Raffle and Bazaar Permits

Raffle & Bazaar Permit Application Form

Although Massachusetts General Laws prohibit most forms of gambling in the Commonwealth, an exception is made under Chapter 271, Section 7A for certain non-profit organizations that wish to raise funds through raffles and bazaars. (The term "bazaar" is used to refer to "casino night" type events.)

Qualifications of Organizations
Type of Organization:
  •  Veteran’s organization 
  • Church or religious organization 
  • Fraternal organization
  • Educational or charitable organization (including Public School Departments, parent-teacher organizations)
  • Civic or service organizations
  • Club organized and operated exclusively for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofit purposes
  • Active NONPROFIT organization in the Commonwealth of MA for two (2) years or more

Obtaining a Permit
Before conducting a raffle, M.G.L. c. 271, s. 7A requires the organization to obtain a raffle/bazaar permit from the City Clerk where the raffle is going to be held.

The permit Application & Notice of Issuance forms must include:
•   The name and address of organization
•   The evidence it relies on to qualify for a permit
•   The names of three officers or members who are responsible for the raffle
•   The purpose/ use to which the net proceeds will be applied

The process to obtain a permit is as follows:
•   Submit the following to the Town Clerk for review:
     •   Application
     •   Documentation of Eligibility
     •   Fee ($10)
     •   Annual Report from prior year (required for renewal permits only)
     •   Notice of Issuance of Raffle License for Mass State Lottery

• Complete Applications are then presented to Chief of Police for approval & signature
• Permits must be issued or denied within 30 days of application
• If endorsed by the Police Chief, the City Clerk will then issue the Permit as well as send a copy to the Commission of Public        Safety & the Lottery Commission.

Fees and Related Items

Organizations meeting the criteria outlined in the law may apply for a permit from the City Clerk where the raffle drawing or casino night will take place.  The permit application fee in Framingham is $10.  A permit will be issued only after approval of the application by the City Clerk and the Chief of Police. 

The permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance.  An unlimited number of raffles, but only 3 bazaars (casino nights) may be held within the duration of the permit.

Gross proceeds of raffles and bazaars are subject to a 5% Massachusetts excise tax on wagering. Procceds must be reported to the Lottery Commission and taxes paid within 10 days after each event. The Lottery Commission will send the apprpriate tax reporting forms to the sponsoring organization.  Additional forms can be obtained by calling the Lottery Commission at 781-849-5555.

Annual Report

At the end of the permit's validity, and before a renewal permit can be issued, an Annual Report must be filed with the City Clerk. The report must list all income and expenses associated with raffles and bazaars for the duration of the permit, as well as the names and addresses of participants who won prizes valued at $20 or more. The report must be signed by the members of the organization listed on the original permit application, as well as the organization's accountant. 

Regulations

Organizations holding raffle/bazaar permits are responsible for adhering to the regulations outlined in MGL, Chapter 271, Section 7A. There are additional regulations in 940 CMR 12 for raffles in which the value of prizes exceeds the $10,000 or in which the ticket exceeds the $10. Bazaars (casino nights) are also governed by 940 CMR 13. Questions about these regulations can be directed to the Lottery Commission at 781-849-5555.