New South Wales Raffle Rules

NSW Raffle and Art Union Rules (Updated for 2024)

Raffles and art unions are excellent ways for not-for-profit organisations to raise funds. However, regulations in New South Wales (NSW) are specific and must be carefully followed. Whether you're running a simple school raffle or a high-value art union, understanding the rules ensures a successful and legal fundraising activity.

This guide explains the latest NSW regulations for raffles and art unions, based on the Community Gaming Act 2018 and Community Gaming Regulation 2020.

Who Can Conduct a Raffle or Art Union?

Only not-for-profit organisations can conduct raffles or art unions in NSW. Examples include:

• Charities (e.g., the Red Cross).
• Sporting, social, or registered clubs.
• Political parties and trade unions.
• Incorporated associations.

Organisers must obtain written authorisation from the benefiting organisation to raise funds on their behalf.

Raffles vs Art Unions: What's the Difference?

• Raffles: Lotteries with a total prize pool under $30,000. No permit is required but must follow specific rules.
• Art Unions: Lotteries with a total prize pool exceeding $30,000. An authority is required from NSW Fair Trading.

Do You Need an Authority?

• Raffles: No authority is needed for raffles with a prize pool below $30,000.
• Art Unions: An authority is required for all art unions, with fees ranging from $495 (1 year) to $990 (5 years).

You can apply for an authority by completing the application form and submitting it to CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.

Prize Rules

1. General Restrictions:
   • Prohibited Prizes:
     • Firearms, ammunition, or weapons.
     • Tobacco or vaping products.
     • Cosmetic surgery.
     • Liquor exceeding 20L (under 20% ABV) or 5L (over 20% ABV).
   • For art unions, no single cash prize may exceed $30,000.
2. Prize Management:
   • Real estate prizes must be insured and maintained until transfer.
   • Unclaimed prizes must be retained for at least 3 months or disposed of according to rules.

Ticketing Rules

1. General Ticket Requirements:
   • Tickets must include:
     • Price.
     • Organisation name.
     • Prize details and value.
     • Draw date, time, and location.
   • For art unions, include the authority number.
2. Ticket Sale Restrictions:
   • Tickets must be sold at the same price.
   • Bundle deals (e.g., "3 for $5") are allowed if consistently offered.
3. Distribution Rules:
   • Tickets must only be sent to people who consent to receive them.
   • Sellers must return all ticket butts, unsold tickets, and proceeds before the draw.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising materials must:

• Clearly display key details, such as ticket price and prize information.
• Specify where full rules can be accessed (e.g., a website).

Prohibited Advertising:

• Targeting children or depicting them participating.
• Suggesting guaranteed wins or improved financial standing through participation.

If an authority is required, the authority number must appear on all promotional materials.

Draw and Winner Notification

1. Conducting the Draw:
   • Raffles must ensure all tickets are secure and drawn randomly.
   • Art unions must be conducted fairly, and any changes to the draw must be reported to NSW Fair Trading.
2. Winner Notification:
   • Winners must be notified within 2 days of the draw.
   • For prizes over $10,000, winners must be published in a local newspaper within 7 days.
3. Unclaimed Prizes:
   • Unclaimed prizes can be redrawn after 3 months unless otherwise specified in the rules.

Financial and Record-Keeping Requirements

1. Fund Allocation:
   • Raffles: At least 40% of proceeds must go to the benefiting organisation.
   • Art Unions: At least 30% of gross proceeds must be directed to the benefiting organisation.
2. Record Retention:
   • Raffles (prizes < $10,000): Keep records for 3 months.
   • Raffles (prizes > $10,000): Retain records for 3 years.
   • Art unions: Follow the record-keeping standards outlined by NSW Fair Trading.
3. Published Winners:
   • Art union winners of prizes over $5,000 must have their details published as outlined in the rules.

Contact NSW Fair Trading

For more information or to apply for an authority:

• Website: NSW Fair Trading Community Gaming
• Email: CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
• Phone: 13 32 20