No License, No Raffle: Gaming Commission Reminds Public

Anyone who wants to run a raffle in Belize must first get a licence or a letter of authorisation from the Gaming and Lotteries Commission. Running a raffle without one is an offence.

The Commission says no person may promote or conduct a lottery or raffle, defined as any scheme for distributing prizes by lot or chance, without the licence or authorisation. The requirement comes from the Gaming and Lotteries Control Act No. 3 of 2026 and the Lotteries Control Regulations, Chapter 151 of the Laws of Belize.

The notice says the requirement applies to raffles where the prizes add up to a value of at least $500. Anyone planning one must apply in writing to the Commission, addressed to its Chairperson.

Every raffle the Commission sanctions is given a reference number. The notice says that number must be shown on all tickets and in any advertising for the raffle.

The Commission has posted on its website the names of applicants who have been approved for a raffle licence and are authorised to host raffles.

The notice warns that any violation of the Act or its regulations is an offence. Violators may be liable on summary conviction in a court of law. It does not say what the penalty is.