AUGUSTA – A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to allow non-profits to hold online raffles was unanimously enacted in the Senate on Monday.  The bill — LD 671, “An Act To Allow the Sale of Raffle Tickets Online” — would allow Maine residents over the age of 18 to purchase online raffle tickets. 

“There are so many non-profit and charitable organizations in our state that depend on fundraising events to keep their operation running. Whether it’s local snowmobile clubs, fire departments or veterans organizations — all have depended on in-person fundraisers to stay afloat and continue serving our communities,” said President Jackson. “As we strive to emerge from the pandemic, this proposal provides another tool to help Maine’s non-profits thrive and succeed.”

President Jackson introduced this legislation after the cancelation of a number of in-person fundraising events in Aroostook County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Maine law requires the sale of raffle tickets be in-person to prevent the sale of raffle tickets to minors or individuals out-of-state. 

The amended bill allows for the online sale of raffle tickets to eligible Maine residents over 18 years of age and prohibits the use of credit cards to purchase tickets. The online raffle would  be conducted by a licensed Internet raffle organization using a mobile application or electronic platform certified by the Gambling Control Unit or an approved independent testing laboratory.

“With many nonprofit organizations having to adapt or find creative ways to raise funds in place of in-person events, I’m glad our committee could come up with a measured solution that expands fundraising options for these organizations,” said Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, Chair of the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.

LD 671 will be placed on the appropriations table for consideration.

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