Raffle games boost fundraising by adding fun, competition, and anticipation. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. From 50/50 raffles to reverse raffles and prize pulls, the right format can increase revenue and engagement.
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According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. Events that combine raffles with silent auctions raise 30 to 40 percent more than standalone pledge events.
Raffles work because they:
Before hosting any raffle, make sure you comply with your state's charitable gaming laws. See the National Council of Nonprofits for state fundraising regulations. See US raffle laws by state for direct links to every state's official charitable gaming authority. For a full guide to planning, legal compliance, pricing, and running a raffle, see how to run a raffle fundraiser.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Participants buy tickets, and the pot is split 50% to the winner and 50% to the nonprofit.
Simple, quick, and high participation rate.
Community events, sports fundraisers, festivals.
Use digital tickets to reduce admin time and boost total sales.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Send me items I can list.
Instead of picking a winner right away, tickets are drawn and eliminated until the last ticket remains. That final ticket wins the grand prize.
Keeps guests engaged for the entire event.
Galas, live auctions, high-energy events.
Offer smaller consolation prizes for earlier eliminations to keep excitement high.
Short on time before the draw? Send me items I can list.
Multiple baskets (or packages) are displayed with their own raffle boxes. Participants buy tickets and place them in the baskets they want to win.
Increases average ticket purchases because people target what they want.
Silent auctions, school fundraisers, galas.
Pair this with themed baskets (wine, travel, spa, sports, gourmet) to maximize bids. Raffle game ideas has creative basket themes (spa, date night, game night, coffee lovers, and more).
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Guests buy into the game at the event. A coin is flipped and participants indicate "heads" or "tails." Those who guess wrong sit down. Play continues until one person remains.
Simple, interactive, and quick.
Live events with large crowds.
It works well as an add-on fundraiser during a gala dinner or auction.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Send me items I can list.
Tickets are sold online with automatic number assignment and random drawing via software. This allows participation from supporters anywhere.
Expands reach beyond the event itself.
Virtual or hybrid fundraising campaigns.
CharityAuctions includes built-in online raffle and ticketing tools.
Short on time before the draw? Send me items I can list.
Participants pay to pick an envelope, balloon, or mystery number. Each hides a prize, some big, some small.
Instant gratification plus gamification.
School fundraisers, casual community events.
Mix high-value prizes with low-cost ones to keep profit margins strong.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Participants pay a fixed price to pick a wrapped wine bottle or mystery bag. Some are high-end, some are everyday items.
Creates excitement without complicated logistics.
Adult-focused events, galas, tastings.
Pair with sponsorships from local wineries or restaurants to reduce costs.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Send me items I can list.
A limited number of premium-priced tickets are sold (e.g., $100 each). One golden ticket wins a top-tier prize (like a luxury vacation).
High revenue potential with limited admin.
Major events, high-value donor audiences.
Keep ticket counts low (e.g., 100) to increase exclusivity and urgency.
Short on time before the draw? Send me items I can list.
Multiple winners are drawn for a mix of grand, mid-tier, and small prizes. This structure encourages more people to participate because the odds of winning are higher.
Increases perceived value and total ticket sales.
Medium to large fundraisers with several donated prizes.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
| Raffle Type | Audience Size | Prize Type | Engagement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 Raffle | Small–Large | Cash | Medium |
| Reverse Raffle | Medium–Large | Grand prize | High |
| Basket Raffle | All sizes | Multiple themed | High |
| Heads or Tails | Large | Single prize | Very High |
| Online Raffle | Unlimited | Any | Medium |
| Prize Pull | Small–Medium | Mystery prizes | Medium |
| Wine Pull | Adult events | Wine/mystery | High |
| Golden Ticket | Smaller pool | High-value prize | High |
| Multi-Winner | All sizes | Mixed prizes | High |
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Send me items I can list.
Every state has its own charitable gaming and raffle laws. Before launching your raffle, check:
Reference: National Council of Nonprofits for state fundraising and gaming rules. See US raffle laws by state for direct links to every official state charitable gaming authority.
Short on time before the draw? Send me items I can list.
See charity auction promotion for a full promotion calendar you can adapt for raffle promotion.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Send me items I can list.
Raffles are more than side games. They are revenue multipliers. By picking the right format for your audience, pairing it with great prizes, and marketing effectively, you can double or triple your fundraising totals.
Layer raffles with auctions, donation appeals, or sponsorships for maximum impact.
How to run a raffle fundraiser covers planning, legal requirements, pricing, and execution. See silent auction software for a full platform overview. Create your auction to add raffles and ticketing to your next fundraiser.
This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. For raffle planning resources, see how to run a raffle fundraiser and US raffle laws by state. Questions? Talk to our team.
Short on time before the draw? Send me items I can list.
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You picked the raffle game. Now add 3–5 high-yield consignment prizes matched to your crowd. Free 30-minute session. Pay only if items sell.
Send me items I can list →50/50 raffles, basket raffles, reverse raffles, heads or tails, and wine pulls are among the most popular. Choose based on audience size, prize type, and event format. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007.
Raffle laws vary by state. Check your state's charitable gaming regulations, permit requirements, and prize reporting rules before launching. See the US raffle laws by state guide for direct links to each state's official charitable gaming authority.
Yes. Online raffles allow participation from supporters anywhere. Use platform tools for ticket sales, number assignment, and random drawings. CharityAuctions includes built-in online raffle and ticketing tools.
A 50/50 splits the pot between the winner and the nonprofit. A reverse raffle eliminates tickets one by one until the last ticket wins the grand prize.
Yes. Raffles and auctions work well together. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, events that combine raffles with silent auctions raise 30 to 40 percent more than standalone events. CharityAuctions includes built-in raffle and ticketing tools alongside auction functionality. More than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007.
