could - I just wanted some backup before I told them no.

Thank you all!!

Don D · November 2004

Hell, just do it. What's the risk a black helicopter will land and state tax people will crash through the door?

nohr4u1yr · November 2004

Oh alright...but if they do crash through the front door, I am going to show them your post telling me to go ahead with it and sent them over your way! x}>

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving!

mrbill · November 2004

This seems rather innocent on its face value, but I wonder if it is worth the bother when you are talking about $1.00. The risk is that by allowing a raffle, you are possibly opening the door for other raffles, that might not be in line with the Company's views.

Dasher · November 2004

I know, I know! But I am so tired of taking all the fun out of the workplace. The Holiday Party Team asked me and I said, What the hey, go ahead and have the 50/50. Gotta pick your battles sometimes.

Happy turkey day one and all.

Don D · November 2004

I agree! I took the day off and drove 150 miles north to a "funeral", or so I thought, and when I got there, there was no hearse, only a small box on a green square thing and I assume it was a cremation result. Happy T'Giving indeed.

selling raffle tickets

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