Raffles are a time honoured and popular way to raise funds for your favourite cause. If you are planning to run a raffle, you should be aware that raffles are closely regulated in all Australian States and Territories. The best way to avoid accidentally breaking the law is to be informed. We thought it would be useful to assemble a quick-reference guide to raffle regulations in Victoria, and provide advice on where to go for further help.

Please note, this is a guide only, and obligations should be confirmed with the relevant authorities.

Regulating Agency: Victorian Commission for Gambling RegulationKey features:

• Raffles in Victoria may only be conducted by organisations which have been ‘declared’ a genuine community or charitable organisation by the Victorian Commission for Gaming Regulation. Organisations wishing to apply for a declaration can do so via the VCGR website, and should allow 45 days for approval.
• Raffles whose total prize value exceeds $5,000 in value must obtain a permit from the Commission (in addition to being a ‘declared’ organisation). Permits cost $38.60. Any alterations to the terms of the permit will incur a further fee of $22.00.
• At present there no restrictions on minors buying or selling raffle tickets in Victoria, though organisations running raffles would be well advised to confirm this based on their specific circumstances with the Commission.
• Raffle prizes in Victoria may not include cash, unless it is in the form of spending money for a holiday prize.
• Raffles whose sales are $500 or less have only ONE DAY to sell their tickets. Raffles between $501 and $5000 have three months to sell their tickets. Raffles greater than $5,001 will have 12 months or less.
• Where prize value exceeds $500, ticket sellers are required to collect ticket buyers contact details.
• Raffles whose prize value exceeds $500 are required to have printed tickets. Each ticket must show the following information:

1. the name of the declared community or charitable organisation to benefit from the raffle
2. the permit number, where a minor gaming permit is required and has been issued
3. the ticket price and the maximum number of tickets authorised by a permit
4. a description of each prize and its value
5. when and where the raffle will be drawn, and the method of publication or notification of the results

Further Information:Further information is available at the VCGR website at www.vcgr.vic.gov.au. Or by phoning (03) 9651 3630 or by emailing Minor.Gaming@vcgr.vic.gov.au

Glen Howard

Fundraising Directory

(c) Direct Digital 2007

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This article is from the Fundraising Resources website, a product of  The Fundraising Directory, your A-Z guide to Fundraising Products and Services in Australia to assist with school fundraising, and club and charity fundraising.

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