Raffle License
Raffle License
O.C.G.A §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 nonprofit tax-exempt organization is located. Fundraising raffles are considered games of chance and are tightly regulated by the State of Georgia. The Sheriff is charged with enforcing Georgia’s Raffle laws.
Operating a raffle without a license or failing to meet the requirements of the 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 O.C.G.A. §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.
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?
The requirements to obtain a raffle license are as follows:
- A completed application submitted 45-days in advance of any event.
- 24 months minimum qualification for tax-exempt organization
- Determination letters certifying your tax-exemption status provided from the Internal Revenue Service and the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Lease or rental agreement provided where the raffle is being conducted if leased or rented
- Application that are returned to the requestor, must be returned to the HCSO within 5-days from the date it was returned for corrections
Raffle permits expires at midnight on 31 December following the granting of the license.
Raffle License Request Form
Where do I Send the Application?
The raffle license application can be submitted through the following means:
- Emailed to dnawrocki@co.henry.ga.us
- Faxed to (770) 288-7119 (Please include your telephone number to be notified that your permit is ready)
- Written correspondence or in-person at:
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Raffle License
120 Henry Pkwy
McDonough, GA 30253
For Additional Assistance
If you have further questions contact Donna Nawrocki at dnawrocki@co.henry.ga.us or (770) 288-7124.
Hours of Operations
Civil Services Office is open to the public from 8am-4pm, excluding holidays.