Online Raffle Software Guide: Features, Setup, and Platform Options

Online Raffle Software Guide

Online raffle software helps nonprofits and schools sell tickets, manage entries, draw winners, and track proceeds—digitally and legally. Instead of paper tickets and manual draws, platforms automate ticketing, payments, and random selection while supporting compliance with state raffle laws.

This guide covers what to look for, how to set up raffle tickets, and how raffle software fits into broader fundraising platforms. For full raffle planning, see how to run a raffle fundraiser.

What is online raffle software?

Online raffle software is a fundraising tool that lets organizations run raffles online or at events—safely, legally, and efficiently. It typically handles:

• Ticket sales – Online and sometimes in-person; credit card, digital wallet, ACH
• Entry tracking – Automatic ticket numbering and buyer records
• Random drawings – Auditable or certified randomizer for winner selection
• Compliance – Permit IDs, required disclosures, audit trails
• Reporting – Exports for entries, transactions, and winners

It's built for nonprofits, schools, sports teams, and charities that want prize-based fundraising with transparency and trust.

Why use raffle software?

• Simplify ticket sales – Accept payments 24/7 from anywhere; no paper tickets
• Stay legal and compliant – Settings for licensed raffles, ticket tracking, audit trails
• Save time – Automated draws, reports, and receipts reduce admin work
• Boost participation – Mobile-friendly pages, QR codes, and social sharing expand reach
• Improve transparency – Secure random draws and published winner lists build donor confidence

Key features to look for

Feature	Why it matters
Online ticketing & payments	Card, PayPal, Apple Pay; digital sales 24/7
Automated random drawings	Auditable or certified randomizer; ensures fairness
Ticket customization	Branding, numbering, buyer data fields
Instant winner selection	Draw live or automatically at a set time
Compliance tools	Permit IDs, required disclosures, eligibility checks
Reporting & exports	Entries, transactions, winners for reconciliation
Multi-tier prizes	1st, 2nd, 3rd prize categories
Mobile access	Buy and check results from phones
Security	PCI DSS compliant payment processing

How to set up raffle tickets

Step 1: Create or select your event

Add raffle tickets to an existing auction or ticketed event, or create a dedicated raffle-only event. You can run raffles alongside auctions and ticketing in one place.

Step 2: Add raffle ticket type

In your event dashboard, add a new ticket type and choose "Raffle Ticket." Enter:

• Ticket name – e.g., "50/50 Raffle" or "Win the Weekend Getaway"
• Ticket price – Fixed amount per ticket
• Bundle options – e.g., 1 for $20, 3 for $50 (bundle pricing often boosts sales 30–50%)
• Quantity available – Total tickets for sale if limited
• Sales start and end dates – When tickets go on sale and when sales close

Step 3: Enter prize details and legal notices

Include in your description:

• Prize details and fair market value
• Draw date and how the winner will be selected
• Eligibility (age, location if restricted)
• Contact information for your organization
• "No purchase necessary" if required by your state

US raffle laws by state links to official agencies. Many states require specific disclosures on tickets and pages.

Step 4: Enable payments

Connect payment processing (e.g., Stripe) so buyers can pay by card or digital wallet. All raffle ticket sales will appear in your reporting dashboard. Optionally enable offline options for cash or check if needed.

Step 5: Publish and promote

Share the event link on your website, email campaigns, and social media. Add a prize image to increase ticket sales. Use how to price raffle tickets for bundle and tier strategies.

Step 6: Run the drawing and notify winners

When sales close, export your ticket list for verification. Use the platform's random draw feature or a third-party randomizer. Mark the winner in the system, notify them by email or text, and publish results (where permitted).

Raffle software within broader platforms

Many fundraising platforms combine auctions, ticketing, and raffles in one system. That means:

• One checkout – Raffle tickets, event tickets, and auction bids share the same payment flow
• One donor record – Clean reporting for thank-yous and future outreach
• No extra tools – Avoid separate raffle tracking, spreadsheets, and manual reconciliation

Charity auction software typically includes mobile bidding, item catalogs, and checkout. Platforms like CharityAuctions add ticketing and raffles so you can run auctions, raffles, and ticketed events from one account. Best mobile auction features covers mobile check-in, QR codes, and ticketing—all relevant when raffles run alongside live or hybrid events.

When evaluating platforms, ask: Does it support raffles natively, or do you need a separate tool? Can you add raffle tickets to an existing auction event?

Legal and compliance tips

Disclaimer: General information only. Always verify local regulations before running a raffle.

• Maintain audit records – Ticket numbers, sales logs, and winner reports may be required
• Check permit requirements – Many states require charitable gaming licenses before selling tickets
• Avoid interstate raffles without proper licensing
• Use secure randomization – Ensure every entry has an equal chance to win
• Follow disclosure rules – Terms, odds, prize details, and eligibility on tickets and pages

US raffle laws by state links to each state's official charitable gaming authority. How to run a raffle fundraiser covers permits, pricing, and execution.

Best practices

• Bundle raffles with auctions – Cross-promote for maximum ROI
• Thank participants quickly – Automated thank-you messages and follow-up
• Show transparency – Publish winners and total raised after the draw
• Allow donations with ticket purchases – Some buyers want to give more
• Use urgency – Countdown timers and "sales close in X days" drive action
• Offer multiple prize levels – Tiered rewards increase excitement and sales

More resources

• How to run a raffle fundraiser – Planning, permits, pricing, formats
• How to price raffle tickets – Bundle pricing and strategies
• US raffle laws by state – Official state agency links
• Charity auction software – Broader platform comparison
• Best mobile auction features – Mobile bidding, ticketing, check-in
• Silent auction vs. raffle – When to choose each, when to combine both
• Create your free event – Auctions, raffles, and ticketing

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This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. Questions? Talk to our team.