Door Prizes & Giveaways vs. Raffles
While Georgia law allows certain 501(c)(3) non-profits to operate raffles, Stonewall Sports Atlanta (SSA) chooses not to navigate the complex county licensing and legal hurdles required to run paid games of chance. Teams and coordinators hosting events in connection with SSA are strictly prohibited from conducting raffles.
You are fully encouraged to offer Door Prizes and Free Giveaways, provided they strictly comply with Georgia law:
- 100% Free Entry: Registration for giveaways must be kept completely separate from any exchange of money. You cannot require someone to buy a ticket, make a donation, or purchase a giveaway entry.
- Open to the Public: Any member of the public must be allowed to enter the giveaway, regardless of whether they have spent money at the event.
- Separation from Paid Activities: You are welcome to raise funds through event admission, wristbands, or wristband-based activities (e.g., a "Beer Bust"), but buying a wristband or ticket cannot include a giveaway entry or increase a person's odds of winning.
- Age Restrictions: You may enforce age requirements on giveaway entries if the prize itself is age-restricted (e.g., alcohol gifts require participants to be 21+).
How to structure legally: Set up a clearly marked "Free Giveaway Entry" table or form where anyone can sign up without buying anything. Keep your donation jars, event wristband sales, and skill-based entry fees completely separate.
Disclaimer: This policy is provided for organizational guidance and does not constitute formal legal advice.