Australian Capital Territory Raffle Rules

ACT Raffle Rules

Raffles are a popular and time-honoured way to raise funds for your favourite cause. However, understanding and following the rules set out in the Lotteries Act 1964 is essential to ensure your raffle complies with ACT regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to organising a raffle in the ACT.

What is a Raffle?

A raffle is any lottery, scheme, or arrangement involving prizes distributed by chance or a combination of skill and chance. Prizes include anything of value or benefit, such as goods, services, or experiences. Typically, tickets are sold, and the winners are determined by a draw.

Other lottery types governed by the Lotteries Act 1964 include Housie, Calcuttas, Card Jackpot Raffles, Lucky Envelope Raffles, and Trade Promotion Lotteries.

When is a Permit Required?

You must obtain a permit if:

• The total prize value exceeds $2,500.
• The raffle is advertised or conducted in the ACT.
• ACT residents can enter the raffle.

Permits must be approved before you can advertise or conduct the raffle. The application form is available on the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission website.

When is a Permit Not Required?

Exempt Lotteries

A permit is not required for:

• Raffles with a total prize value of $2,500 or less.
• Trade Promotion Lotteries with prizes valued at $3,000 or less.
• Housie sessions with a total prize value of $1,000 or less per session.
• Calcuttas with total prizes of $1,000 or less.
• Lotteries restricted to rebates, discounts, or refunds on goods or services equally available to all customers.
• Private Lotteries limited to members of the same association, workplace, or residence without external advertising.

Exempt lotteries must still comply with legislative requirements detailed in the Exempt Lotteries Information and Conditions sheet.

Games of Skill

If winners are determined purely by skill (e.g., estimating, submitting descriptions, or judged entries), a permit is not required.

Website Lotteries

A permit is not required unless:

• The website is hosted in the ACT, or
• The website is advertised in the ACT alongside online promotion.

Ticket Requirements

All raffle tickets must include the following information:

• Permit number (if applicable).
• Name of the benefiting organisation and purpose of the raffle.
• Full list of prizes and their retail or market value.
• Any conditions attached to prizes.
• Sequential ticket numbers.
• Date, time, and location of the draw (or the method of determining winners).
• Where and how results will be published or winners will be notified.

For not-for-profit organisations, these details are only required if an individual prize exceeds $2,000 in value.

Conducting the Raffle

• Each ticket must provide an equal chance of winning.
• Prizes must be awarded as advertised, and major prizes must be drawn first unless otherwise specified.
• Winners cannot be charged fees to claim their prizes.
• If a prize is unclaimed, a redraw must occur within a reasonable timeframe as outlined in the raffle terms.

Prizes

• Prohibited Prizes: Liquor, firearms, tobacco, and dangerous goods cannot be offered as prizes.
• Travel Prizes: Travel prizes must include detailed terms, including the destination, accommodation details, restrictions, and expiration dates.
• Unclaimed Prizes: Unclaimed prizes must be redrawn or handled according to the terms and conditions.

How to Apply for a Permit

1. Complete the Application Form:
   Fill out the approved form, available online or via the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission website.
2. Include Supporting Documentation:
   Attach rules or terms and conditions and draft ticket designs.
3. Pay the Relevant Fee:
   Application fees vary based on prize value.
   • $203: Prize value between $2,500 and $5,000.
   • $295: Prize value between $5,000 and $10,000.
   • $567: Prize value between $10,000 and $50,000.
   • $811: Prize value over $50,000.
4. Submit the Application:
   Applications can be emailed to lotteries@act.gov.au. Ensure the form includes signatures and payment authorisations.
5. Processing Time:
   Allow 7 working days for processing after submitting all information.

Advertising Rules

Advertising includes any notice or mention through:

• Television, radio, social media, or other broadcasts.
• Printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, and banners.
• Direct or general mail, SMS, email, and websites.

All advertisements must comply with ACT rules, including:

• Clearly displaying the permit number (if applicable).
• Detailing ticket prices, prize descriptions, draw details, and how winners will be notified.

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Records of ticket sales, unsold tickets, and financial details must be retained for 12 months after the raffle ends.
• Financial statements must include all income, expenses, and prize distributions.
• The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission may request these records at any time.

Serial or Ongoing Raffles

Organisations may conduct ongoing raffles (e.g., weekly meat tray draws), provided:

• Prizes and ticket costs remain consistent.
• Winners must claim their prizes within three minutes if required to be present.

Contact the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission

For further assistance, contact the Commission:

• Email: lotteries@act.gov.au
• Phone: (02) 6207 0361