McHenry Times

Organizations that want to conduct a raffle in McHenry must now apply for a city license under a new ordinance regulating raffles recently approved by the McHenry City Council.

Nonprofit businesses and charitable, educational, fraternal, labor, religious or veterans organizations must be at least 5 years old to be eligible for a raffle license.

Raffle application packets are available at the administration counter at the Municipal Center. The application and the organization's articles of incorporation or charter must be submitted to the city administrator's office at least 14 days before ticket sales for the raffle begin. A bond or bond waiver request is also required. Within 10 days after the raffle is completed, the organization must file the raffle license audit form with the city administrator's office.

If the raffle license is denied, the organization can appeal to the mayor and City Council. The applicant must submit a written request for an appeal.

Additional regulations under the ordinance include reimbursement for raffle tickets if the raffle is canceled and raffle ticket prices cannot exceed $100 per chance. 

A raffle license will not be issued to convicted felons, professional gamblers or promoters or persons whose previous raffle license was revoked for cause.