NO MORE RAFFLES FROM NOW ON. IF YOU HAVE ONE FINISH IT (UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)

[meade916]

i have now heard from more then one source that these raffles may actually be Illegal...so much like file sharing, i cant have any of it on my site.

Unless someone can show me where it IS legal, i have to put a stop to it. I think it has to have a "NO PURCHASE NECESSARY" type thing attached to it.

Thanks for your understanding. If your raffle is not gone by today it will be by tonite so please make arrangements.

I hate to do this but i dont want my website to suffer for something i had no part in since i have not personally raffled anything.

Feel free to prove me wrong, that would be ok with me - please provide PROOF and it should be 4 every state in the country too.

[kl0wn]

Yeah the raffles are illegal, which is why paypal doesn't like you adding "raffles" to the description when buying a ticket. But IIRC there are a few loop holes that make it legal like the "No Purchase Necessary" thing, I just can't remember what they were

[Herrie_V]

Are raffles legal in the United States?

Some states allow raffles while others do not.

Some states require that you submit a registration form in advance. Other states require a filing fee. It is important to research the laws that apply to the state where the raffle will be taking place.

Some cities, counties/parishes also have additional laws on the books that govern raffles. You should contact local government offices to inquire about the regulations in your local area.

In the states where raffles are legal, the proceeds must benefit a registered charitable organization or school. The raffle cannot be a for-profit money making venture for a business or individual.

Click here for a list of laws by state

[fritosaregood]

Isnt it the same as how if a highschool has a car wash to raise money, they cant say Car Wash for $5. But they can say Free Car Wash, Donations Welcome.

So if it was just a free giveaway, and the only way to be know that you want what ever product will be given away, youd need to make a small donation to say, "username"'s car audio fund

But I'm for getting rid of raffles. It seems like everyone that doesnt sell something in a few days want to immediately throw in into a raffle.

[thehoe92]

1. What is a Raffle?

A raffle is generally a contest in which participants purchase a ticket or “chance” at winning a prize.Raffles are conducted by registered charitable organizations and the net proceeds from the raffle must be devoted to a charitable or public service activity or endeavor.

2. Can a for profit business or individual run a raffle?

Contests sponsored by for profit businesses or governments would either be defined as a lottery (if a ticket purchase is required) or a sweepstakes (if no purchase is necessary) and there are other laws that govern these activities.

3. How do I know if conducting a raffle is legal in my state?

Some states allow raffles while others do not. See this list of United States Raffle Laws by State

4. Are raffles legal in Canada?

The gaming commission of the province where the raffle will take place has legal authority over raffles conducted in that province. More information about gaming in Canada.

5. Can our group sell raffle tickets online?

Selling tickets online is a gray area and I have not found a definitive answer one way or another. It is best to consult with an attorney who has experience in this area. Many charities do at least advertise their raffles online and have an address or contact information so people can order tickets.

More Information On Raffles...

EDIT: a lot of what a raffle is goes to a charity of some sort I read on one of those sites that 90% or more must go to charity.

not to pick on james but if there was an Accordman charity it would be 100% legal because the proceeds are going to him but otherwise he is profiting off of it which makes sense since it is his product.

Edited October 29, 2009 by thehoe92

[enemyofsilence]

here is what i found. its illegal in California, unless the money goes towards a charitable place. copied from california constitution...

Penal Code Sec. 320.

Every person who contrives, prepares, sets up, proposes, or draws any lottery, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Penal Code Sec. 320.5 .

320.5. (a) Nothing in this chapter applies to any raffle conducted by an eligible organization as defined in subdivision © for the purpose of directly supporting beneficial or charitable purposes or financially supporting another private, nonprofit, eligible organization that performs beneficial or charitable purposes if the raffle is conducted in accordance with this section.... [see California Charitable Raffles]

[meade916]

if there are loopholes around it, it doesnt matter really. If its not legal in ALL states we cant do it. Plus im not going to police who is doing it legally and who isnt. Its easier just to stop it all together.

so far its not looking very legal from everything im reading.

not tryin to rain on parades guys but someone REALLY raised my eyebrows to this the other day and i take this pretty seriously.

[cracker]

i like cash, first come first served kinda thing. but thats just me and has always worked good that way

[meade916]

may i suggest if you guys want to get maximum dollar for your product, maybe you can have people BID on your stuff instead. This way no money changes hands UNLESS you have a winning bidder.

the whole thing is, if people are paying money and taking chances, they are gambling and i cant have that here - especially if they are underage.

again MY APOLOGIES i know you guys like them, although they are ANNOYING to see every day LOL.

[thehoe92]

I think even bidding would get out of hand because people would in essence set a minimum price which would be what they want to get out of the product and it would be back to square one because people would be bidding and bidding until that minimum price gets reached