Raffles are now legal in West Virginia, but only if organizers follow the specific rules that took effect on July 1 2026. The new statutes limit the prize value, require a written permit from the State Attorney General’s Office, and prohibit any portion of the proceeds from being used for profit. Failure to meet these conditions still carries criminal penalties, so compliance is essential for charities, schools, and other groups that wish to use raffles as a fundraising tool.
The 2026 Legislative Changes
The West Virginia General Assembly enacted HB 4287 in early 2026, amending Chapter 30 of the West Virginia Code. The amendment repealed the former blanket prohibition on raffles and replaced it with a conditional framework. Key provisions include:
- A maximum total prize value of $2,500 per raffle.
- Mandatory registration of the raffle with the Attorney General’s Charitable Gaming Division at least 30 days before the draw.
- A written statement that 100 percent of net proceeds will be used for charitable or non‑profit purposes; no portion may be retained as profit.
- Requirement that all tickets display the registration number and a disclaimer that the raffle is conducted under West Virginia law § 30‑27(c).
These changes were driven by a bipartisan effort to modernize fundraising while protecting consumers from fraud.
How Raffles Are Defined Under West Virginia Law
West Virginia now defines a raffle as “a game of chance in which participants purchase tickets for the opportunity to win prizes, and where the proceeds are dedicated to charitable or non‑profit objectives.” (WV Code § 30‑27(b)). The definition excludes sweepstakes that are run solely for commercial promotion, which remain prohibited unless they meet the same charitable criteria.
Compliance Requirements for Organizers
- Apply for a Permit – Submit Form RAFF‑2026 electronically with a $50 processing fee. The Attorney General’s office reviews the application for eligibility and verifies the charitable status of the organization.
- Public Disclosure – Publish the raffle’s terms, prize list, and registration number in at least two public venues (e.g., local newspaper and organization website) 15 days before ticket sales begin.
- Financial Tracking – Maintain separate bank accounts for ticket sales, deduct only legitimate expenses (printing, advertising, venue rental), and file a post‑raffle audit report within 30 days of the draw.
- Age Restrictions – Do not sell tickets to anyone under 18 years of age; compliance must be documented at the point of sale.
Non‑compliance can trigger civil fines up to $5,000 per violation and, in severe cases, misdemeanor charges (WV Code § 30‑27(e)).
Penalties for Non‑Compliance
Violators who fail to obtain a permit or who exceed the prize limit face a $2,500 civil penalty per infraction. If the investigation reveals intentional fraud—such as misrepresenting the use of proceeds—the Attorney General may pursue felony charges, resulting in imprisonment of up to one year and restitution to affected participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum prize value allowed for a single raffle?
The law caps the total prize value at $2,500. Organizers may split this amount among multiple prizes, but the aggregate cannot exceed the limit.
Can a for‑profit business run a raffle under the new rules?
Only if the business establishes a qualified charitable arm and directs 100 percent of net proceeds to that nonprofit purpose. The raffle must still be registered and meet all other conditions.
Are online ticket sales permitted?
Yes, provided the platform collects the required registration number, displays the disclaimer, and the organizer retains full financial records to satisfy the audit requirement.
How long must raffle proceeds be retained before they can be used?
All net proceeds must be deposited into a designated account within 48 hours of receipt and may be disbursed only after the post‑raffle audit is filed and approved.
What records must be kept after the raffle ends?
Organizers must keep copies of the permit, ticket sales ledger, expense receipts, prize distribution list, and the final audit report for a minimum of three years, accessible to the Attorney General upon request.