Don’t let your fundraising activity be a game of chance

5 June 2026

Gambling regulators are warning people who ignore the law when running lotteries, raffles and sweepstakes not to gamble on avoiding detection.

It comes as a Department of Internal Affairs education campaign gets underway on understanding the different kinds of gambling classes.

“Many people run raffles, housie sessions, sweepstakes, or fundraising lotteries without realising that different rules apply to different classes of gambling. We want to support safe and legal community fundraising, minimise the risk of accidental non-compliance and remind those who are repeatedly not following the rules that it is an offence, punishable by law,” Ben Gamboni, Acting Director Gambling, at the Department of Internal Affairs says.

“The Gambling Act takes a risk-based approach to gambling, with gambling classes used to categorise activities based on risk, scale, and purpose. The higher the class, the higher the regulatory requirements and oversight. This is because, as the amount gambled increases, so does the risk of gambling harm and criminal activity.

“Social media-base lotteries and raffles, particularly on Facebook is an area where people aren’t getting the message. Many of these activities fall within Class 3 gambling, so they should have a license. The licence ensures appropriate oversight, transparency, and integrity in higher-value fundraising activities.

“We will not tolerate reoccurring behaviour and are working to identify and track repeat offenders for potential escalation. Individuals caught running a Facebook lottery without the required licence are liable to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to $20,000, if found guilty.

“On the other hand, with the 2026 World Cup approaching many fans will be pleased to know that football sweepstakes at work, like picking teams, is treated as a “private lottery” and is legal. This is as long as betting is within a closed group, it’s not advertised to the public, and the organiser doesn’t make a profit from it.

“The Gambling Act exists to ensure gambling is fair, well-run and responsible, and that any potential harm is minimised to keep our communities safe. If you are in doubt about how the classes work before running an activity, first add up the total value of all prizes, then calculate the turnover. Finally match your numbers to the class,” Ben Gamboni, Acting Director Gambling, at the Department of Internal Affairs says.

For more information on gambling regulation visit www.dia.govt.nz/Gambling

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Media contact:   
Media Desk   
Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua   
Mobile: +64 27 535 8639   
Email: media@dia.govt.nz