Raffle Rules and Regulations Queensland

Queensland Raffle Rules & Regulations

Raffles are a time honoured and popular way to raise funds for your favourite cause. The regulations can be a bit of a minefield and vary so much State-to-State. No wonder you are wondering what the Queensland raffle rules are!

A raffle could be loosely defined as any game of chance where there is a limited number of tickets sold, and where each ticket has the same chance of winning as every other ticket sold. But as you know, there are a million and one ways to go about a raffle. From parking a wheelbarrow full of goodies outside the local shops to raffling off fancy houses on the Gold Coast, to a good old Friday night chook raffle or meat tray draw at the pub (yes, chook raffles are still alive and well).

In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that the only limits on running a raffle are the number of helpers you can rope in, and your imagination. But you would be wrong.

Raffles are classified by all Australian States and Territories as ‘gaming’ and, alongside casinos and licensed clubs, raffles are subject to regulation designed to protect the consumer, and the people conducting the gaming. The maze of legislation and regulation which surrounds raffles can be very daunting to the small community-based fundraiser (or, for that matter, us!), and I would not be surprised if some raffles had been abandoned in the face of it.

As the best way to avoid accidentally breaking gaming laws is to be informed, we thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in Queensland.

A note of caution: this article is intended only as a general guide. Whilst the information provided is correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of publication, we strongly advise anyone who is planning to conduct a raffle to seek the advice of the regulating authority below.

Regulating Agency: Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation

Key Features of Raffles Queensland:
Raffles and Art Unions are technically known as ‘Games’ in Queensland and are classified according to the gross proceeds (total ticket sales) they anticipate making.

A Category 1 game (raffle) is one whose gross proceeds are not more than $2,000. Find the Category 1 Fact Sheet Here.
A Category 2 game (raffle) is one whose gross proceeds are more than $2,000 but not more than $50,000. Find the Category 2 Fact Sheet Here.
A Category 3 game (raffle) is one whose gross proceeds are more than $50,000. Find the Category 3 Fact Sheet here.
A Special Category 3 game (raffle) is where you intend to conduct a single raffle with gross proceeds greater than $5,000 for the welfare or benefit of individuals who are disadvantaged or need help because of a disaster. Find the Special Category 3 Information Here.
A Category 4 game relates to trade promotions for business.

No permit is required to conduct Category 1 or Category 2 raffles, although they need to comply with certain rules (see the links to the fact sheets above).
‘Eligible organisations’ may conduct a raffle up to $50,000 in sales without a permit. Refer to the OLGR website for a definition of ‘eligible organisations’.
The total value of prizes in any raffle must be at least 20% of the estimated gross proceeds (total ticket sales). E.g. if gross ticket sales are $1000, the prize value must be NO LESS THAN $200 in total.
If a Category 1 or 2 raffle is not conducted and drawn on the same day, the tickets must have the name and either the address or telephone number of the entrant legibly written on the ticket butt, or legibly recorded in another way that enables each prize winner to be identified.
Cash prizes may not exceed $10,000 for Category 1 and 2 raffles.
There is no restriction on minors selling raffle tickets. However, a person conducting a Category 1, 2 or 3 raffle cannot sell a ticket to a minor if the prize includes liquor or a gaming product.
Existing prizes valued at more than $5,000 must be insured against loss or damage until the prize is delivered to the winner.
Tickets may be sold as a bundle eg $1 each or 3 for $2 but must be available with the same bundle discounts right from the start of the raffle.

Fundraising Directory

Queensland Raffle Rules

Queensland Raffle Rules & Regulations

Regulating Agency: Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation

Further information:

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