Essential Guide to Legally Organizing a Gambling Fundraiser

Charity gambling events are an engaging way to gather support and donations for causes you care about. However, successfully arranging such fundraisers involves navigating complex legal requirements and thorough planning. This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage to help ensure your gambling fundraiser is both profitable and fully compliant with the law.

Identify Your Cause and Define Objectives

Before you start planning details, clarify which organization or cause your event will benefit. Knowing exactly what you’re fundraising for will keep your efforts focused and your motivation strong throughout the planning process. Think carefully about:

• Whether to support a local, national, or international cause
• What will inspire your target attendees to participate and contribute
• How your chosen charity or cause aligns with your community or interests

Ensure Legal Compliance at Every Step

Legal compliance is non-negotiable when hosting a gambling fundraiser. Gambling and charitable gaming laws vary by region, and ignoring these requirements can result in heavy penalties. Take time early on to:

• Research state, county, or country-specific regulations regarding charitable gaming
• Determine which licenses (for gambling, alcohol, or both) are needed
• Check age limits for participants and event workers
• Understand rules about cash handling, prize values, and if proceeds need to be held in a separate account
• Know how quickly funds must be transferred to the charity after the event
• Find out if and how taxes apply to winnings, prizes, or organizational revenue
• See if staff or volunteers require background checks
• Keep accurate records as required
• Consider additional concerns, such as copyright on event music

Contact Relevant Legal Authorities

Begin with an online search of your state’s charitable gaming and fundraising requirements. Follow up by reaching out directly to local agencies responsible for licensing and gaming compliance. Be thorough—often, more than one body must be consulted depending on the type of gambling activities offered.

Helpful Legal Resources

• The National Council of Nonprofits offers a guide to games of chance and legal status by state.
• To locate state nonprofit associations, see this directory.
• For information on the IRS and nonprofit gambling, visit this overview.
• Event organizers in the UK should review the government’s legal fundraising guidance.

Verify Your Charity’s Eligibility

After choosing your beneficiary and understanding applicable laws, confirm that your selected charity qualifies for fundraising via gambling events under state and federal regulations. This ensures funds are received and managed appropriately and clarifies whether donations are tax exempt. When in doubt, seek advice from a legal or nonprofit professional experienced in gaming compliance.

Understand Alcohol Regulations

Alcohol service adds another layer of regulation. Factors that may require special permits or licenses include:

• State laws governing alcohol provision at charity events
• Whether your venue is already licensed to sell alcohol, or if you need an additional permit
• Requirements around bartenders and servers (training, permits)
• Rules around free bars, selling drinks, exchanging chips for beverages, or bundling alcohol with tickets
• Use of alcoholic drinks as prizes or part of auctions
• Obligations to notify control boards or authorities if rewarding alcohol as a prize

Include sufficient time for licensing applications—processing can be lengthy. Also, consider if the presence of alcohol suits your event, especially if your cause relates to addiction recovery.

Know the Rules Surrounding Prizes

Giving away prizes, whether through raffles, casino tables, or auctions, involves separate regulations. Make sure you know:

• If there’s a cap on prize values in your state
• Whether particular items are prohibited as prizes

Each type of gaming—raffle, auction, poker, lottery—may trigger different rules based on local law.

Determine and Announce Your Fundraising Goal

Setting a clear, attainable fundraising target helps you plan logistics, pricing, and motivates both your team and attendees. Work with your beneficiary to decide on a financial goal that covers their most immediate needs. Sharing this goal with guests—such as displaying a donation tracker—can encourage greater giving throughout the event.

Map Out Your Revenue Streams

A successful gambling fundraiser blends entertainment and opportunities for giving. Consider these ways to maximize contributions:

• Ticket sales for entry or special areas
• Accepting donations at entry or during the event
• Offering extra chips or tickets in exchange for donations
• Selling food and drinks, or adding specialty vendors
• Hosting additional events (auctions, bingos, raffles) inside the main event
• Offering reserved tables or premium experiences to businesses or groups
• Securing event sponsorships

Design Your Event Experience

Next, plan the atmosphere, games, and schedule. Key decisions include:

• The length and flow of your event
• Which games to include (casino tables, poker tournaments, bingo, etc.)
• Whether to integrate live or silent auctions, competitions, or prize drawings
• If a theme—such as a black tie gala, speakeasy, or vintage casino—would draw a bigger crowd and enhance the guest experience
• Food and drink arrangements, and whether to feature live entertainment

Typical games for these events include craps, blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. If you’re hosting such games, it’s important volunteers and staff know the rules thoroughly. Use reliable sources to brush up on gameplay and ensure your event runs smoothly.

Recruit Volunteers and Support Staff

Fundraisers require dedicated helpers who share your enthusiasm for the cause. While certain roles—such as licensed bartenders, dealers, or security—may require vetted professionals, volunteers are essential for tasks like setup, guest registration, marketing, and logistics. Look for people with:

• Event planning, admin, or tech expertise
• Graphic design skills for promotional material creation
• Experience managing social media or public relations

Tap into your network; schools, churches, and community groups often supply eager volunteers.

Estimate and Manage Event Expenses

Budgeting is key to maximizing net donations. Make a comprehensive list of anticipated costs and be ready for unexpected expenses. Account for items such as:

• Professional staffing (dealers, entertainment, cleanup crew, security, legal advisors)
• Venue rental and insurance
• Marketing and promotional items (posters, social ads)
• Printing event tickets and invitations
• Catering, food, and drinks for staff and guests
• Permits, licenses, and insurance for gambling, alcohol, and entertainment
• Equipment and decor rentals
• Gaming supplies (tables, chips, raffle and bingo equipment)
• Staff uniforms and secure storage for fundraising cash

Always plan for a surplus so you’re never caught short in any area—nothing dampens spirits like running out of refreshments or games to play.

Seek Sponsorships and Prize Contributions

Approaching local businesses or national brands for sponsorship can enhance both the profile and profitability of your event. Offer promotional opportunities—like branded gaming tables or inclusion in event materials—in exchange for financial support or donated prizes. Popular auction and raffle prizes include:

• Vacation packages
• Hotel overnights
• Spa and wellness treatments
• Concert or theater tickets
• Sports memorabilia and event tickets
• Restaurant dinners and culinary experiences
• Artwork, collectibles, and designer goods

Don’t be shy—most people and organizations are happy to help when asked!

Create an Effective Marketing Plan

Building buzz is vital to ensuring a packed venue and generous donations. Combine traditional and digital outreach:

• Word of mouth through your personal and organizational networks
• Active social media campaigns
• Press releases and features in newsletters
• Local print ads in newspapers and magazines
• Radio promotions and bulletin boards
• Flyers, posters, and event banners

If you know public figures or influential supporters, invite them to speak about or attend your event. And always check local/state laws regarding marketing for gambling-related fundraisers to stay in compliance.

Implement a Ticket Sales Strategy

How you sell tickets can make a significant difference to turnout. Before you go live, decide:

• Whether tickets are paid in full up front, or if you’ll allow deposits/reservations
• If you’ll sell remaining tickets at the door
• How you’ll handle both online and person-to-person ticket sales (e.g., via volunteers)

Offering multiple purchase options makes your event more accessible and maximizes pre-event revenue.

Celebrate and Enjoy Your Event

With all your planning complete, take a moment to appreciate your efforts and the positive impact your event will create. Remember to have fun, engage with your guests, and showcase the cause that brought everyone together. Your hard work is making a real difference!