Competitions and Raffles
Art unions, raffles, bingo, lucky envelopes, calcutta sweeps and promotional games are regulated by the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999. Under the Act these different games are broken into category 1, 2, 3 and 4 games.
Category 1, 2 and 3 games
- may only be conducted by non profit associations.
- are categorised by the estimated gross proceeds (ticket sales). An association intending to sell more than $20,000 worth of tickets must apply for a Category 3 Gaming licence.
Category 4 promotional games
- are free entry draws conducted to promote goods or services. Any person may conduct a promotional game.
- are normally conducted by businesses to promote the sale of products.
- do not require a permit or licence to be conducted, however the person conducting the game must comply with legislative requirements detailed in the Guide for Category 4 Promotional Games.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Please find below a number of frequently asked questions pertaining to Charitable and Non-Profit gambling within Queensland. If your question is not covered please contact us.
Does my club require a licence or permit to conduct small raffles?
No. A club can conduct small raffles (art unions) up to $2,000 without any licence or permit. However, if the club is an "eligible association" it can conduct raffles up to $20,000 without any licence or permit. See Section 10 of the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999 for meaning of "eligible association".
Do we need a permit number on our raffle tickets?
Not for Category 1 ticket sales up to $2,000 or Category 2 games ticket sales up to $20,000. A licence number must be printed on all Category 3 games where the ticket sales are estimated to exceed $20,000.
Is there a limit on the number of tickets you can sell in a raffle?
The total value of prizes in any raffle must be at least 20% of the estimated gross proceeds (total ticket sales). In simple terms if the prize is valued at $20.00, the maximum permissible ticket sales is $100.00.
Can children play bingo?
Yes.
Is a permit required to conduct funny money or casino nights?
You cannot obtain a permit to conduct a Funny Money or Casino Night. This type of activity is an "unlawful game" under the Criminal Code Act 1899 if players risk a stake on the outcome. This includes players, at the conclusion of an event, using the chips or "funny money" to bid in an auction, or if the player with the highest number of chips receives a prize. However, if the method of playing or conducting such events is modified to remove the element of any player risking a stake on the outcome so that players play for entertainment only, then unlawful gaming will not occur.
The Criminal Code Act 1899 is enforced by the Queensland Police Service. If you are in any doubt of what constitutes an unlawful game, you should obtain independent legal advice before conducting a funny money or casino night.
Legislation and guidelines
A link to Guidelines relating to competitions and raffles.
Also, a link to the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel web site.
Please note the following legislation pertaining to competitions and raffles within Queensland.
- Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999
- Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Regulation 1999
- Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Rule 1999
Last reviewed 26 May 2010