Question: Is it legal for the student body to hold a raffle to raise funds? Are there any restrictions?

Response: The Penal Code prohibits lottery, games of chance, and other forms of gambling. It also includes the definition of a raffle in that of a lottery. Penal Code section 326.5 provides that even bingo must be licensed to an adult group and student body organizations are prohibited from being involved in the activity.

However, there is some flexibility at the local level in allowing such activity.  Board policy should be reviewed and local law enforcement agencies should be contacted to determine  if such activities may be conducted.