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How to apply to host a raffle or bazaar

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If you are a nonprofit group and you want to host a raffle, a bazaar, or a Las Vegas Night to raise money, you have two options:

Step
1

Before you get started in person

The nonprofit holding the event needs to have been registered for the past two years with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.

You need to complete the Event Report Form attached to your application within one year of the event. We won’t renew a permit until you file the previous year’s report.

You need to arrange for a paid Boston police detail for your event. Contact a police department in your district.

Step
2

Prepare your application

Print out and complete the application. The application includes the Notice of Issuance of Raffle and/or Bazaar form.

We will need to see a current copy of your nonprofit’s Articles of Organization. You can find a copy at the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.

You must include a copy of the venue's Fire Assembly Permit with your application if there will be more than 25 people at your event.  Are you planning to hold a Las Vegas Night or a Texas Hold' Em event? You must also include the contract agreement with your application.

There is a $30 filing fee.  We take cash or a check made payable to the City of Boston.

Step
3

Go to Boston City Hall

Bring your completed application, documents, and payment to the City Clerk:

1 City Hall Square, Room 601

Boston, MA 02201-2014

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You can also visit the City Hall to Go truck (Drop-off only). Find out when the truck is in your neighborhoodIf you use City Hall to Go, your information is sent to the City Clerk. We will send a letter about your application within 10 business days.

Step
1

Before you get started by mail

The nonprofit holding the event needs to have been registered for the past two years with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.

You need to complete the Event Report Form attached to your application within one year of the event. We won’t renew a permit until you file the previous year’s report.

You need to arrange for a paid Boston police detail for your event. Contact a police department in your district.

Step
2

Prepare your application

Print out and complete the application. The application includes the Notice of Issuance of Raffle and/or Bazaar form.

We will need to see a current copy of your nonprofit’s Articles of Organization. You can find a copy at the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.

You must include a copy of the venue's Fire Assembly Permit with your application if there will be more than 25 people at your event.  Are you planning to hold a Las Vegas Night or a Texas Hold' Em event? You must also include the contract agreement with your application.

There is a $30 filing fee.  We take cash or a check made payable to the City of Boston.

Step
3

Mail us your info

Please send your completed application, documents, and payment to:

City Clerk's Office, Room 601

1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201-2014

We will send a notice about your application within 10 business days.

Keep in mind

If you have any questions about your application, please contact Dassie Bheecham at 617-635-4602.

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