NSW raffle rules, permits & prize tips

Thinking about running a raffle in New South Wales? This guide walks you through the key NSW raffle rules, including permits, fundraising percentages, prize limits, ticket requirements, the draw—and what changes once your total prize pool exceeds $30,000. We’ve reviewed this guide against current NSW Government guidance as of August 2026. As always, check the latest details before you launch. Make sure to check out the free RaffleRaise Compliance Checker to help identify your requirements, then launch your raffle online in minutes—payments, ticketing, T&Cs, draw tools, and winner notifications built-in.

At-a-glance rules (NSW)

• Raffles (“draw lotteries”) up to $30,000 total prizes
  • For or on behalf of a charity or non-profit only.
  • At least 40% of gross proceeds must go to the benefiting organisation. No authority (permit) required.
• Art unions (prizes over $30,000)
  • For or on behalf of a non-profit only.
  • At least 30% of gross proceeds must go to the beneficiary.
  • An authority from NSW Fair Trading is required (1, 3, or 5-year options).
• Progressive lotteries (e.g., 100 clubs, tipping comps)
  • If total prize value exceeds $30,000, you need an authority; max cash per prize $7,000.
• Prohibited & restricted prizes
  • No firearms/weapons, tobacco/vaping, certain medical/cosmetic procedures, and liquor is capped (≤20% alcohol: max 20 L; >20% alcohol: max 5 L).
• Ticket basics
  • Tickets should show the price, the conducting organisation, the benefiting organisation (if applicable), and the authority number (if applicable).
• Record-keeping & banking
  • Keep appropriate records. Art union operators must retain specified records for at least 7 years after the activity ends.
  • Deposit proceeds to an authorised deposit-taking institution within 2 business days of receipt.
    
    

Step-by-step: running your NSW raffle

1) Confirm you’re eligible

• Raffles and art unions must be conducted for or on behalf of a charity or non-profit. If you’re promoting a raffle for another organisation, get written authorisation from that beneficiary.

2) Decide if it’s a raffle or an art union

• If your total prize value is ≤ $30,000, you’re in raffle territory (no authority; 40% minimum to the cause).
  • If your total prize value is > $30,000, it’s an art union (authority required; 30% minimum to the cause).

3) Choose compliant prizes

• Avoid prohibited items and stay within the liquor limits if including alcohol. If offering property as a prize (art union), the operator must maintain and insure it until transfer.

4) Work out ticket pricing & your minimum return

• Raffle (≤ $30k prizes): Minimum 40% of gross proceeds must go to the beneficiary.
• Art union (> $30k prizes): Minimum 30% of gross proceeds to the beneficiary.
• Example: If you plan to sell $20,000 of tickets for a raffle, budget ≥ $8,000 to the cause, with the balance covering prizes and reasonable expenses.

5) Check if you need an authority

• Use NSW’s Community Gaming Check. If you’re an art union, you’ll apply for an authority; if it’s a raffle, you typically won’t need one.

6) Applying for an art union authority (if >$30,000 prizes)

• Authorities are available for 1, 3, or 5 years. 2026–27 fees are currently $527 (1y), $790 (3y), $1,053 (5y) (each includes a $395 non-refundable processing fee). Submit your application to CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
• If your activity requires an authority, you must also notify NSW Fair Trading at least 10 working days before the gaming activity begins by submitting your rules.

7) Write your rules & Terms

• Clearly state who can enter, how and when the draw occurs, how winners are notified, timeframes for unclaimed prizes, and any costs for claiming or taking possession of prizes. (For authority-required activities, unclaimed prize rules have default minimum timeframes.)
• Tip: RaffleRaise provides a ready-to-use rules template, so you don’t need to start from scratch. Every raffle on our platform automatically includes a ready-to-use Terms & Conditions template.

8) Prepare your tickets & sales page

• Include price, conducting organisation, benefiting organisation (if any), and authority number (if you have one). Make the full rules accessible (link from tickets/ads).

9) Promote responsibly

• Your ads and page should not depict children participating, promise certain wins, or imply guaranteed financial improvement. If an authority is required, display the authority number in advertising.

10) Run the draw & notify winners

• Winners must be determined and notified as per your published rules. For higher-value cash amounts (> $5,000) in art unions, EFT may be required if requested by the winner.
• Tip: The RaffleRaise platform automatically notifies winners via email, and you can publish results to your page in one click.

11) Bank the proceeds & keep records

• Deposit proceeds within 2 business days of receipt and keep good records. Where an authority is required, maintain specified records for 7 years after the activity ends.
  
  

Ready to run your NSW raffle?

Use the free RaffleRaise Compliance Checker to confirm your requirements, then launch your raffle online in minutes—payments, ticketing, T&Cs, draw tools, and winner notifications built-in.

Version 1.0

Updated August 2026