50/50 raffles are similar to other raffles, except that half of the amount raised with ticket sales during these raffles goes to the nonprofit, and the other half goes to the raffle winner. It is an easy way for nonprofits to raise funds during fundraising events and on their own.
Use of the term "raffle" is acceptable when tickets are randomly distributed and there is no financial donation connected with the allocation of tickets. For events such as a Night, the term "drawing" must be used instead of the term "raffle".
Rule 506. (1) All raffle tickets, except those used for in-house raffles, shall contain at a minimum the following information printed in a clear and legible manner: (a) The name of the licensee. (b) The license number. (c) The word "raffle." (d) The date, time, and location of the drawing.
Silent Auctions - do not require a license because they are not games of chance.
Most drawings require a license. If your organization would like to hold a raffle, a 50-50 drawing, or a drawing for a door prize, each of these events requires a raffle license.” See State of Michigan Lottery Charitable Gaming —,00.
In the United States, the laws regulating raffles and raffle ticket sales are administered by state and county governments. For the states in which nonprofit raffles are legal, charitable organizations must obtain a raffle permit or raffle license.
If your organization would like to hold a raffle, a 50-50 drawing, or a drawing for a door prize, each of these events requires a raffle license.” See State of Michigan Lottery Charitable Gaming —,00. html (you can download the Raffle Guide and Raffle FAQs from there).