Casino Fundraiser in Delaware
Delaware Casino Fundraiser Services – Updated Policy
Effective August 2022, we no longer hold a charitable fundraiser license in Delaware.
This change was made due to two primary regulatory challenges in the state:
– Limited game options: Delaware restricts casino fundraisers to poker and blackjack only—craps and roulette are prohibited for charitable events
– Uneven enforcement: The state has inconsistently enforced regulations, allowing unlicensed operators to provide services at reduced rates.
Philly Casino Parties continues to help Delaware nonprofits host engaging casino-themed fundraisers through alternative fundraising models that keep casino entertainment separate from donations and prizes.
Explore the models below to find an approach that fits your organization’s needs.
Planning a Compliant Fundraiser
Our Delaware fundraising events keep casino play complimentary and separate from all fundraising activities:
No charges or required donations to play
No chip sales, re-buys, or paid table entry
No cash value for casino chips
No prizes or raffle tickets awarded based on casino results
No extra chips or gaming advantages for larger donations
Raise funds through sponsorships, auctions, mission appeals, and other separate activities while guests enjoy casino games purely for entertainment.
Maximizing Fundraising Through Sponsorships
The most effective fundraising approach leverages corporate and private sponsorships. Our casino entertainment creates an ideal sponsorship platform.
Key Benefits:
– Proven success rate: 80% of successful casino fundraisers generate revenue primarily through sponsorships rather than chip sales
– Multiple sponsorship opportunities: Each gaming table offers individual sponsorship packages with prominent name recognition
– Event naming rights: Sponsors can secure naming rights for the entire casino function
– Professional presentation: High-quality casino entertainment attracts premium sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
– Individual gaming table sponsorships
– Overall event naming rights
– Corporate logo placement and recognition
– Premium networking opportunities for sponsors
This sponsorship-focused model often generates more sustainable funding than traditional chip-based fundraising while providing an engaging entertainment experience for your guests.
Legal Alternative Casino Fundraising Models for Delaware Nonprofits
These approaches separate casino entertainment from fundraising. Organizations should confirm their event structure and any permit requirements with the Delaware Board of Charitable Gaming or their attorney before advertising or selling tickets.
Ticketed gala with complimentary casino entertainment
The organization sells admission to a broader fundraising event that includes food, entertainment, networking, music, auctions, or a program presentation. Casino play is complimentary and available without buying chips or making an additional donation.
Guests could receive identical play chips at no charge. The chips should have:
- No cash value
- No redemption value
- No connection to prizes
- No ability to purchase additional chips
- No advantage based on admission level or donation amount
Important: Do not advertise the admission ticket as purchasing casino chips or a chance to win. Delaware defines charitable gaming as a chance-dominant game where consideration is paid and a prize may be won. Read Delaware’s charitable gaming definition.
Casino entertainment plus a separate silent or live auction
The casino tables create activity while the actual fundraising comes from:
- Silent-auction bidding
- Live-auction items
- Experiences
- Vacation packages
- Restaurant packages
- Donated professional services
- “Fund-a-need” appeals
Casino results should not determine auction eligibility, bidding credits, prizes, or discounts.
Organizations can solicit donated auction items in addition to sponsors.
Casino entertainment plus a separate raffle
The nonprofit could conduct a conventional raffle that is entirely separate from casino play. Everyone buys ordinary raffle tickets directly from the nonprofit; casino chips and winnings do not produce raffle tickets.
Delaware generally requires a raffle permit when a raffle ticket price exceeds $5 for a single drawing, exceeds $15 for a series of drawings occurring on a periodic schedule, or the total retail cash value of prizes is $5,000 or more. Lower-value raffles may qualify for the permit exception, but the organization must still satisfy Delaware’s eligibility requirements. Review Delaware’s raffle permit requirements.
Fund-a-need or paddle-raise casino night
The casino is entertainment, but the fundraising occurs during a scheduled program break:
- $250 sponsors one program participant
- $500 purchases equipment
- $1,000 supports a specific organizational need
- Guests raise paddles or pledge through mobile giving
Donations receive public recognition, but not extra chips, better odds, prize eligibility, or casino advantages.
This could be marketed as a Casino Night and Mission Appeal.
Corporate-hosted casino reception
A company or lead sponsor underwrites the entire event. Guests attend without paying to play, and the sponsor makes a fixed donation to the nonprofit.
Possible packages include:
- Presenting sponsor
- Reception sponsor
- Mission sponsor
- Photography sponsor
- Food and beverage sponsor
- Individual table sponsors
- Dealer sponsors
- Entertainment sponsor
- Matching-gift sponsor
What to avoid
- Selling chips directly
- Calling a donation a “chip package”
- Giving more chips to higher-level donors
- Converting chip winnings into raffle tickets
- Awarding prizes based on casino results
- Including chips as part of a paid admission package
- Charging a re-buy or table-entry fee
- Giving donors better odds or extra chances
- Requiring a donation to enter the casino area
- Using “suggested donations” that are effectively mandatory
- Calling an event entertainment-only while promoting winners and prizes
Additional Fundraising Information
SHOULD YOU STILL NEED INFORMATION FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION..
State Regulations fall under Board of Charitable Gaming. Volunteer fire companies, veterans organizations, religious or charitable organizations, and fraternal societies that have been in existence a minimum of two years may apply for a charitable gaming permit. For an application for a permit go online to the state’s website at https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/gaming/charitable_event/