Who can run a raffle
Eligibility to run a raffle in Australia — it comes down to being a genuine non-profit cause.
Across Australia, raffles are a fundraising tool for community and charitable causes — not a way for individuals or businesses to make a profit. So the first compliance question isn't about your prizes or your states; it's whether your organisation is eligible to run a raffle at all.
The common thread
Every state expects a raffle to be run by — or on behalf of — a genuine non-profit group or cause. The exact wording differs, but the spirit is the same: the money raised goes to the community purpose, not into someone's pocket.
Typical eligible purposes include:
- Charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic causes
- Community, social, or service groups
- Sporting and recreation clubs
- Schools, P&Cs, and educational bodies
- Religious organisations
- Arts, cultural, and scientific bodies
- Animal welfare and environmental causes
What the states tend to require
While the detail is state-specific (see State-by-state rules), the recurring requirements are:
- A non-profit structure. Many states want an incorporated non-profit, or an unincorporated group with a written constitution, a management committee, and a minimum number of members.
- Proceeds to the cause. Net proceeds must go to the approved purpose, not to members or a commercial operator.
- A responsible person. Someone over 18, involved in running the organisation, who takes responsibility for the raffle.
A few states also let an individual run a one-off raffle in special circumstances — for instance, Queensland allows a special licence for a raffle benefiting disaster victims or a disadvantaged person. These are narrow exceptions, not the norm.
Fundraising on behalf of a cause
If you're an individual or business wanting to raise money for a charity, you generally can't just run a raffle in your own name — the organisation needs to be the one running it. The right path is for the organisation to set up on RaffleLink and bring you on as an affiliate. See Fundraising for an organisation.
What about an ABN?
You don't necessarily need an ABN to run a raffle — what matters is being an eligible non-profit cause. Some states or permits ask for registered-entity details, which is where official details come in, but an ABN on its own isn't the test. See ABN and official details.
Eligibility verification is coming
We're adding a step to confirm an organisation's non-profit eligibility when you set up. Until then, it's on you to make sure your organisation genuinely qualifies under your state's rules before running a raffle — the regulator is the place to check if you're unsure.