I'm not sure that you CAN'T do it, so much as it is really frowned upon. I will tell you that in our city, there are more churches than fast food restaurants and the church considers it gambling. I have never tryed it as a straight out raffle, but our Computer Club did run a 50/50 drawing ($1 a ticket or 6 for $5)and no one lifted so much as an eyebrow. I usually have 4-7 door prizes to give away at meetings (prizes that range from a $10 grocery gift certificate to a $175 3-day/2-night stay at a nearby casino. I don't see much difference. One way to get around it, if it is determined to be gambling, is for the company who is donating the raffle item to actually do the raffle. Whatever the case, be sure to advertise, advertise, advertise. Get the local TV station in on it, get the local cable company to put it on it's AD channel and get all the radio stations involved.
Good Luck

The best place to start is your state dept of tax, which Oklahoma has a really great and easy to navigate state website. I found this link in about 2 seconds, i think its just about all you need
www.oktax.state.ok.us/rule23.html#1

i'm sure they have an 800 # to call if you have any questions.

Hi, I am the new fundraiser coor. for our school here in Oklahoma. I thought for a fall funraiser we would do a large raffle, but I was told that they think raffles are not allowed because it is concidered gambling by the state. Does anyone know where I go to find out for sure (I don't even know where to start). Or does anyone have any idea of how to get around this some how. I know this could bring in good money (like the auction idea just less work) I just don't understand why this wouldn't be allowed. You can email me too if you want.
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Thank you, Laura [img]smile.gif[/img]