Raffle Law and Guidelines
Georgia law §16-12-22.1 requires any entity performing a raffle to obtain a permit from the Sheriff’s Office of the county in which it is located. The only entities permitted to operate a raffle are nonprofit, tax-exempt churches, schools, civic organizations, or related support groups; nonprofit organizations qualified under §501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; or bona fide nonprofit organizations approved by the sheriff.
To apply for a Raffle License:
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Bonding Administration
185 Central Avenue, S.W., 9th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Requirements
Operating a raffle without the license or failing to meet the requirements of statute is a violation of Georgia Law and subject to prosecution. Operating without a license is committing the offense of commercial gambling as defined by Georgia Law §16-12-22. Any person participating in the operation of a raffle without a valid license similarly commits the offense and is subject to prosecution.
Operating without a license is considered a felony and upon conviction may be punished by incarceration of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years, or a fine not to exceed $20,000.00, or both.
Any person violating the operational requirements as provided by the statute may be found guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor. A second conviction of such act would be considered a felony and subject to confinement of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years, or a fine not to exceed $10,000.00, or both.
Obtaining a Permit
You will need to complete the raffle application form and gather the required information. The information may be mailed to the contact information provided on this page.