Raffle
Sell tickets for a chance to win a donated prize.
Important: Raffle rules are set by each state. Check your state raffle law before you sell a single ticket. In Texas, only a qualified nonprofit organization may hold a raffle (Texas Charitable Raffle Enabling Act), and there are limits on how often you can hold one, on cash prizes, and on how tickets are sold. Some states also need a license.
What it is
Members sell tickets for a chance to win one or more donated prizes. The drawing is held at a public event. Raffles can run for several weeks, so keep careful track of who has which tickets.
Typical net: $500 to $5,000 (rough estimate only. A big donated prize sells the most tickets.)
Step by step
8 weeks out
- Check your state raffle law
- Confirm your club qualifies
- Line up a donated prize
6 weeks out
- Print numbered tickets with stubs
- Set drawing date and place
4 weeks out
- Sign tickets out to sellers
- Start selling
2 weeks out
- Remind sellers to turn in money
- Track who has sold what
1 week out
- Collect all stubs and money
- Collect unsold tickets
Day before
- Put all stubs in the drum
- Confirm drawing helpers
Day of
- Hold the drawing in public
- Call the winner
- Write down the winning number
Tips that work
- Sign out tickets in books of 10 or 25 and write the numbers down. The Raffle Ticket Tracker makes this easy.
- Collect money every week, not just at the end.
- Every ticket must be accounted for: sold, returned, or reported lost.
- Print the rules, the drawing date, and your club's name on every ticket.
- Take a photo of the winner (with permission) for your newsletter.
Volunteer jobs
- Raffle chair: Knows the rules and keeps the records
- Treasurer: Takes in money, gives receipts
- Sellers: Every member who can
- Drawing helpers (2): Witness the drawing
Supplies
- Numbered tickets with stubs
- Seller sign-out sheet
- Envelopes for each seller
- Drum or box for stubs
- Prize (or prize photo)
- Receipt book
Permits and insurance
- Check state raffle law first
- Texas: only a qualified nonprofit may hold a raffle; no cash prizes
- Ask if you need a license or must report results
- Prize winners may owe taxes on large prizes
General tips, not legal advice. Check with your city, county, and state.
Getting the word out
- Show the prize at every event
- Sell at stores with permission
- Ask members to sell to family and coworkers
Sample announcement
Win a [prize]! The [Club name] is raffling off a [prize] to support [cause]. Tickets are $[price] each or [deal]. Drawing on [date] at [place]; you need not be present to win. Get your tickets from any club member.
On the day
- Bring all stubs
- Two witnesses at the drawing
- Record winning number
- Call the winner
- Thank sellers