Raffle Permits

Massachusetts law prohibits most forms of gambling, but permits raffles to be conducted by certain non-profit organizations (MGL, Chapter 271, Section 7A). A nonprofit organization which can show it’s been operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for two years and has a charitable or civic purpose may apply for a raffle permit.

 Qualifications of Organization

1. Type of Organization: Veteran’s organization, Church or religious organization, Fraternal organization, Educational or charitable organization (including Public School Departments, parent-teacher organizations), Civic or service organizations

2. Organized and actively functioning as a nonprofit organization in Bellingham

3, Two years or more in existence

 An applicant must fill out an Application and a Notice of Issuance for the Charitable Gaming/MA State Lottery (green form available in the office). Three officers or members must sign the raffle application. Please note there is a $10 filing fee.

 Once the application has been filed and the fee paid, the application is forwarded to the Chief of Police for approval. If the Chief approves the permit, the Town Clerk then issues a certificate to the organization that must be held on-site in full view of the public on the day of the event. The certificate is valid for one year. Thirty days after the permit expires, the organization must file two copies of the Annual Report certified by three members responsible for the event and an accountant. The Town Clerk will provide this form to the organization and will send one completed copy to the Commissioner for Public Safety.