Firearm Raffles

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

Where would a person find the laws regarding firearm raffles? Do they vary from state to state?

[molonlabetn]

In TN anyways, there is really no distinction regarding what you are raffling off, as long as the revenue is collected only for a 501©(3) charitable organization at a registered event: http://www.state.tn.us/sos/charity/gaming/index.htm

http://www.tn.gov/attorneygeneral/op/2003/OP/OP49.pdf

If a game of chance is held for profit in TN, criminal charges up to and including a class E felony (for $10,000 and above), are the likely result.

[Guest TNDixieGirl]

Thanks Eddie.

The scenario is, on another forum, which involves folks from all other states and different countries as well, they're talking about holding a firearm raffle. Upon looking up other states laws, I've found some that say you even need a gaming permit for a raffle because it's recognized as gambling. Couldn't something like that get the forum owner in huge trouble?

I asked here first because I know there was some legal flap over a raffle advertised once on this forum, but I didn't know the legal ramifications.

[Marswolf]

As Eddie says, the rules for a raffle in Tennessee are pretty limiting. Other states' laws may be more or less restrictive.

When you start doing an online raffle, you are in all probability involving yourself in interstate commerce and subject to Federal gaming law.

[molonlabetn]

Yeah, once one crosses state lines with something like that... repercussions due to state laws will be the least of their worries.