Queensland Raffle Rules

Queensland Raffle Rules & Regulations

Raffles are a time-honoured and popular way to raise funds for your favourite cause. However, the rules and regulations can be complex, varying from state to state. In Queensland, raffles fall under the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999, managed by the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR). To help you navigate the process, we've compiled a practical guide to Queensland raffle rules.

What is a Raffle?

A raffle is considered a “game of chance” with a limited number of tickets sold, and all tickets have an equal chance of winning. Examples range from small meat tray raffles to large-scale fundraising art unions. These activities are classified under four categories depending on their gross proceeds.

Raffle Categories in Queensland:

1. Category 1: Gross Proceeds Not More Than $2,000
   • Permit Required? No.
   • Eligible to Conduct: Associations or individuals (no personal gain allowed).
   • Rules Highlights:
     • Prizes must be at least 20% of the gross proceeds.
     • Draw must occur within four months of the first ticket sale.
     • Prohibited prizes include cash over $25,000, weapons, or restricted items like alcohol exceeding $1,000 in value.
   • Fact Sheet: Category 1 Games
2. Category 2: Gross Proceeds Between $2,000 and $50,000
   • Permit Required? No.
   • Eligible to Conduct: Incorporated associations or eligible organisations.
   • Rules Highlights:
     • Prizes must equal or exceed 20% of the total proceeds.
     • Tickets must display all relevant details (e.g., organiser, draw date).
     • Alcohol prizes must be under $1,000 retail value.
   • Fact Sheet: Category 2 Games
3. Category 3: Gross Proceeds Over $50,000
   • Permit Required? Yes, from the OLGR.
   • Eligible to Conduct: Incorporated eligible associations only.
   • Rules Highlights:
     • Prizes like real estate or vehicles must meet strict documentation requirements (e.g., valuations, roadworthiness certificates).
     • Draw must be held within one year from ticket sale commencement.
   • Fact Sheet: Category 3 Games
4. Category 4: Trade Promotions
   • Purpose: To promote goods or services (entry must be free).
   • Permit Required? No.
   • Rules Highlights:
     • Advertising must include terms and any entry costs (if applicable).
     • Prohibited prizes include tobacco and weapons.
   • Fact Sheet: Category 4 Games

General Raffle Rules:

• Minimum Prize Value: Total prize value must be at least 20% of gross ticket sales for all raffles.
• Ticketing: Tickets can be bundled (e.g., 1 for $1 or 3 for $2), but bundles must be consistently available throughout the raffle.
• Minors: Tickets cannot be sold to minors if prizes include alcohol or gaming products.
• Insurance: Prizes over $5,000 must be insured until delivered.
• Prohibited Prizes: Include surgical procedures, tobacco, and items restricted by legislation.

Additional Resources:

• For further information, contact the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation:
  • Website: Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
  • Phone: 13 74 68
  • Email: olgrlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au

For comprehensive event management and compliance details, refer to Non-Profit Fundraising Events Guide​​​​​​.

Please note at the time of writing this article this information was correct. Please refer to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation website to check that this remains the case.