Running a fundraiser in South Australia? Understanding the rules around raffles, lotteries, and Lucky Squares grids is essential. Whether you're organising a school fete or club event, getting compliance right protects your organisation and keeps your fundraising on track.
Here's what South Australian fundraising coordinators need to know.
What Are the Key Raffle and Lottery Rules in South Australia?
South Australia has clear regulations governing raffles and lottery-style fundraisers. These rules exist to protect participants and ensure fairness. The main legislation is the Gambling Regulation Act 2019 (SA).
Under SA law, raffles and lotteries are classified as gambling activities. This means they're subject to specific rules about how they're promoted, conducted, and drawn. The key requirements include:
Proper record keeping of all ticket sales and proceeds
Clear disclosure of odds and prize information
Fair and transparent draw processes
Proper use of funds raised
Lucky Squares grids operate within these same frameworks. When you run a Lucky Squares fundraiser in SA, you're running a lottery-style game, so these rules apply to your campaign.
Do You Need a Permit for Your South Australian Fundraiser?
Whether you need a permit depends on your organisation type and the fundraiser scale.
Most community organisations, including schools, sporting clubs, and registered charities, can run small raffles and Lucky Squares fundraisers without a permit. This is called an exemption. However, exemptions come with conditions:
Your organisation must be registered or recognised (schools, clubs, charities)
Proceeds must go directly to the organisation's charitable or community purpose
Tickets can only be sold to members or at the venue
The total value of prizes must be reasonable
If your fundraiser exceeds exemption limits or you're unsure whether your organisation qualifies, you'll need to apply for a permit from Consumer and Business Services SA (CBS SA).
Consumer and Business Services SA: Your Compliance Partner
Consumer and Business Services SA is the regulatory body overseeing gambling activities in the state. They administer permits, manage exemptions, and provide guidance on compliance.
You can contact CBS SA to:
Confirm whether your organisation qualifies for an exemption
Apply for a permit if needed
Get clarification on specific rules affecting your fundraiser
Report any concerns about gambling compliance
Their website has detailed fact sheets and application forms. It's worth visiting before you launch your campaign.
