Town of Dunstable, MA

Nonprofit organizations in existence for more than two years, that are either veterans' organizations chartered by Congress; church or religious organizations; fraternal or fraternal benefit societies; educational or charitable organizations; civic or service club organizations; or a club or organization operated exclusively for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofit purposes, where no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any member or shareholder, may apply to the Town Clerk to conduct a raffle or a bazaar. Such organization shall have been organized and actively functioning as a nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth for a period of not less than two years before it may apply for a permit. First-time applicants must submit a statement of organization or bylaws. The filing fee is $10.00. All raffle permits must be approved by the Chief of Police.

Any organization conducting a raffle or bazaar in the Commonwealth must pay a 5% tax on the gross proceeds. This is an excise tax on wagering and must be paid by all organizations. Holders of raffle permits are entitled to conduct an unlimited amount of raffles during the period the permit is valid (one year from the date of issuance).

The law governing Raffles and Bazaars is Chapter 271, 7A of the Massachusetts General Laws.