Raffles, drawings and prize games at Las Vegas shows
In Nevada, raffles and games of chance fall under gaming law, and most convention venues are attached to casinos with their own compliance teams. These rules come from 2026 and 2027 venue guides and the CES 2027 exhibitor manual. When in doubt, ask the venue and the Gaming Control Board before you print a single entry card.
Last checked Nov 6, 2026
What to know
- A raffle is gambling in Nevada
The Nevada Gaming Control Board regulates raffles and lotteries. Only qualified nonprofits (alumni, charitable, civic, educational, fraternal, patriotic, political, religious, state or local government, or veterans' groups) may lawfully hold one, and even they must apply at least 30 days ahead and get the Board's permission before holding it in a hotel.
ConfirmedFontainebleau Las Vegas BleauBook (September 2025)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Free booth drawings: no money involved
CES 2027 allows raffles inside your booth, but Nevada law prohibits them if money is involved, so don't charge for entries or sell tickets. Anyone planning a raffle, game of chance or slot machine in a booth should call the Gaming Control Board at 702-486-2000 first.
ConfirmedCES 2027 LVCC exhibitor manual: rules and regulations (Freeman)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Casino venues add their own approval
Convention centers attached to casinos screen these events too. At the Venetian Expo, any mock gaming, game of chance or prize awarded by chance needs the resort's Compliance Department approval, started at least 30 days before the event.
ConfirmedVenetian Expo: The Exhibitor Success Guide (February 2026)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Silent auctions count too
At MGM Grand, tell your convention services or event manager before planning any charitable event: silent auctions, raffles, bingo and gaming tournaments may need approval from the resort's compliance team under Nevada gaming rules.
ConfirmedMGM Grand events and convention services policies and procedures (MGM Resorts, V3.26)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Same rule at Mandalay Bay
Mandalay Bay's planning guide says the same: check with your convention services manager before confirming any charitable event, since silent auctions, raffles, bingo and gaming tournaments may need compliance approval first.
ConfirmedMandalay Bay meetings and convention planning guide (V4.26)Checked Nov 6, 2026
- Resorts World: any wager, any charity
Resorts World notes that the Gaming Control Board requires notice and approval for lotteries, raffles and gaming at charitable events with monetary wagers, and that nonprofits must apply at least 30 days in advance.
ConfirmedResorts World Las Vegas: conference and event planning guide (V5)Checked Nov 6, 2026