Raffles
Exempt/Excluded Permit for Fundraising Events
The following information pertains to registered nonprofit organizations seeking to conduct bingo, raffles, and other forms of lawful gambling by excluded or exempt permit as allowed by Minnesota law.
You will need to determine for the calendar year:
- The estimated total market value of all donated and purchased prizes to be awarded
- How many events will be conducted (for raffles, the event date is the drawing date)
- What type of gambling you will be conducting
Exempt Permit
A nonprofit organization must submit one application for each gambling activity conducted in a calendar year (consecutive dates at one location go on one application).
An Exempt permit is required when for the calendar year:
- The total value of all prizes donated and purchased is less than $50,000.
- Gambling is limited to 5 days of activity.
Download LG220 Application for Exempt Permit (PDF).
Exempt Permit Financial Report
Within 30 days of the authorized gambling activity, complete and submit to the Gambling Control Board.
Download LG220A Exempt Permit Financial Report (PDF).
Excluded Permit
A nonprofit organization must submit one application for each gambling activity conducted in a calendar year.
An Excluded Bingo permit is required when for the calendar year one of the following conditions will be met:
- Bingo will be conducted at four or fewer events.
- Bingo will be conducted up to 12 consecutive days in conjunction with a county fair, civic celebration, or the Minnesota State Fair.
Download LG240B Application to Conduct Excluded Bingo (PDF).
Raffles Without Permits
A nonprofit organization may conduct a raffle without a permit when for the calendar year one of the following conditions is met:
- The total value of all prizes donated and purchased is less than $1,500.
- if the organization is a 501(c)(3) organization, the total value of all prizes donated and purchased for one event does not exceed $5,000 (see Minnesota Statutes, section 349.166, subdivision. 1(c) ).
Additional Requirements & Information
- The raffle is conducted by the nonprofit organization, not an individual.
- Check with your local city or county for local ordinance or requirements.
For more information on Exempt/Excluded Permit information, you may visit the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
- Minnesota Gambling Control Board
- Lawful Gambling Manual Chapter 7: Raffles (PDF)
- Who May Participate in Raffles? (PDF)
- Raffle Prizes - Alcohol Restrictions (PDF)
- LG820 Raffle Inventory and Sales Log (PDF)
- LG821 Physical Inventory/Raffles (PDF)
- LG830 Merchandise Prize Perpetual Inventory (PDF)
- Information About Raffles