I had the idea of doing a 50/50 raffle at every performance. I know I never have very much money and don't usually like to do raffles for baskets that I may not want everything in the basket. BUT if I have the chance to win half the pot of money I will throw in a dollar or two. Then our theatre would get the other half as a fundraiser. We could advertise what we are raising money for etc. I thought this would be a fun thing to do at every performance. So it would be something patrons come to expect when they come to a show. A chance to win a good amount of money. Do I have to get a gambling licence for something like this? If it is just the one raffle per night?   

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

You'll need to check with your state's tax laws as well as with the department of inspections and appeals.  Each state has their own laws about what information is required and what must be reported.