Raffles

Understanding the difference between a drawing and a raffle is crucial for clubs. CWI has obtained a Charitable Gaming License from the Idaho Lottery Commission, which specifically allows clubs to host raffles. It is vital to work with Student Engagement to ensure all state laws and college policies are followed. 

  • A "drawing" typically refers to an event where participants receive a free entry for a chance to win a prize, and no purchase is required to enter. These generally do not fall under charitable gaming regulations. 
  • A "raffle," on the other hand, involves selling chances to win a prize, making it a form of lottery that requires specific licensing and adherence to regulations. This is why CWI's Charitable Gaming License is so important. 

Specific information must be reported to the Idaho Lottery Commission during the yearly renewal process. It is the responsibility of the club advisor, president, and treasurer to ensure tickets sold equal the amount of money deposited.

Per Idaho Lottery Commission Law: 

  • If you are raffling any donated items, a Contribution Acknowledgment Form must be completed for each donation.
  • You must keep track of number of tickets sold and number of unsold raffle tickets returned. These must match and be recorded, along with the price the tickets were sold for (e.g., $1 each or 6 for $5).
  • You must get the name and address of each winner.
  • At the end of a raffle, you must return the following to Student Engagement:
    • Raffle report information including:
      • Date of drawing
      • Location
      • Number of tickets sold
      • Cost per ticket
      • Total raffle sales
      • Total cost incurred by club to acquire prizes to be raffled
      • Total expenses
      • Amount donated to charity (if applicable)
      • Name and address of each winner, along with what prize they won. 
    • Contribution Acknowledgment Form for each donation.
      • Before raffle, each donated item must be approved with the Contribution Acknowledgment form.

Not following these guidelines will result in your clubs active status being reviewed in addition to other possible sanctions. Please contact Student Engagement with any questions.