Raffles are legal in New Hampshire, but the rules governing them underwent a significant overhaul on July 1 2026. Before that date, a raffle could be held by any nonprofit that obtained a simple permit from the state’s Attorney General’s Office. After the 2026 amendment to RSA 672‑C, permits are now limited to organizations that can demonstrate a minimum of $25,000 in annual revenue and that allocate at least 70 percent of proceeds to charitable purposes. The change was driven by concerns over unregulated gambling and the need for greater financial transparency.
Legal Framework for Raffles in New Hampshire
Under RSA 672‑C, a raffle is defined as a game of chance in which participants purchase tickets for the chance to win a prize. The law classifies raffles as a form of charitable gaming, and they are exempt from the state’s general gambling prohibitions provided the organizer obtains a valid raffle permit. Permits are issued by the Attorney General’s Office after the applicant submits:
- Proof of nonprofit status (IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter)
- A detailed raffle plan, including ticket price, prize description, and method of random selection
- A financial statement showing compliance with the new revenue threshold
Failure to secure a permit can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and possible criminal charges for illegal gambling.
Key Changes Effective 2026
The 2026 amendment introduced three core modifications:
- Revenue Minimum – Organizations must report at least $25,000 in annual gross revenue to be eligible for a raffle permit. This threshold excludes revenue from the raffle itself.
- Charitable Allocation Requirement – At least 70 percent of the net proceeds (gross receipts minus prize costs and administrative expenses) must be directed to the organization’s charitable mission.
- Electronic Ticketing Regulation – Online sales are now permitted only through platforms that are certified by the Attorney General’s Office, eliminating the previously unregulated use of generic e‑commerce sites.
These changes were codified after a 2024 statewide audit revealed that approximately 12 percent of raffles were operated by groups lacking sufficient financial oversight.
Compliance Checklist for Organizers
- Verify nonprofit status and annual revenue before applying for a permit.
- Prepare a written raffle plan that details ticket pricing, prize valuation, and random‑draw procedures.
- Ensure the chosen ticketing platform is on the Attorney General’s approved list.
- Keep meticulous records of ticket sales, prize expenses, and net proceeds.
- Submit the final financial report to the Attorney General within thirty days of the raffle’s conclusion.
Adhering to this checklist minimizes the risk of penalties and safeguards the organization’s reputation.
Impact on Nonprofit Fundraising
The 2026 reforms have had a mixed impact. Larger charities report a modest increase in raffle revenue because the new transparency standards boost donor confidence. Smaller groups, however, have had to pivot to alternative fundraising methods such as silent auctions or direct mail campaigns. Many have formed coalitions to pool resources and meet the revenue threshold, thereby preserving the raffle as a viable fundraising tool while complying with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a church hold a raffle without a permit?
No. All charitable organizations, including churches, must obtain a raffle permit from the Attorney General’s Office regardless of their religious status.
Are private individuals allowed to run raffles for personal profit?
No. Raffles are strictly limited to nonprofit organizations; individuals who conduct a raffle for personal gain are violating state gambling statutes and may face criminal prosecution.
What happens if a raffle’s net proceeds fall below the 70 percent requirement?
The organizer must return the excess funds to ticket purchasers or allocate them to a charitable purpose approved by the Attorney General. Failure to do so can trigger a civil penalty and revocation of the raffle permit.
Can a nonprofit use the same raffle permit for multiple events in a year?
A single permit may cover multiple raffles provided each event is listed on the original application and the organization remains compliant with the revenue and charitable allocation thresholds.
How does the electronic ticketing rule affect out‑of‑state sellers?
Only ticketing platforms that have received certification from New Hampshire’s Attorney General may be used, even if the platform is based outside the state. Out‑of‑state sellers must partner with an approved provider to conduct a legal raffle.