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Raffle Software: The Complete Guide to Easy, Legal, and Profitable Fundraising

TL;DR

Raffle software helps nonprofits and schools sell tickets, manage entries, draw winners, and track proceeds—digitally and legally. The right platform automates ticketing, payments, and random drawings while staying compliant with state raffle laws, making fundraising faster and easier than ever.

Author: Tom Kelly 7 min reads
Raffle Software: The Complete Guide to Easy, Legal, and Profitable Fundraising

What Is Raffle Software?

Raffle software is a fundraising tool that allows organizations to run raffles online or at events—safely, legally, and efficiently. Instead of tracking paper tickets or manual draws, raffle platforms automate:

  • Ticket sales and payment processing
  • Entry tracking and random drawings
  • Winner notifications and reporting
  • Compliance with local gaming or raffle regulations

It’s perfect for nonprofits, schools, sports teams, and charities that want to engage supporters with prize-based fundraising while maintaining transparency and trust.

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Why Use Raffle Software for Fundraising?

1. Simplify Ticket Sales

Accept payments securely by credit card, ACH, Apple Pay, or PayPal—no paper tickets needed. Supporters can buy tickets 24/7 from anywhere.

Modern raffle platforms include settings for licensed raffles, ticket number tracking, and automated audit trails—helping you meet state requirements.

3. Save Time and Eliminate Manual Work

Automated draws, reports, and receipts reduce administrative work, freeing your team to focus on promoting your fundraiser.

4. Boost Participation

With mobile-friendly pages, QR codes, and social sharing, raffle software increases reach far beyond your event room.

5. Improve Transparency and Trust

Secure random draws and published winner lists ensure fairness and donor confidence.

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Key Features to Look For in Raffle Software

Feature Why It Matters What to Ask
Online ticketing & payments Enable digital sales Does it support multiple payment types (card, PayPal, Apple Pay)?
Automated random drawings Ensures fairness Is the randomizer auditable or certified?
Ticket customization Branding & tracking Can you customize ticket design, numbering, and buyer data fields?
Instant winner selection Saves time Can you draw winners live or automatically at a set time?
License & compliance tools Avoid legal risk Does it track permit IDs and required disclosures?
Reporting & exports Transparency Can you export entries, transactions, and winners?
Multi-tier prizes Manage complex raffles Can you set 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize categories?
Mobile access Convenience Can donors buy and check results from phones?
Donor database integration Centralized data Does it connect to your CRM or auction software?
Security & encryption Donor safety Is the payment process PCI DSS compliant?

How Raffle Software Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. Set up your raffle – Choose a title, description, and ticket price(s).
  2. Add your prizes – Upload photos, descriptions, and fair market values.
  3. Customize your ticket form – Include buyer fields and donation options.
  4. Launch your campaign – Share the link or QR code via email or social media.
  5. Collect payments automatically – Buyers receive digital tickets or confirmations.
  6. Draw winners – Automatically or live using the random draw feature.
  7. Notify winners & close – Winners get an email or text; funds are deposited to your account.
  8. Generate reports – Download donor, ticket, and transaction summaries for compliance.

Best Practices for Running a Successful Raffle

  • Know your state’s raffle laws. Many states require permits or limit online raffles.
  • Set clear start and end dates. Avoid confusion about when ticket sales close.
  • Offer multiple prize levels. Tiered rewards increase excitement and ticket sales.
  • Use urgency and countdown timers. “Sales close in 2 days” drives action.
  • Promote across channels. Email, social media, and event signage amplify reach.
  • Allow donations with ticket purchases. Some buyers want to give more than the ticket price.
  • Show transparency. Publish winners and total funds raised after the draw.
  • Thank participants quickly. Send automated thank-you messages and follow-up appeals.
  • Bundle raffles with auctions. Cross-promote raffles and auctions for maximum ROI.

More Resources

⚠️ Disclaimer: General information only. Always verify local regulations before running a raffle.
  • Check permit requirements — Some states require charitable gaming licenses.
  • Follow disclosure rules — Include terms, odds, prize details, and eligibility.
  • Use secure randomization tools — Ensure every entry has an equal chance to win.
  • Avoid interstate raffles without proper licensing.
  • Maintain audit records — Ticket numbers, sales logs, and winner reports may be required by law.

Raffle software helps automate many of these compliance steps, reducing risk and maintaining transparency.

  • AI-driven fraud detection – Identifies duplicate or suspicious entries.
  • Automated winner verification – Validates eligibility before announcing results.
  • Integrated donation and auction tools – Combine raffles, auctions, and direct donations under one platform.
  • Instant digital scratch-offs – Adds gamification and excitement.
  • Peer-to-peer raffle sharing – Supporters can sell tickets on behalf of your cause.
  • Dynamic pricing – Offer early-bird or bulk ticket discounts automatically.
  • Live stream integration – Host drawings via video directly on your event page.

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Choosing the Best Raffle Software for Your Organization

When evaluating raffle platforms, focus on:

  1. Ease of setup – Can you launch in minutes without a developer?
  2. Legal support – Does it provide guidance for your state or country?
  3. Customization – Can you add branding, logos, and sponsor placements?
  4. Integration – Syncs with your CRM, email, and payment systems.
  5. Pricing model – Monthly fee, per-event fee, or per-ticket percentage?
  6. Customer support – Look for live chat or event-hour assistance.
  7. Data ownership – Ensure you retain your donor and ticket data.

