So You Want to Be a Michigan Raffle Rolling Stone: How to Get Your License to Party (Legally)
Ah, the allure of the raffle! A chance to win big (or at least a toaster oven), all for a good cause (or your kid's soccer team's new uniforms... no judgement). But before you unleash your inner Willy Wonka and print a million tickets, there's a little hurdle to jump: the dreaded raffle license.
Fear not, fellow fundraiser! Getting a raffle license in Michigan is easier than escaping a bad karaoke rendition of "Sweet Caroline." Here's how to navigate the bureaucratic boogie and become a raffle renegade (with a permit, of course).
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| How To Get A Raffle License In Michigan |
Step 1: Are You a Raffle Rockstar?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Before you brush up on your air guitar solo for the big win announcement, there's a question to answer: is your organization even eligible? Only qualified organizations can get a raffle license. Think non-profits, veterans groups, schools, religious organizations - the do-gooder gang.
Not sure if your group qualifies? No worries, the Michigan Lottery and Gaming Control Board (don't let the fancy name scare you) has a handy dandy Qualification Requirements sheet. It's basically the backstage pass to raffle world. You can find it on their website (https://www.michigan.gov/cg/raffles), or give them a call at (517) 335-5780.
Step 2: Application Time! It's Not Rocket Surgery (But Maybe More Fun)
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
Alright, you've got the green light. Time to grab your metaphorical raffle ticket application form (available on the same website as the Qualification Requirements sheet, by the way). Filling it out is a breeze, like answering trivia questions at your local pub (except with less pressure and hopefully fewer embarrassing wrong answers).
Here's the gist of what you'll need:
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- Your Organization's Deets: Name, address, phone number - the whole nine yards.
- Raffle Rhapsody: Spill the beans on your raffle. What are the dates? Where's the big shindig happening? What fabulous prizes are you offering (think beyond the fruit basket, people!)
- The Moolah: Be upfront about how much moolah those prizes will cost. There's a fee involved, but hey, it's an investment in raffle dreams! The cost depends on how much bling you're giving away. For raffles with prizes totaling less than $500, it's a steal at $15 for up to three drawings. Feeling fancy? Raffles with unlimited prize value cost $50 per drawing date.
Step 3: Submit and Chill (Like a Raffle Winner on a Beach)
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Once you've filled out the application and gathered any required documents (don't worry, it's nothing crazy), mail it all in to the Michigan Lottery and Gaming Control Board. Then, take a deep breath and relax. The hard part's over!
The Board will review your application and let you know if you're good to go. If you get the thumbs up, you'll receive your official raffle license - your golden ticket to raffle glory!
Bonus Tip: Thinking of changing your raffle date? No problem, but be sure to notify the Board in writing.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
FAQ - Your Raffle License Mini-Guide
Alright, raffle rookies, here's a quick rundown of some common questions:
- How long does it take to get a raffle license? Typically, the Board will review your application within 10 business days.
- How many tickets can I sell? There's no limit on the number of tickets you can sell, but be sure you can sell them all before the drawing. Unclaimed tickets mean unhappy raffle-goers (and maybe some Board frowns).
- Can I sell raffle tickets online? Nope, online sales are a no-go in Michigan. Gotta keep it old school with paper tickets.
- What are the raffle record-keeping requirements? The Board wants to make sure everything is on the up and up, so you'll need to keep good records of your raffle finances.
- How do I know if my raffle idea is even legal? If you're unsure if your raffle concept flies, contact the Board. They're there to help, not rain on your fundraising parade (unless it's an illegal parade, of course).
So there you have it, folks! With a little know-how and this guide in your back pocket, you'll be a raffle rockstar in
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