Pennsylvania Raffle Laws (2026): Are Online and 50/50 Raffles Legal for Nonprofits?

Pennsylvania has some of the most established charitable gaming laws in the country. Nonprofits, veterans organizations, booster clubs, fire companies, civic organizations, and many community groups have been using raffles and small games of chance to support their missions for decades. But while raffle fundraising is common in Pennsylvania, the rules are not always simple.

Organizations frequently ask:

Are raffles legal in Pennsylvania?
Are online raffles legal?
Can booster clubs run raffles?
Are 50/50 raffles allowed?
Does my nonprofit need a license?

This guide explains how Pennsylvania raffle laws work in 2026 and what organizations should know before launching a fundraising campaign.

Are Raffles Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes.

Pennsylvania permits qualified organizations to conduct raffles under the state's Small Games of Chance Act. Eligible organizations may conduct raffles when they comply with licensing, reporting, prize limitations, and operational requirements established by Pennsylvania law. Official Source:

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Small Games of Chance: https://www.revenue.pa.gov

For many nonprofits, raffles remain one of the most effective fundraising tools available because they combine community participation, donor engagement, and fundraising potential into a format supporters already understand.

Quick Pennsylvania Raffle Law Summary

Topic	Pennsylvania Rule
Are raffles legal?	Yes
Can nonprofits hold raffles?	Yes, if qualified
Are 50/50 raffles allowed?	Generally yes for qualified organizations
Is a license required?	Often yes
Can booster clubs hold raffles?	Potentially yes if eligible
Can PTAs and PTOs hold raffles?	Potentially yes if properly organized
Are school-affiliated organizations eligible?	Often, depending on structure
Regulating Authority	Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Are Online Raffles Legal in Pennsylvania?

This is where many organizations become confused. Pennsylvania clearly permits charitable raffles through qualified organizations. However, organizations should carefully evaluate current rules regarding internet sales, payment processing, advertising, and participation methods.

Many nonprofit leaders assume that because raffles are legal, every form of online raffle activity is automatically allowed. That is not always the case.

Technology evolves faster than charitable gaming regulations. Organizations considering digital fundraising should review current Pennsylvania guidance and ensure that fundraising activities comply with applicable requirements. The safest approach is always to operate transparently and within the framework established by state regulators.

Are 50/50 Raffles Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes.

Pennsylvania is one of the states where qualified organizations commonly conduct 50/50 raffles. The format is familiar to many supporters because it is simple to understand. A portion of proceeds supports the organization, while another portion is awarded to the winner. This creates a fundraising model that encourages participation while generating revenue for the nonprofit's mission. Organizations should still review current prize limitations, reporting obligations, and licensing requirements before conducting a 50/50 raffle.

Can Schools, PTAs, PTOs, and Booster Clubs Hold Raffles?

Many Pennsylvania school-support organizations explore raffles as part of their fundraising strategy. Potentially eligible organizations may include:

Organization Type	May Be Eligible
PTA	Yes, depending on structure
PTO	Yes, depending on structure
Athletic Booster Club	Often yes
Band Booster Organization	Often yes
School Foundation	Often yes
Youth Sports Nonprofit	Often yes
Educational Nonprofit	Often yes

Eligibility depends on the organization itself rather than the school it supports. This distinction matters. A booster club may qualify while a school itself operates under different rules. Organizations should verify their nonprofit status, licensing obligations, and local policies before launching fundraising activities. Learn more:

School Raffle Platform https://www.rafflegives.com/school-raffle-platform/

Why Pennsylvania Organizations Continue to Use Raffles

Raffles have remained popular because they solve a common fundraising challenge. Most organizations already have supporters who want to help but may not respond to traditional donation requests. A raffle creates participation. Instead of simply asking for money, organizations create an engaging fundraising experience tied directly to their mission. This is especially important for:

Youth sports programs
Fire companies
Veterans organizations
Community nonprofits
Educational organizations
School support groups

The simplicity of the format makes it easier to explain, promote, and share.

Why Digital Fundraising Is Becoming More Important

Supporters no longer engage with nonprofits the same way they did ten years ago. People communicate through:

Mobile devices
Social media
Email
Text messages

Fundraising strategies must adapt accordingly. Organizations that embrace digital-first fundraising often find it easier to reach alumni, former supporters, extended family members, and community advocates who may never attend an in-person event. This broader reach is one reason nonprofits across Pennsylvania are evaluating modern fundraising tools and online raffle platforms.

What Makes a Successful Pennsylvania Raffle?

The most successful raffle campaigns share three characteristics.

Compliance

Organizations understand and follow Pennsylvania law.

Transparency

Supporters understand where funds go and how winners are selected.

Participation

The campaign is easy to share and easy to support.

When these three elements work together, organizations create campaigns that generate both revenue and trust.

How RaffleGives Helps Nonprofits Modernize Fundraising

RaffleGives helps qualified organizations create digital-first fundraising experiences designed around participation, transparency, and community engagement. For Pennsylvania nonprofits, digital fundraising tools can help:

Benefit	Impact
Easier Sharing	Reach more supporters
Digital Participation	Improve convenience
Campaign Transparency	Increase trust
Mobile Access	Meet supporters where they are
Administrative Simplicity	Reduce volunteer workload

Organizations should always ensure any raffle fundraising activity complies with Pennsylvania law and applicable charitable gaming requirements.

Final Thoughts

Pennsylvania provides qualified nonprofit organizations with a well-established framework for raffle fundraising. Organizations that understand licensing requirements, follow compliance obligations, and embrace modern fundraising strategies can use raffles to generate meaningful support for their mission. As nonprofit fundraising continues evolving in 2026, the organizations that combine compliance, transparency, and digital engagement will be best positioned for long-term success.