Enhanced raffles (charitable or nonprofit)

Learn who can offer enhanced raffles, including applications, training information, recordkeeping requirements, and helpful rules.

Who can apply for an enhanced raffle license

Only a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is serving individuals with intellectual disabilities may conduct enhanced raffles if licensed. The organization must be organized and continuously operating for at least 12 months before applying for a license.

Learn more about our licensing requirements for charitable or nonprofit organizations.

About enhanced raffles

Visit the Washington State Legislature site to see all the law that governs enhanced raffles (apps.leg.wa.gov).

An "enhanced raffle" means:

  • A game in which tickets bearing an individual number are sold
  • Tickets are sold for not more than $250 each
  • A grand prize and smaller prizes are awarded on the basis of drawings from the tickets by the person or persons conducting the game
  • No drawing may occur by using a random number generator or similar means.

The commission may approve enhanced raffles under the following conditions:

  • The value of the grand prize must not exceed $10,000,000
  • Sales may be made in person, by mail, by fax, or by telephone only
  • Credit cards may be used as payment
  • Tickets purchased as part of a multiple ticket package may be purchased at a discount.
  • Multiple smaller prizes are authorized during the course of an enhanced raffle for a grand prize (examples: early bird, refer a friend, and multiple ticket drawings)
  • All enhanced raffles and associated smaller raffles must be independently audited
  • The organization may use a licensed enhanced raffle call center
  • The organization may hire a licensed consultant to run the enhanced raffle
  • The organization must be the primary recipient of the funds raised.

How to apply

In addition to all the materials outlined in our licensing process, the complete application includes:

If applying by mail

If you're applying by mail, make sure you use the correct address based on the carrier you're using.

For US Mail (No UPS or FedEx)

Washington State Gambling Commission
PO Box 42400
Olympia WA 98504-2400

For UPS, FedEx, and overnight packages

Washington State Gambling Commission
4565 7th Avenue SE
Lacey WA 98503

Required training

After we grant your license, you have 30 days to complete your required training:

Highest-ranking officer

In addition to the above training for your activity, you must also review the following:

Required recordkeeping

You must:

  • Complete records for each raffle within 72 hours after each drawing
  • Record all data in ink, on storage media, or in other permanent form
  • Print, or back up in a permanent form, all the original sales data supporting the raffle drawing
  • Separately maintain the drawing's printed raffle tickets for a minimum of 30 days or until the prize is awarded, whichever is greater
  • Keep all winning tickets
  • Keep the video recording of each drawing
  • Keep the test form we prescribe for each electronic raffle
  • Keep any and all electronic raffle system reports listed in GLI-31
  • Retain all invoices or receipts for raffles prizes and expenses
  • Keep a set of permanent monthly records.

Retaining your records

You must retain the records for 3 years from the end of your fiscal year.

Renewing your license

Licenses expire each year. Learn more about how to renew your license.

Reporting changes to your license

There are certain changes you must tell us about. Learn how to report changes to your license.