Colorado Under Par

Raffle and 50/50 Notice

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Last updated October 28, 2026

Colorado Under Par (CUP) offers tools that organizers may use to sell raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets or similar drawing entries. This notice explains, in general terms, what organizers need to know before using those tools. It is not legal advice. Laws and rules change, so confirm your obligations directly with the Colorado Secretary of State.

1. A license is generally required

1.1. Colorado generally treats raffles and 50/50 drawings as games of chance. In most cases, they may be conducted only under a bingo-raffle license issued by the Colorado Secretary of State.

1.2. A 50/50 drawing, where part of the ticket money goes to the winner, is generally treated as a raffle.

1.3. Some limited exceptions may exist. Do not assume your drawing qualifies for an exception. Confirm with the Secretary of State.

2. Only qualifying nonprofits may hold a license

2.1. In Colorado, generally only certain qualifying nonprofit organizations may obtain a bingo-raffle license. The Secretary of State sets the eligibility rules, which may include how long the organization has existed and what kind of organization it is.

2.2. Individuals, for-profit businesses and most informal groups generally cannot run a raffle or 50/50, even for a good cause.

2.3. If your event benefits a nonprofit, the raffle usually must be run by that licensed nonprofit under its own license and rules. It cannot simply be run by the event organizer for the nonprofit’s benefit.

3. Organizer responsibilities

3.1. If you use CUP tools for a raffle, 50/50 or drawing, you are responsible for:

  • holding any required license before you sell any tickets;
  • making sure the licensed organization is the one conducting the drawing;
  • following all rules that come with the license, such as rules on who may sell tickets, ticket pricing, prizes, use of proceeds, record-keeping and reporting;
  • confirming whether online or advance ticket sales are allowed for your drawing;
  • stating the rules, drawing date and prize details clearly to buyers; and
  • handling any tax reporting for prizes.

3.2. You confirm to CUP that you have met these requirements each time you turn on a raffle, 50/50 or drawing feature.

4. CUP’s role

4.1. CUP provides software tools only. CUP does not conduct, sponsor or supervise any raffle, 50/50 or drawing. CUP does not hold a raffle license.

4.2. CUP does not review whether you hold a license or follow the rules. CUP may ask for your license number and may disable these tools, or hide an event, if we believe a drawing is not compliant.

4.3. You will defend, indemnify and hold harmless CUP from claims, fines and costs arising from any raffle, 50/50 or drawing you run with CUP tools.

5. Other games and contests

5.1. Hole-in-one contests, putting contests, prize drawings with no purchase required, and other games may be treated differently from raffles. Some may still be regulated. Ask the Secretary of State or a lawyer before running one.

6. Where to confirm

6.1. Contact the Colorado Secretary of State, Bingo and Raffle program, before you plan any raffle or 50/50. Check its website for current licensing rules, forms and fees.

6.2. Questions about CUP’s tools: Colorado Under Par, PO Box 151159, Lakewood, Colorado 80215, or am@coloradounderpar.com.