Before conducting a raffle, M.G.L. c. 271, § 7A requires the organization to obtain a raffle/bazaar permit from the Town Clerk where the raffle is going to be held.

 The permit application must include:

• The name and address of organization.
• The evidence it relies on to qualify for a permit.
• The names of three officers or members who are responsible for the raffle.
• The uses to which the net proceeds will be applied.

The process to obtain a permit is as follows:

1. The permit application is submitted and reviewed by the Town Clerk.
2. It then goes to the Chief of Police who decides whether or not to endorse it.
3. If endorsed by the Police Chief, it is returned to the Clerk who issues the permit.
4. The Clerk issues a permit valid for one calendar year and sends a copy to the Commissioner of Public Safety and to the Lottery Commission.
5. The Lottery Commission sends a financial form for the organization to complete within 10 days after the raffle is completed.
6. If the application is not endorsed by the Chief of Police or not approved by the Clerk within 30 days of applying, the organization may seek judicial review in the District Court.