Legal Question in Business Law in California

Raffle legalities

I need to know the rules of running lotteries, raffles, etc. Can people run contests where people pay to enter the contest and win a prize (in this case a computer valued at approximately $1500 or less)for profit? I am interested in running such a contest on my website offering computers that I build, but I want to make sure I do everything completely legal. Do I have to apply for any licenses, etc?


Asked on 7/28/03, 4:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Raffle legalities

You need to read California Penal Code sections 319 and 320.5 as well as the in-between and following sections. Essentially what you'll see is that certain charities can conduct raffles but otherwise it's pretty much illegal.

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Answered on 7/28/03, 4:42 pm


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