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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Special Permit License

Before you begin

You need a Small Games of Chance License before you can get a Special Permit License.

Service overview

Nonprofit organizations need to have licenses in order to hold small games of chance, such as raffles. You need a Special Permit License to hold small games of chance with an award or prize over $2000.

There are rules you must follow when using this license:

  • You must have a Small Games of Chance License.
  • You can’t award a total prize of over $150,000 in one raffle.
  • A location cannot use more than one licensed organization for a Special Permit License raffle in a calendar year.
  • Only 10 Special Permit Licenses can be issued to an organization in a calendar year. However, volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue organizations may get 12 per year.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.

Who

Nonprofit organizations can apply for this license.

Requirements

Application

Notarized PA Department of Revenue Small Games of Chance application

Other registrations

Must be registered with the Department of Revenue as any of the following:

  • Nonprofit organization.
  • Charitable organization.
  • Religious association.
  • Civic association.

Where and when

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

In person

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Cost

Fee
$25

How

You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.

Online

1
Upload all required documents.

L&I will review application in five business days.

2
L&I will forward the application to the District Attorney

The District Attorney must give approval. This takes about 30 days.

3
If approved, you will receive notice to pay balance.

If your application is not approved, L&I will send an email saying what is missing or required.

In person

1
Visit the Permit and License Center in the Concourse.

Your application will be reviewed by L&I.

2
L&I will forward application to DA's office.

The District Attorney must give approval. This takes about 30 days.

3
If approved, you will receive notice to pay balance.

If your application is not approved, L&I will send an email saying what is missing or required.

Renewal requirements

You cannot renew this license. You must apply for a new license each time you need one.


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