Raffle Question...

[Akasha]

I've been toying with the idea of holding a raffle / fund raiser for a while now. And with Wrath of the Lich King's release just around the corner, thought it would be fun to hold a raffle and give those away as prizes.

From doing a bit of googling however, I'm unsure if I might be breaking any laws by doing so. Does anyone know if I am able to hold a raffle like this without getting in trouble?

[Theleb]

I know nothing.

[Akasha]

That makes two of us...

[snackereen]

Where are the lawyers when you need them ??

I would assume, that there is a maximum "value" of "gifts" you can give away without any hassle, but that might differ from country to country. But you better ask a lawyer if you find one...

[Malboro]

Probably easiest way would be to award a number to everyone that donates some money to the site, between the date X and Y, and then you would give a present to "someone". Not calling it a raffle but working in the same way.

people giving money to the site and you giving a present to a site member. But then again, im not a lawyer.

[Aldgit]

Have been involved at edge of some of these for mail order companies etc. but not detail.

The issue lies with "fund raiser" as unless you wish to comply with the legisaltion of anywhere people may be partaking in the raffle I believe it has to be based on the requirement that absolutely no purchase of any type is required to participate.

Example from Texas I think:

"Therefore, to have a legal activity/fundraiser, your group must not require that a person make a donation or contribution to your cause in order to participate. That is, all contributions must be strictly voluntary.

In order to assist organizations interested in fund raising activities of this nature to comply with the law, we suggest that any promotional materials, tickets, signs, or advertisements should bear a statement similar to the following:

"There is no fee or charge to participate in this (raffle/casino night). Participation is free. You are under no obligation to make a contribution and you may not be barred from participation if you choose not to make a contribution." "

Even only allowing members to participate could be illegal if membership required a fee.

[Pernicious]

Yeah, thats a tricky one alright. Have no clue either. It might only go by the laws of your country as you'd be the organizer of it. But as people from other countries could be playing, its quite likely they'd be bound by their own country laws as well for participating. So... errm... yeah dunno.

[Nimpimpy]

Originally Posted by Malboro

Probably easiest way would be to award a number to everyone that donates some money to the site, between the date X and Y, and then you would give a present to "someone". Not calling it a raffle but working in the same way.

people giving money to the site and you giving a present to a site member. But then again, im not a lawyer.

Unfortunatly a lawyers favourite phrase is 'Substance over form'

This means that even if you label something as a 'present' if its not then it would be treated as what it actually is in essence.

[RiiZ]

I'm an attorney. i will look into it after i get off work tonight if there isn't a solid answer to the tread by then.

[Darksumone]

I love the Idea of a raffle/fundraiser So many people will do that, Hopefully legaly but if not then im sure our minions from the netherworld can help us devise a plan a little more mischevous.