From the Reference Desk...

Holding raffles is a popular way for nonprofit clubs and organizations to make money. Unfortunately in Kansas there is a little snag - because they are a form of unauthorized gambling, raffles are actually illegal.

Gambling, in the form of "lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets" was made "forever illegal" by the Constitution of the state of Kansas in 1861. Despite the "forever" part, since 1975 the government and people of Kansas have steadily chipped away at the categorical gambling prohibition via constitutional amendments.

In the Kansas Constitution, "Lotteries" fall under "Article 15, Section 3", with the currently-existing gambling-related amendments under Sections 3a, 3b, and 3c. In 2014 the state legislature proposed an amendment to make raffles a legal form of fundraising in Kansas. The actual text of the the proposed raffle amendment and an explanatory summary are provided at the links below.

Voters will have the chance to approve the measure in November.


Text of Proposed Raffle Amendment (SCR 1618)

Summary of Legislation

Kansas Constitution - Article Fifteen: Miscellaneous

Kansas Constitution