Run a raffle fundraiser in seven steps. (1) Check state raffle laws and permits. (2) Set your goal and timeline. (3) Secure prizes. (4) Choose your format (50/50, basket, online, etc.). (5) Price tickets and offer bundles. (6) Promote and sell tickets. (7) Run the drawing, announce winners, and report. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, events that combine a raffle with a silent auction raise 30% to 40% more than standalone events. Raffle laws vary by state. Alabama, Hawaii, and Utah prohibit raffles. Consult your state's charitable gaming authority.
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Raffles work because they lower the barrier to participation. People can support your cause for a few dollars. The chance of winning creates excitement. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, events that combine a raffle with a silent auction raise 30% to 40% more than standalone events.
Raffles can run:
Raffles and ticketing can run in the same platform as auctions. Online raffle software guide covers features, setup, and platform options. The fundraising guide explains when to use raffles vs. auctions vs. campaigns. Not sure which format fits? Silent auction vs. raffle compares both and when to combine them.
PS: Events that pair a raffle with an auction raise 30 to 40% more. See risk-free grand prize examples.
Do not skip this step. Raffle laws vary by state and change over time. Violating them can result in fines, permit revocation, or criminal penalties.
Three states prohibit charitable raffles: Alabama, Hawaii, and Utah. If your organization is in one of these states, you cannot legally run a raffle. Consider alternatives like 50/50 splits structured as donations, or focus on auctions, campaigns, or sponsorships.
Some states allow in-person raffles but restrict or prohibit online raffle ticket sales. Examples include Arkansas, California, and New Mexico. Raffle laws change; some states expanded online options during the pandemic. Check current rules.
Most states that allow raffles require:
| Requirement | What it typically means |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit status | 501(c)(3) or equivalent IRS designation |
| Operational history | Many states require 1–5 years of existence before eligibility |
| Permit or license | Application to state Attorney General, gaming commission, or local clerk; fees often $15–$500 |
| Mandatory ticket text | Drawing date/time/location, prize descriptions and values, permit number, ticket price, organization name and contact |
| Post-event reporting | Financial report due 30–90 days after raffle: gross receipts, prizes awarded, expenses |
Apply for permits early. Processing can take weeks. Do not sell tickets until your permit is approved.
Before you choose prizes or formats, decide what success looks like.
How much do you want to raise? Pick a number. Work backward: If tickets are $5 and you need $10,000, you need at least 2,000 tickets sold (more if you offer bundles or have expenses).
When will it happen? Small raffles can be planned in 4–6 weeks. Larger events, especially those tied to galas or school nights, need 2–3 months. Online raffles that run for 2–4 weeks need promotion time before ticket sales open.
What will the funds fund? Donors give more when they know the impact. "Proceeds fund our youth mission trip" or "Raffle sales support classroom supplies" is clearer than "supports our organization."
How to plan your auction covers goal-setting and timeline planning in more detail; many principles apply to raffles.
Goal set? Match prizes to your crowd before you open ticket sales. Request your custom prize list.
Prizes drive ticket sales. Strong prizes justify higher ticket prices and more sales.
Match prizes to your audience. A school raffle may use teacher experiences and class art. A church raffle may use mission trip spots or community dinners. A gala may use luxury travel or exclusive access. Raffle game ideas covers formats plus creative basket themes (spa, date night, game night). 9 raffle games to help you raise more compares formats and prize types in detail.
The format determines how you sell tickets, how the drawing works, and what kind of engagement you create.
| Format | Best for | Prize type | Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Community events, sports, festivals | Cash (half the pot) | Medium |
| Basket raffle | Schools, galas, silent auctions | Multiple themed baskets | High |
| Reverse raffle | Galas, live events | Grand prize | High |
| Heads or tails | Large live crowds | Single prize | Very high |
| Online raffle | Virtual or hybrid | Any | Medium |
| Wine pull | Adult events, galas | Wine / mystery | High |
| Golden ticket | High-value donor audiences | Top-tier prize | High |
| Multi-winner | Medium–large events | Mixed prizes | High |
9 raffle games to help you raise more explains each format in detail and when to use it. Many events combine a raffle with an auction or ticketed event. Raffles, tickets, and bidding can share one checkout.
