Because fundraising raffles are considered games of chance, they are tightly regulated by the State of Georgia. The Sheriff's Office is charged with enforcing Georgia's Raffle laws.
Georgia law §16-12-22.1 requires any entity performing a raffle to obtain a license from the Sheriff’s Office of the county in which the raffle is to be located.
Who can obtain a raffle license?
The only organizations permitted to operate a raffle are tax-exempt churches, schools, civic organizations or other related support groups; nonprofit organizations qualified under §501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; or bona fide nonprofit organizations approved by the Sheriff.
What are the requirements?
- Must complete and submit application.
- Tax-exempt organization must have been in existence for a minimum of 24 months.
- Determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service and the Georgia Department of Revenue certifying applicant is a tax-exempt entity must be provided.
- If location where the raffle is conducted is leased or rented, a copy of the lease or rental agreement must be provided
What are the fees?
Due to the current economic downturn, the Sheriff of Henry County has waived the $100 annual fee.
Where do I send the application?
Send completed applications to:
Henry County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Raffle License
120 Henry Pkwy.
McDonough, GA 30223
Directions
Or FAX completed application attention to: 770-288-7119 (You MUST include your telephone number to be notified that your permit is ready)
If you have further questions, please contact Donna Nawrocki at 770-288-7124.
All raffle permits expire at midnight on December 31 following the granting of the license.
Operating a raffle without a 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 Code §16-12-22. Conviction is considered a felony and may be punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five years and/or a fine not to exceed $20,000. Any person violating the permit/operational requirements may be found guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor. A second conviction of such an act would be considered a felony and subject to imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than five and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000.