What is raffle software?

Raffle software is a digital tool to sell tickets, randomize drawings, verify winners, and track payments and reporting. It streamlines compliance, messaging, and record-keeping so your team can run a fair, transparent fundraiser.

How do we get started quickly?

  1. Confirm local raffle rules and permits.
  2. Create your raffle page, prizes, and ticket tiers.
  3. Connect payment processing and test checkout.
  4. Publish, promote, and monitor sales.
  5. Close sales, draw winners, and send receipts/reports.

General information, not legal/tax/financial advice.

Can raffle software handle both online and in-person ticket sales?

Yes. Most platforms support online checkout and on-site sales via mobile devices, allowing you to combine presales with day-of purchases and keep a single inventory and report.

Do we need a permit or special disclosures for raffles?

Many jurisdictions require permits, eligibility limits, prize disclosures, and license numbers on tickets and pages. Confirm rules with your state and municipality before launching.

General information, not legal/tax/financial advice.

What payment methods should we offer for raffle tickets?

  • Credit/debit cards and digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay).
  • Optionally PayPal or ACH for larger buys.
  • Clear fee disclosure and instant receipts for transparency.

How is the winner drawing kept fair and auditable?

A compliant platform uses a cryptographically secure or certified randomizer, logs draw metadata (date, time, seed/source), and provides a downloadable audit trail of entries and results.

What ticket structures work best (single, bundles, early bird)?

  • Single tickets for accessibility.
  • Bundles (e.g., 5 for $20) for higher AOV.
  • Early-bird pricing to jump-start sales.
  • Limited “VIP” bundles tied to premium prizes.

What is a typical raffle timeline?

  1. Weeks 1–2: Permits, prizes, page setup, testing.
  2. Weeks 3–6: Launch and promote across channels.
  3. Final week: “Last-chance” reminders and on-site sales.
  4. Drawing day: Verify entries, draw, notify, publish winners.
  5. Within 7 days: Deliver prizes and send final reports/thanks.

Which KPIs should we monitor for raffle performance?

  • Total revenue and average order value (AOV).
  • Conversion rate (visits → ticket purchases).
  • Cost per ticket sold and ROI.
  • Sales by channel (email, social, on-site).
  • Refund rate and fulfillment time.

How should we promote a raffle for maximum reach?

  • Announce across email, SMS, and social with clear CTAs.
  • Leverage ambassadors and sponsors for cross-posts.
  • Use urgency (early-bird, countdowns) and prize spotlights.
  • Pin the raffle link on your website and event signage.

Are there age or location restrictions for ticket buyers?

Many regions restrict online raffles by age and geography, and some prohibit cross-border sales. Configure your page to block ineligible buyers and display required eligibility statements.

General information, not legal/tax/financial advice.

How is donor and buyer data kept secure and private?

Use PCI-compliant processors, HTTPS, role-based access, and data retention controls. Provide a clear privacy policy and allow supporters to manage communication preferences.

Can raffle software sync with our CRM or accounting system?

Yes. Look for integrations or CSV exports for contacts, transactions, and gift designations so your CRM, email platform, and accounting stay in sync.

How do refunds, chargebacks, or event cancellations work for raffles?

Set clear terms on refunds and cancellations before sales begin. Coordinate with your payment processor on timelines, evidence, and dispute handling to protect donors and your organization.

What’s the best way to handle prize fulfillment and delivery?

  • Collect full contact details at checkout.
  • Publish pickup/shipping options and deadlines.
  • Log delivery proofs and winner acknowledgments.
  • Thank sponsors and winners publicly (with consent).

Are raffle tickets tax-deductible and how should we receipt buyers?

In many regions, raffle tickets are not tax-deductible because buyers receive a chance to win. Provide clear receipts stating amounts and any required disclosures.

General information, not legal/tax/financial advice.

How do we ensure an inclusive, mobile-friendly raffle experience?

  • Use responsive pages and large tap targets.
  • Offer alt text, readable contrast, and simple forms.
  • Minimize steps to purchase; support guest checkout.

How is raffle software typically priced and what should we budget?

You’ll see platform fees (flat or percent), payment processing fees, and optional add-ons (SMS, custom domains, support). Model your break-even and target ROI before choosing tiers.

Do you have a quick script we can use to announce our raffle?

Template: “We’re launching our [Organization] Raffle! Tickets start at [price] and support [impact]. Buy by [deadline] for a chance to win [top prize]. Get tickets now at [short link]. Thank you for making a difference!”

What should we do after the raffle to retain supporters?

  • Send a recap with funds raised and impact.
  • Thank buyers, winners, and sponsors by name (with consent).
  • Invite supporters to your next event or monthly giving.
  • Log new contacts and segments for future campaigns.

Conclusion

Raffle software turns one of the oldest fundraising methods into a modern, digital, and compliant experience. With online ticketing, instant draws, and automated reporting, you can raise funds quickly, reach more supporters, and maintain full transparency.

Whether you’re hosting a school raffle, charity event, or virtual giveaway—choosing the right raffle platform ensures fairness, excitement, and success.

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Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.

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