Raffle & Bazaar Permits

Who Can Apply?

Only a veterans organization, church or religious organization, fraternal or fraternal benefit society, educational or charitable organization, civic or service club, or other club or organization operated exclusively for nonprofit purposes may hold a raffle.

The organization must be a 501(c)(3), a registered non-profit organization or charity with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO) and active for at least two years.

See if your organization is registered with the AGO.

Before conducting a raffle, the organization must obtain a raffle/bazaar permit from the City Clerk where the raffle is going to be held.

Application Process:

Please complete the online form found Here

Once application has been reviewed, fee of $10.00, cash or check payable to the City of Watertown (Credit and/or Debit also accepted in person) is required to complete the process and have permit issued.

If the organization had previously filed for a Raffle Permit, an Annual Report must be filed with the City Clerk's office before the new Raffle Permit can be issued. 

First-time applicants must submit the following:

  • A statement of organization or bylaws.
  • Non-Profit STP-5 Form

The City Clerk and Watertown Police Chief will determine eligibility and qualification. Once a result is determined, the applicant may print the permit. Raffle Permit must be issued before the first event can be held.

One year after it is issued, within 30 days of the permit's expiration, the organization must file two (2) copies of the annual financial report with the City Clerk certified by the same officers on the application and the accountant. The Annual Report is part of the renewal process online. The City Clerk retains one copy and submits the other to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Safety.

What is Required on the Annual Report

  • Number of raffles held;
  • Amount of money received;
  • Expenses;
  • Winners of prizes worth over $250;
  • Net proceeds; and
  • Use of the funds.

The Lottery Commission:

Once a Raffle Permit is issued, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission will send information and forms directly to the organization about tax requirements.

Within 10 days of the raffle, the organization must file a report and pay 5% tax on the gross proceeds to the Lottery Commission. This is an excise tax on wagering and applies to all groups. Non-profit status does not exempt you from this tax. Interest and penalties may be assessed on late returns.

These forms are not official until they are signed and certified in the Clerk's Office. Other required forms are available at the Clerk's Office. Cost is $10. The permit will expire one year from date of issuance.

Applications

  • One copy remains in City Clerk's Office
  • The clerk's office mails one copy to the state

Annual Reports

  • One copy remains in City Clerk's Office
  • The clerk's office mails one copy to the state