100 Club Rules in Australia: What Your Club Needs to Know

The 100 club is a staple of Australian community fundraising, but like any draw-based activity, there are rules you need to follow. The good news is that for most clubs and organisations, a properly structured 100 club is straightforward to run within the rules. Here's what you need to know.

What is a 100 Club?

A 100 club is a recurring number draw where participants each hold a number (typically 1 to 100) and pay a regular fee — usually monthly. At each draw, one number is selected at random and the holder wins a portion of the funds raised, with the rest going to the organising club or group.

The format has been popular in Australian sporting clubs, RSLs, and community organisations for decades. It's simple, social, and generates reliable ongoing income.

Are 100 Clubs Legal in Australia?

Yes — but with conditions. Whether your 100 club requires a permit depends on several factors:

• Your state or territory. Each state has its own gambling and lottery legislation.
• Your organisation type. Registered not-for-profit organisations and incorporated associations often have access to exemptions that unregistered groups do not.
• How the prize money is funded. Member subscriptions that include a draw component are often treated differently from public ticket sales.
• The total prize value. Many states have low-value exemptions below which no permit is required.

Because the rules differ significantly between states, it's important to check the requirements that apply to you. Our raffle compliance guide covers every state and territory in plain language.

Common 100 Club Rules to Follow

Regardless of your state, the following principles apply to running a well-governed 100 club:

Keep clear records. Document who holds each number, what they've paid, and the result of every draw. Good records protect your organisation if questions arise later.

Run a genuine random draw. The draw must be genuinely random. Using numbered balls drawn from a container, a random number generator, or a reputable platform are all accepted approaches. The draw should be witnessed or recorded.

Pay winners promptly. Prompt payment builds trust and keeps participants engaged for the long term.

Be transparent about the split. Participants should know upfront how much of each month's takings goes to the prize and how much goes to the club. The standard split is 50/50, but whatever you choose, make it clear from the start.

Don't sell numbers to the general public without checking your state's rules. Opening a 100 club to non-members or the broader public can change how it's classified under your state's gaming legislation.

State-by-State Overview

Here's a brief summary of how different states approach draw-based fundraisers:

• NSW: The Office of Responsible Gambling administers Art Union permits. Low-value draws may be exempt. Member draws within incorporated clubs are often treated differently from public lotteries.
• VIC: The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) oversees community and charitable gaming. Incorporated associations have access to specific permit categories.
• QLD: The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation administers charity gaming permits. Ongoing draws like a monthly 100 club typically require a permit.
• SA: Consumer and Business Services SA administers lottery and draw approvals. The rules for member clubs differ from those for public-facing fundraisers.
• WA, TAS, ACT, NT: Each territory has its own regime. Check with your state authority before launching.

For full detail on each state, see our raffle compliance guide.

Practical Tips for Staying Compliant

1. Register your organisation as an incorporated association if you haven't already. This is a common requirement for exemptions and permits across most states.
2. Apply for a permit early if one is required in your state — processing times vary.
3. Keep a draw register recording the date, draw result, and winner for every draw you run.
4. Issue receipts to participants, especially if your state requires it.
5. Talk to your state sporting body — many have guidance or template documentation for member clubs running 100 clubs.

Running Your 100 Club Online

Moving your 100 club online makes compliance easier in several ways. A digital platform provides automatic records of every payment, a clear audit trail, and a transparent draw process — all things that help you demonstrate compliance if you ever need to.

Lucky Squares Australia is designed for exactly this type of fundraiser. You can set up your grid, share it with your community, collect payments securely, and run your draw — all in one place.

Get started today and take the admin headache out of your next 100 club.