Legal Question in Business Law in Maryland
Our non profit is less than 1 year old and we want to do a raffle. We are in Maryland and I know that we don't qualify to do a raffle since our organization is young. We are a Youth Drama Club and we have an upcoming production and with every ticket purchased we want to give the ticket holder a chance to win some of the prizes that we have been given or purchased (Valued up to $270).
How can we offer our prizes, sell admission tickets, and give away the prizes thru a drawing but NOT call it a raffle?
1 Answer from Attorneys
In Maryland, non-profit charitable organizations enjoy exemptions from certain gambling laws and generally CAN do raffles. I am not aware of any restriction for "young" organizations or other fundraising prohibitions relevant to the age of your organization. The laws relevant to your question are contained in the Business Regulation Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. Note that the laws DO vary from county to county for gambling rules and that there are certain registration requirements for charitable organizations before soliciting contributions.
If you are a validly organized charitable organization, you should check the laws applicable to your county. While the above is not legal advice, I hope this general information helps your organization.
Related Questions & Answers
-
Greetings, I wanted to know if I started selling food that I got from a workout... Asked 4/05/10, 1:19 pm in United States Maryland Business Law
-
I recently (1/4/10) started a vending machine business and paid a fee to a location... Asked 4/05/10, 12:16 pm in United States Maryland Business Law
-
I invest $10000 for a small business that i used to work for. Now i am no longer... Asked 4/01/10, 11:12 am in United States Maryland Business Law
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
