Northern Territory raffle rules, permits & prize tips

Running a fundraiser in the NT? This guide covers when you need a minor or major lottery permit, who can run raffles, ticket and draw rules, prize restrictions (including liquor), required winner publications, refunds, record-keeping and application timings. Sources are the NT Government (Licensing NT), the Gaming Control (Community Gaming) Regulations 2006, and current NT policy pages reviewed in 2024–25. Always confirm the latest details with Licensing NT before you launch. Make sure to check out the free RaffleRaise Compliance Checker to confirm your requirements, then launch your raffle online in minutes—payments, ticketing, T&Cs, draw tools, and winner notifications built-in.

At-a-glance rules (NT)

• Who can run a raffle
  • You must be an approved association under the Gaming Control Act 1993. Approval is separate from being an incorporated association. An authorised person must be appointed to run your lotteries/raffles.
• Permit thresholds (based on total ticket/entry value)
  • ≤ $5,000: treated as a raffle—no permit required.
  • $5,001–$20,000: minor lottery permit required.
  • > $20,000: major lottery permit required.
• Application timing (for minor/major permits)
  • Apply no earlier than 3 months before the lottery start and no later than 14 days before start. Typical processing time ~10 days.
• Ticket sales window
  • You can sell tickets for a maximum of 3 months.
• Prize pool ratio
  • The total value of prizes must be at least one-third of the total ticket/entry value (i.e., prizes ≥ 33.33% of gross).
• Prohibited / restricted prizes
  • Liquor must not be a principal prize.
  • No firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives or tobacco products as prizes.
  • If prizes have restrictions (e.g., travel), show “Conditions Apply” on tickets and promotions.
• Advertising & ticket info
  • Publicity must not be misleading and should display the permit number (for permitted lotteries) and key rules/conditions where possible. Tickets must include required terms and conditions and accurate prize descriptions.
• Draw conduct
  • The draw must take place on the date specified in your raffle terms.
  • For minor and major lotteries, at least two approved office bearers (e.g. President, Treasurer, Secretary, or committee member) must be present to oversee the draw.
• Winner publication
  • Publish the names of major prize winners (≥ $1,000) in a local newspaper within 14 days of the draw.
• Refunds & cancellations
  • If any sold ticket is not included in the draw, you must refund within 60 days; any unrefunded money must be paid to the Director for the Community Benefit Fund.
• Record-keeping
  • Keep all tickets (sold and unsold) for 12 months.
  • After the draw, lodge a financial statement within 2 months, and retain financial records for 2 years (minor) or 7 years (major).
• No commissions or personal benefits
  • No payment, fee, commission, remuneration or any other benefit may be provided to any person or organisation in relation to organising or conducting the lottery/raffle. (This is stricter than some other states—seek Licensing NT guidance before engaging third-party paid services.)
    
    

Step-by-step: running your NT raffle

1) Confirm you’re eligible

• Apply (once) to become an approved association and nominate an authorised person responsible for lotteries. Approval can apply even if you’re not incorporated; submit your constitution and governance details.

2) Map your prize pool and permit need

• Add up total ticket/entry value (not just prize value).
• ≤ $5,000: no permit. $5,001–$20,000: minor lottery permit. > $20,000: major lottery permit.

3) Plan compliant prizes

• Ensure prizes ≥ 1/3 of total ticket value.
• Don’t use liquor as a principal prize; never offer weapons, ammunition, explosives or tobacco.
• If a prize has conditions (e.g., blackouts on travel), show “Conditions Apply” wherever you promote the raffle and on tickets.

4) Design your tickets & sales page

• Include permit number (if applicable), clear rules/conditions, prize descriptions/values, draw date/time/place, and any restrictions.
• RaffleRaise automatically displays these details on your digital tickets and live raffle page.

5) Set your ticketing timeline

• Ticket sales can run for up to 3 months.
• Plan a realistic end date that lets you draw on time and publish winner names within 14 days if any prize is ≥ $1,000.

6) Apply for permit (if needed)

• Submit the minor/major lottery permit form no earlier than 3 months and no later than 14 days before your start date. Typical processing is ~10 days. Attach copies of tickets and promotions.

7) Check your vendor/fees approach

• The NT prohibits any commission/fee/benefit to a person or organisation in relation to organising or conducting the raffle. If you plan to use any third-party services (including online platforms or paid promoters), get written advice from Licensing NT on a compliant setup so proceeds, banking and any costs are handled within the rules.

8) Run responsible promotions

• Don’t mislead; include your permit number on publicity where possible; make your rules and draw method clear. If a prize has conditions, include “Conditions Apply”.

9) Conduct the draw

• Draw on the specified date; ensure two approved office bearers are present (minor/major).
• Keep all prizes until collected or dealt with as allowed by the regulations.

10) After the draw: publish, bank, report, store

• Publish winner names (prizes ≥ $1,000) in a local newspaper within 14 days.
• Bank proceeds as soon as possible.
• File your financial statement within 2 months, including evidence of prizes awarded and receipts.
• Keep tickets (sold/unsold) 12 months; keep financial records 2 years (minor) / 7 years (major).
• If any sold ticket wasn’t included in the draw, refund within 60 days (or pay unrefunded amounts to the Director for the Community Benefit Fund).
  
  

Ready to run your NT raffle?

Use the free RaffleRaise Compliance Checker to confirm your requirements, then launch your raffle online in minutes—payments, ticketing, T&Cs, draw tools, and winner notifications built-in.

Version 1.0

Updated 1 September 2025