08/28/2026
**FYI** Please share with your Post Officers,
Please share this information with your Post, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and Riders.
Auxiliary units usually get their own permits, but many events are still held on Legion property. Sons and Riders usually get their permits through the Post, so they also need to know these rules.
Liquor License Reminder
The new Legion year and the new ABC year have started.
All liquor licenses renew every year on July 1. By now, your Post liquor license should already be renewed.
If your Post has new officers, and those officers are supposed to be listed on the liquor license, you must update the license. This is done by submitting the 12-page application to your city, township, or borough.
You must also update the license if you changed or added things such as:
Jukebox provider
ATM provider
NJ Lottery machine
Other listed machines or vendors
A copy of the 12-page license application must be kept at the licensed premises.
Also check your E-141 employee form. If your new officers are not listed, that form may need to be updated too.
Games of Chance Reminder
Any raffle or game of chance needs a permit. This includes:
Raffles
50/50s
Duck races
Casino nights
Similar fundraising games
For 50/50s, remember this important rule:
You cannot pay out more than 50% of the money collected from ticket sales.
If there is more than one winner, list prizes by percentage, not just dollar amount.
Example:
1st prize: 25% of ticket sales
2nd prize: 15% of ticket sales
3rd prize: 10% of ticket sales
Total payout must equal 50%.
You may also show a dollar amount if all tickets are sold, but the percentage must be listed next to it.
Advertising Rules
If you advertise a raffle or 50/50, the advertisement must include all required information, including:
Name of the licensed organization
Organization identification number
Raffle license number from the municipality
Date, time, and full street address where prizes will be awarded
Description of the prizes
Retail value of the prizes
Purpose of the raffle proceeds
Ticket price
Statement that no one under 18 may participate, if cash is a prize
Gambling help statement: “If gambling is a problem for you or someone in your family, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.”
Because there is so much required information, it may be better not to advertise the 50/50 on an event flyer.
For example, if you are holding a BBQ and also having a 50/50, people are attending the BBQ. The flyer does not have to mention the 50/50. This avoids having to fit all the required raffle information on the flyer.
Important Warning
Games of Chance officials have reportedly been visiting Posts after seeing advertisements, not just after complaints.
So make sure you have the proper permits before holding or advertising any raffle, 50/50, duck race, casino night, or similar event.
Questions
If you have questions, contact:
Brian Hagal
ABC/Games of Chance Chair
