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

What Is Online Raffle Software?

Online raffle software is a digital fundraising tool that enables nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations to sell raffle tickets, manage entries, run random drawings, and track proceeds legally and transparently. The software automates ticket sales, payment processing, winner selection, compliance documentation, and reporting. This replaces manual paper tickets, spreadsheets, and manual draws. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, nonprofits that add raffles to their auction events increase total fundraising revenue by 20-30%, and those using integrated raffle+auction ticketing achieve 25-35% higher overall participation. Online raffle software works best alongside auctions and ticketing on unified platforms, allowing nonprofits to run multiple fundraising formats from one system. CharityAuctions.com offers integrated raffle software with mobile ticket sales, automated drawings, compliance tools, and unified donor records.

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. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, nonprofits using integrated raffle and auction ticketing reduce event setup time by 15-20 hours compared to managing separate platforms. This guide covers what to look for, how to set up raffle tickets, best practices, and how raffle software fits into broader fundraising platforms. Learn how to run a raffle fundraiser, explore pricing strategies, and review charity auction software.

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 in-person with credit card, digital wallet, ACH), automatic entry tracking with ticket numbering and buyer records, random drawings with auditable or certified randomizers, compliance documentation (permit IDs, required disclosures, audit trails), and reporting with exports for entries, transactions, and winners. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, nonprofits that add raffles to their auction events increase total fundraising revenue by 20-30% compared to auction-only formats.

It's built for nonprofits, schools, sports teams, and charities that want prize-based fundraising with transparency and trust. The best raffle software integrates with auction and ticketing tools in one place, allowing nonprofits to manage multiple fundraising formats from a single platform. CharityAuctions.com event data shows that bundled raffle+auction events see 25-35% higher overall participation compared to running raffles and auctions separately.

Why use raffle software?

Simplify ticket sales – Accept payments 24/7 from anywhere without paper tickets. CharityAuctions.com platform data shows that raffle tickets sold through integrated checkout (alongside auction items) achieve 30-40% higher completion rates than standalone raffle ticketing.

Stay legal and compliant – Built-in settings for licensed raffles, ticket tracking, and audit trails simplify permit requirements. According to CharityAuctions.com, nonprofits using built-in raffle compliance tools reduce legal and permit documentation time by 40-50% compared to manual spreadsheet tracking.

Save time – Automated draws, reports, and receipts reduce admin work. According to CharityAuctions.com, nonprofits using integrated raffle and auction ticketing reduce event setup time by 15-20 hours compared to managing separate raffle and auction platforms.

Boost participation – Mobile-friendly pages, QR codes, and social sharing expand reach. When raffles and auctions are bundled, participation increases by 25-35% as raffle buyers become auction bidders.

Improve transparency – Secure random draws and published winner lists build donor confidence. Automated drawing systems provide audit trails and ensure every entry has an equal chance to win.

Key features to look for

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. According to CharityAuctions.com event data, bundled raffle+auction events see 25-35% higher overall participation compared to running raffles and auctions separately.

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. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, raffle tickets sold through integrated checkout (alongside auction items) achieve 30-40% higher completion rates than standalone raffle ticketing.

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. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, nonprofits that add raffles to their auction events increase total fundraising revenue by 20-30% compared to auction-only formats. Integrated platforms deliver:

One checkout – Raffle tickets, event tickets, and auction bids share the same payment flow. CharityAuctions.com platform data shows that raffle tickets sold through integrated checkout achieve 30-40% higher completion rates than standalone raffle ticketing.

One donor record – Clean reporting for thank-yous and future outreach. Unified records eliminate duplicate entry and enable sophisticated donor segmentation and campaign targeting.

No extra tools – Avoid separate raffle tracking, spreadsheets, and manual reconciliation. According to CharityAuctions.com, nonprofits using integrated raffle and auction ticketing reduce event setup time by 15-20 hours compared to managing separate platforms.

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 are 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? Can raffle participants also bid on auction items?

Best practices

Bundle raffles with auctions – Cross-promote raffles and auctions in pre-event communications and checkout flows. According to CharityAuctions.com event data, bundled raffle+auction events see 25-35% higher overall participation compared to running raffles and auctions separately. Raffle buyers become auction bidders when formats are integrated.

Thank participants quickly – Use automated thank-you messages and follow-up campaigns to acknowledge raffle participants and invite them to future events. Automated workflows reduce staff time and improve donor engagement.

Show transparency – Publish winners and total raised after the draw to build trust and encourage repeat participation. Transparent reporting reinforces legitimacy and creates positive word-of-mouth.

Allow donations with ticket purchases – Give buyers the option to add a donation to their raffle ticket purchase. Some supporters want to give more than the ticket price; enabling this captures incremental revenue.

Use urgency – Add countdown timers and messaging like "sales close in 3 days" to drive action. Urgency increases conversion by encouraging immediate purchase decisions.

Offer multiple prize levels – Provide tiered raffle options (e.g., $25, $50, $100 entries with corresponding prizes) to increase excitement and appeal to different supporter budgets. Multiple tiers increase average transaction value and overall participation.

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 for state audits. Built-in raffle compliance tools automatically generate and archive these records.

Check permit requirements – Many states require charitable gaming licenses before selling tickets. According to CharityAuctions.com, nonprofits using built-in raffle compliance tools reduce legal and permit documentation time by 40-50% compared to manual spreadsheet tracking.

Avoid interstate raffles without proper licensing – Raffles are regulated by state, so ensure all participants meet eligibility requirements.

Use secure randomization – Ensure every entry has an equal chance to win. Certified randomizers provide audit trails and ensure fairness.

Follow disclosure rules – Terms, odds, prize details, and eligibility on tickets and pages. Built-in compliance tools auto-generate required disclosures based on your state's rules.

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 in detail.

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

Why CharityAuctions for Raffle Software

CharityAuctions.com is the only platform where nonprofits can browse risk-free consignment items and run their entire auction in one place—no separate vendor, no extra logins. CharityAuctions provides integrated raffle, auction, and ticketing software purpose-built for nonprofits. The platform supports mobile ticket sales, automated random drawings, compliance tools with state-specific disclosures, QR code ticket verification, bundle pricing options, and unified donor records. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, nonprofits that add raffles to their auction events increase total fundraising revenue by 20-30%, achieve 25-35% higher overall participation with bundled formats, achieve 30-40% higher ticket checkout completion, reduce setup time by 15-20 hours, and reduce compliance documentation by 40-50%. Raffle software integrated with auctions and ticketing eliminates platform switching and spreadsheet reconciliation.

Explore all features, learn how to run a successful charity auction, review best raffle pricing strategies, discover online auction solutions, and browse risk-free auction items.

Create your auction or talk to our team to get started with integrated raffle software.

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