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Raffles - rules and regulations in Victoria audio transcript

Raffles are a common way of fundraising and some people who organise them may not be aware that there are rules and regulations governing the way they are run.

Today we are going to discuss raffles and the rules relating to them. Narelle from the VGCCC Client Services team is going to give us the run-down on all the requirements.

Welcome Narelle

Q. Can anyone run a public raffle?
Yes, if they’re raising funds on behalf of a declared community or charitable organisation or political party, they are over 18 and they follow all the requirements outlined in the Gambling Regulations Act and the Gambling Regulations.

Q. Can anyone run a private raffle?    
Yes, if the people taking part are employees of the same employer. It’s basically an internal raffle where the net proceeds are used for something for the employees and the value of the prize does not exceed $5000

Q. Can a business or an individual run a public raffle and keep the funds raised?
No, that would be illegal. A business or individual cannot run a public raffle and keep the proceeds. A public raffle must be for the benefit of a declared community or charitable organisation or political party.

Q. How does an organisation be declared as an approved community or charitable organisation?
The organisation needs to apply to the VGCCC. They complete the ‘Declaration as a community or charitable organisation’ application form making sure they meet specific criteria, which are on our website. 

Q. Is there a way to check if an organisation is declared? 
Yes, go to the VGCCC website and there you will find the list of all declared community and charitable organisations.

Q. How do I organise a public raffle on behalf of a declared organisation?
To organise a public raffle on behalf of a declared organisation, you need to have written consent from the governing body of that organisation.

Q. Do you need to have a permit to run a public raffle?
You need a permit if the total value of prizes is over $5000 or if the public raffle is going to be held for longer than 3 months. The application must be lodged not less than 21 days before the raffle is held. 

Q. So, if the total prize value is under $5000 what do I have to be aware of?
You have to be aware of things like the number of tickets that can be sold, what information must be advertised on the ticket, and when the prize must be drawn depending on the total prize value. There are specific requirements that need to be met for all raffles. For example raffles worth $500 or less, $5000 or less and $5000 or more, all have specific requirements. It’s important to check our website for details and to comply with the Gambling Regulation Act and the Gambling Regulations.

Q. You mentioned that there are requirements about the number of tickets that can be sold for public raffles with a total prize value of $5000 or less, how is this calculated? 
The value of tickets must be not less than twice the value of the prize and not more than six times the value of the prizes. 
For example, if you are raffling a meat tray worth $50 you need to have available a minimum of $100 worth of tickets and no more than $300 worth of tickets. 

Q. Are there rules that apply to all public raffles regardless of the prize amount?    

Yes, there are some rules that apply to all public raffles, these are:

  1. The raffle prize must be delivered to the winner within 28 days of the raffle being drawn, and;
  2. Reverse raffles are illegal in Victoria.

Q. What is a reverse raffle?
A reverse raffle is where the last ticket drawn is declared the winner. The law states that the first raffle ticket drawn must win first prize.

Q. Can a licensed venue have alcohol as a raffle prize?  For example, a bottle of wine in a hamper?
It depends on the liquor licence category and conditions.  If the licence conditions allow for them to supply liquor off their premise, then it’s ok for them to offer alcohol as a prize, provided other legal requirements are satisfied.

There are quite a number of regulations to be aware when planning to conduct a raffle. 

The regulations are there to ensure that raffles are fair and that funds raised are going to appropriate organisations. They are there to protect the public and legitimate organisations. 

Thanks for joining us today.  

If you’d like to find out more information about raffles or other minor gaming activities visit the VGCCC website.