Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Raffles

They are illegal. There is an exception for private nonprofit corporations that have been in existence at least one year. See Penal Code section 319 for the definition of a lottery (which includes a raffle), Section 320 for the penalty (it is a misdemeanor; up to six months jail time, a $1,000 fine, or both) and Section 320.5 for the nonprofit exception. There are other provisions and restrictions; read the entire law if you are thinking of relying upon the exception.