Can I run a raffle/lottery online where one person would win an object?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by orangefurball, Dec 17, 2013.

  1. #1
    Hello everyone. I would like to host a sort of raffle vie Indiegogo where one person would win an item, each ticket would be $1 with special deals such as $5 for 6 tickets, etc.

    I see no issues with the logistics of the raffle, I enter the names into a random number generator which picks the winner, then I ship them the object. I just want to make sure that there would be no issues. I would be making less than $50 which would be able to cover the labor of the building of the prize.

    I am in Pennsylvania and I would like the raffle/lottery to be open to anyone in the US and Canada. Thanks!
     
    orangefurball, Dec 17, 2013 IP
  2. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #2
    You can't really do what you are trying to do. Many states make it illegal for anyone to run a raffle or lottery unless you are a charity registered with the state. I know it would be illegal in California and I believe it would be in PA as well, but their site is loading really slow so I can't verify.

    You can find the relevant state laws on this page, I think, since it is not loading for me:

    http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/small_games_of_chance/14500
     
    browntwn, Dec 17, 2013 IP