9 Raffle Games to Help You Raise More Money

Why Raffle Games Work

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:

• Lower the barrier to entry: people participate even with small amounts
• Trigger excitement through chance and prizes
• Boost event revenue while being easy to run
• Often qualify as games of chance under charitable gaming laws

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.

1. 50/50 Raffle (Classic)

How It Works

Participants buy tickets, and the pot is split 50% to the winner and 50% to the nonprofit.

Why it works

Simple, quick, and high participation rate.

Best for

Community events, sports fundraisers, festivals.

Pro tip

Use digital tickets to reduce admin time and boost total sales.

2. Reverse Raffle

How It Works

Instead of picking a winner right away, tickets are drawn and eliminated until the last ticket remains. That final ticket wins the grand prize.

Why it works

Keeps guests engaged for the entire event.

Best for

Galas, live auctions, high-energy events.

Bonus

Offer smaller consolation prizes for earlier eliminations to keep excitement high.

3. Basket Raffle

How It Works

Multiple baskets (or packages) are displayed with their own raffle boxes. Participants buy tickets and place them in the baskets they want to win.

Why it works

Increases average ticket purchases because people target what they want.

Best for

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).

4. Heads or Tails Raffle

How It Works

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.

Why it works

Simple, interactive, and quick.

Best for

Live events with large crowds.

Pro tip

It works well as an add-on fundraiser during a gala dinner or auction.

5. Online Raffle

How It Works

Tickets are sold online with automatic number assignment and random drawing via software. This allows participation from supporters anywhere.

Why it works

Expands reach beyond the event itself.

Best for

Virtual or hybrid fundraising campaigns.

CharityAuctions includes built-in online raffle and ticketing tools.

6. Prize Pull Raffle (Envelope or Balloon Game)

How It Works

Participants pay to pick an envelope, balloon, or mystery number. Each hides a prize, some big, some small.

Why it works

Instant gratification plus gamification.

Best for

School fundraisers, casual community events.

Tip

Mix high-value prizes with low-cost ones to keep profit margins strong.

7. Wine Pull / Mystery Bag Raffle

How It Works

Participants pay a fixed price to pick a wrapped wine bottle or mystery bag. Some are high-end, some are everyday items.

Why it works

Creates excitement without complicated logistics.

Best for

Adult-focused events, galas, tastings.

Pair with sponsorships from local wineries or restaurants to reduce costs.

8. Golden Ticket Raffle

How It Works

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).

Why it works

High revenue potential with limited admin.

Best for

Major events, high-value donor audiences.

Keep ticket counts low (e.g., 100) to increase exclusivity and urgency.

9. Multi-Winner Raffle (Tiered Prizes)

How It Works

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.

Why it works

Increases perceived value and total ticket sales.

Best for

Medium to large fundraisers with several donated prizes.

How to Choose the Right Raffle Game

Legal Considerations

Every state has its own charitable gaming and raffle laws. Before launching your raffle, check:

• State and local regulations
• Permit or licensing requirements
• Prize reporting rules

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.

Tips to Maximize Raffle Revenue

• Sell tickets in advance (online + offline)
• Offer bundle pricing (e.g., $5 each or 5 for $20)
• Use mobile ticketing to reduce friction
• Announce winners live or via livestream to build hype
• Partner with local businesses for prize donations
• Combine raffles with silent auctions for bigger results

See charity auction promotion for a full promotion calendar you can adapt for raffle promotion.

Glossary of Raffle Terms

• 50/50 Raffle: Prize split between winner and nonprofit
• Reverse Raffle: Elimination raffle with a final winner
• Prize Pull: Participants draw mystery prizes for a set price
• Golden Ticket: Limited-entry high-stakes raffle
• Basket Raffle: Multiple prize baskets with separate drawings

Final Thoughts: Raffles That Raise More

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.

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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.