Can I run a tombola at a club event in Switzerland?
Yes — but usually with a cantonal permit. Under the Gambling Act (BGS), small lotteries and tombolas are allowed if they take place at an entertainment event, the prizes consist only of goods (no cash) and sale, draw and prize-giving are tied to the event; the total stakes may not exceed CHF 50,000. They need a cantonal permit or notification. Canton of Zürich example (illustrative): a permit is needed when the stakes exceed CHF 20,000; the application must be filed at least 30 days before the event, at least 50% of the revenue must go to prizes, and the purpose must be charitable. A purely private tombola often falls outside the regime. In short: yes, with a permit/notification, goods prizes and a charitable purpose.
📋 The rules
- Small lottery/tombola: at an entertainment event
- Prizes only of goods, no cash
- Total stakes ≤ CHF 50,000
- Cantonal permit/notification needed
- Zürich: permit from CHF 20,000 in stakes
🔓 Exceptions
- Purely private event: often outside the regime
- Zürich: apply ≥30 days ahead, ≥50% of revenue to prizes
- Higher stake tiers: additional GESPA permit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Running a permit-requiring tombola without a permit, giving cash prizes or exceeding the stake limits breaches gambling law and risks fines and confiscation of the proceeds. Beware a myth: "at a club event I can freely run a tombola with cash prizes" is false — prizes may only consist of goods, and depending on the stakes a permit is needed. Tip: check your canton's threshold, file the application in good time (at least 30 days ahead in Zürich), give only goods prizes, and use the proceeds for a charitable purpose.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I run a tombola at a club event?
Yes, but usually with a cantonal permit. A tombola counts as a small lottery and is allowed if it takes place at an entertainment event, the prizes consist only of goods and the total stakes don't exceed CHF 50,000. Depending on the stakes you need a permit or notification.
Can I raffle cash prizes?
No. In a small lottery or tombola the prizes may only consist of goods, not cash. This is a central condition for it being allowed without a casino concession. Giving cash as a prize leaves the scope of the permitted small lottery and breaches gambling law.
From what point do I need a permit?
It depends on the canton. In the canton of Zürich a permit is needed when the stakes exceed CHF 20,000. Below that, a notification often suffices or the tombola is exempt from the permit. The application must be filed at least 30 days before the event in Zürich.
What conditions apply in Zürich?
In the canton of Zürich at least 50 percent of the revenue must go to the prizes, and the purpose of the lottery must be charitable. The application must be filed at least 30 days before the event, and for annual lotteries by the end of September the previous year. Higher stakes need a GESPA permit too.
Does this apply to a private tombola?
A purely private tombola in a small circle often falls outside the small-lottery regime. But as soon as the tombola takes place publicly at an event and tickets are sold, the rules apply. If in doubt, clarify in advance with the cantonal office whether a permit or notification is needed.
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