How to Run a Legal Raffle in South Australia

Running a raffle in South Australia? The threshold here is lower than most other states, so pay attention to the numbers. Here's what you need to know.

Do you need a permit?

South Australia has the lowest mainland threshold at $2,000 in total prize value.

Under $2,000 — no permit required. This still covers a typical pub raffle or small community draw, but you'll hit the limit faster than in NSW or Victoria.

$2,000 or over — you need a lottery licence from Consumer and Business Services SA. This is non-negotiable. Running an unlicensed lottery in SA carries penalties.

Where to apply

Consumer and Business Services SA (CBS) is the licensing authority. Apply through their website at cbs.sa.gov.au. The application process requires details about your organisation, the raffle structure, prize details, and intended use of proceeds.

As with other states, you need to be a nonprofit, community organisation, or charitable body. Commercial businesses can't hold lottery licences.

What the law says

South Australian raffles are governed by the Lottery and Gaming Act 1936. One of the oldest gaming laws in the country, and still the one you're operating under.

The Act is strict on record-keeping. You need to account for every ticket sold, every dollar raised, and every dollar spent. Proceeds must go to the stated purpose. If your organisation is audited, you need to be able to show the paper trail.

Common scenarios

A bowling club running a weekly raffle with $100 in prizes? No permit. Well under the $2,000 threshold.

A charity running a spring carnival raffle with $3,000 in prizes? Lottery licence required from CBS. Apply before you print the tickets.

A community group running a movie night with a door prize worth $500? No permit needed. But still keep records.

What to display

Display your organisation name, the purpose of the raffle, draw date, prize details, ticket price, and your lottery licence number if you have one.

The legal citation for South Australian raffles references the Lottery and Gaming Act 1936.

How Drawdrop handles this

Set your state to SA and the $2,000 threshold kicks in automatically. Drawdrop includes the correct legal citation on your draw page. Prize values over $2,000 trigger the compliance checklist with a direct link to CBS.

Store your lottery licence number, upload the document, and track the expiry date — all in your venue settings.