Format picked? Add a travel package that anchors your top ticket tier. Send me items I can list.
Ticket pricing affects both volume and revenue. Price too high and you limit sales. Price too low and you leave money on the table. How to price raffle tickets has detailed strategies, formulas, and format-specific tips.
Raffle tickets often range from $1 to $20 per ticket depending on:
Offering bundles usually boosts sales 30 to 50%. Examples:
Bundle pricing makes larger purchases feel like a deal. See how to price raffle tickets for formulas, strategies, and format-specific tips.
List your highest-priced bundle first so mid-tier options feel reasonable. Offer multiple tiers (e.g., 5 tickets, 25 tickets, 100 tickets) to appeal to different buyer types.
For 50/50 raffles, show the pot total as it grows. "Current pot: $2,450" creates urgency and justifies higher ticket sales.
Offer a discount 4–6 weeks before the drawing; increase prices as the date nears. Creates urgency and rewards early buyers.
Silent auction promotion timeline and auction marketing what to say offer templates and timing; adapt them for raffles.
Keep records of:
Raffles pair well with:
Chain restaurants that do fundraisers suggests pairing restaurant fundraisers with raffles or auctions for bigger revenue.
Raffle laws vary by state and change over time. This guide summarizes common patterns and is not legal advice. Consult your state's Attorney General, charitable gaming authority, or a qualified attorney before conducting a raffle. Organizations are responsible for their own compliance.
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Send me items I can list →Most states require charities to obtain a permit or license before selling raffle tickets. Requirements vary by state. Alabama, Hawaii, and Utah prohibit raffles entirely. Some states restrict online raffle ticket sales. Check your state's Attorney General office or charitable gaming authority. See US raffle laws by state for direct links to every state's official agency.
Common ranges are $1 to $20 per ticket depending on prize value, audience, and event type. Bundle pricing (for example, 5 for $20) often boosts sales 30 to 50%. See how to price raffle tickets for formulas, strategies, and format-specific tips.
50/50 raffles, basket raffles, reverse raffles, wine pulls, and online raffles are among the most popular. See 9 raffle games to help you raise more for a comparison of formats by audience size, prize type, and engagement level.
Many states allow online raffle ticket sales; some prohibit or restrict them. Arkansas, California, and New Mexico have specific restrictions. Check your state's charitable gaming laws before selling tickets online. See US raffle laws by state for official state agency links.
Use a random selection method such as a physical drawing, software, or certified third party. Document the process including date, time, method, and winner names. Announce winners publicly. Retain records for reporting. Many states require post-event reports covering gross receipts, prizes, and expenses due 30 to 90 days after the raffle.
Yes. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, events that combine a raffle with a silent auction raise 30% to 40% more than standalone events. CharityAuctions supports raffles, auctions, and ticketing in one platform with shared checkout. See how to run a charity auction for the full process.
Local businesses, restaurants, and sponsors are the most common sources of donated raffle prizes. Many companies that donate items for charity auctions will also donate to raffles. Ask businesses your donors already frequent first, they are more likely to say yes. For prizes with no upfront cost, consignment travel packages and experiences work as premium raffle prizes without needing a donor at all.
Yes. Online 50/50 raffles work the same way as in-person ones: participants buy tickets through a link, and the pot, split between the winner and your cause, grows as sales come in. Online format removes the need for a physical ticket roll and lets supporters who cannot attend in person participate. Check your state's online raffle rules first, some states restrict online ticket sales.
You have two options. For in-person sales, pre-printed numbered ticket rolls are available from office supply and party stores. For online sales, tracking, and compliance documentation, a raffle ticketing platform handles ticket numbering, buyer records, and reporting automatically. Most nonprofits running both in-person and online sales use a platform for both to keep one unified record of entries.
