Raffle Permits

Some nonprofit organizations are permitted to hold certain gaming activities in order to fundraise. They are allowed to hold raffles, defined as "an arrangement for raising money by the sale of tickets, certain among which, as determined by chance after the sale, entitle the holders to prizes."

Qualified Organizations

Only certain organizations can hold raffles per M.G.L. c. 271, s. 7A and its implementing regulations, 940 CMR 12:

  • Veterans’ organization
  • Church or religious organization
  • Fraternal organization
  • Educational or charitable organization
  • Civic or service club, or other club or organization operated exclusively for nonprofit purposes

The organization must be organized and actively functioning as a nonprofit in Massachusetts for at least two years 

For-profit entities cannot hold a raffle for itself or for a nonprofit; and an individual cannot hold a raffle.

Raffle Permits Fees

  • $50.00 (1st time filing)
  • $10.00 (renewals)

Obtaining a Raffle Permit

Please submit the following to the Town Clerk’s Office:

  1. Application for Permit to Conduct Raffles & Bazaars.
  2. Copy of proof of non-profit status (1st time filers only)
  3. Notice of Issuance of Raffle Form (must include organized date on form)
  4. Annual Report (must include names & addresses of those who won prizes of $250 or more).
  5. Filing fee ($50 for new applicants or $10 for renewals – payable to Town of Nantucket)
  6. Two business sized envelopes stamped & addressed
    • one to your organization’s mailing address (your permit will be returned to you in this envelope)
    • Charitable Gaming Department, PO Box 859012, Braintree, MA 02185 
  1. Application for ticket sales available from Town Administration. This must be available for inspection upon request, along with the raffle permit.

The organization must file a tax return with the Lottery Commission ten days after the raffle. The organization will receive the forms from the Lottery Commission after the permit is issued.

No person holding a permit to operate raffles or bazaars shall operate any particular such event unless written notice has been given to the Chief of Police, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the event of the date, time, and place of the event and of any deviation from the information contained in the application for the permit to operate the same. Any person violating any provision of this article shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300.00

For more information regarding rules and requirements pertaining to raffles and bazaars, please go to the MA Attorney General’s website.