New Jersey § 5:8-51
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 5:8-51, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5:8-51.
a. It shall be lawful for the governing body of any municipality, at any time after
this act shall become operative within such municipality and except when prohibited
by this act, to license bona fide organizations or associations of veterans of any
war in which the United States has been engaged, churches or religious congregations
and religious organizations, charitable, educational and fraternal organizations,
civic and service clubs, senior citizen associations and clubs, officially recognized
volunteer fire companies, and officially recognized volunteer first aid or rescue
squads, to hold and operate the specific kind of game or games of chance commonly
known as a raffle or raffles played by drawing for prizes or the allotment of prizes
by chance, by the selling of shares or tickets or rights to participate in such game
or games and by conducting the game or games accordingly, when the entire net proceeds
of such games of chance are to be devoted to educational, charitable, patriotic, religious
or public-spirited uses, and in the case of organizations or associations of veterans,
and senior citizen associations and clubs to the support of these organizations, and
for any such organization or association, church, congregation, society, club, company
or squad, when so licensed or without any license when and as hereinafter prescribed,
to hold, operate and conduct such game of chance pursuant to this act and such license,
in such municipality and to sell shares or tickets or rights to participate in such
game or games of chance therein and in any other municipality which shall have adopted
this act and under such conditions and regulations for the supervision and conduct
thereof as shall be prescribed by rules and regulations duly adopted from time to
time by the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, hereinafter designated as
the control commission, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, but only
when the entire net proceeds thereof are devoted to the uses aforesaid and for any
person or persons to participate in and play such games of chance conducted under
any such license. b. The control commission may adopt regulations authorizing licensees to hold events
known as: “ armchair races ” at which wagers are placed on the outcome of previously-filmed horse races and wagerers
do not know the results in advance, when the prize awarded consists of merchandise
or raffle tickets only, and not cash; and “ casino nights ” at which players use chips or script purchased from the licensee to wager in games
of chance known as blackjack, under/over, beat-the-dealer, chuck-a-luck, craps, roulette,
bingo or similar games approved by the commission, when the chips or script are redeemable
for merchandise or raffle tickets only, and not for cash. The regulations shall establish the frequency with which these events may be held,
the rules of the games, the specific type and value of prizes which may be offered,
the qualifications of the individuals conducting the games and other requirements
which the commission may deem pertinent. c. No license shall be required for the holding, operating or conducting of a raffle
for a door prize of merchandise of the total retail value of $200.00 or less, or a higher amount as established by regulation of the control commission, for which no extra charge is made at an assemblage , if the proceeds of such assemblage are devoted to the uses described in this section.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 5:8-51
What does New Jersey Statutes § 5:8-51 cover?
Section 5:8-51 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 5:8-51?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 5:8-51" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 5:8-51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.