RAFFLES VS SWEEPSTAKES: WHAT TO KNOW

Raffles and sweepstakes can be awesome year-round fundraising tools, when they are set up the right way.

A raffle is typically pay to play, tickets are purchased for a chance to win. A sweepstakes is free to enter (with an optional paid way to support), which can make it a useful alternative in places where raffles are restricted or where your payment and promotion options are limited.

This page and the web app below are here to help you research the basics, compare formats, and think through practical campaign ideas you can run throughout the year, like quarterly raffles, seasonal giveaways, sponsor-backed sweepstakes, and member-growth promos tied to events. This is educational information only, not legal advice.

*Rules vary by state, platform, and prize type, so always confirm your specific plan with qualified legal counsel and your organization’s leadership before launching anything public.

👇Use our web app below to start researching and planning your next raffle or sweepstakes.