Raffle: The Complete Guide to Running a Successful Fundraiser
Thinking of running a raffle? This complete guide covers everything: how raffles work, UK legal requirements, ticket printing, prize ideas, promotion, and how to run the draw. Perfect for PTAs, clubs, and charities looking to raise money.
What Is a Raffle?
A raffle is a type of lottery where people buy tickets with unique numbers for the chance to win prizes. On the set draw date, winning numbers are chosen at random and the holders of those tickets receive the prizes. Unlike other forms of lottery, every prize in a raffle must be won, and at least one ticket holder is always guaranteed to win.
In the UK, raffles are one of the most popular ways for schools, PTAs, charities, churches, and clubs to raise funds. They are simple to organise, fun for participants, and highly effective in generating income for good causes.
The most common type of raffle is the Small Society Lottery, which requires a promoter to register with their local authority or council. Other types include incidental raffles held at events, private society raffles for clubs and member groups, and online raffles, which often require additional licences.
Put simply: a raffle sells chances to win while supporting a good cause — making it one of the easiest and most rewarding fundraising tools.
Types of Raffles in the UK
In the UK, a raffle is legally classed as a type of lottery. The Gambling Act 2005 sets out different categories, each with its own rules and requirements. Understanding which type of raffle you are running is essential for staying compliant and avoiding fines. Below are the main types of raffles commonly used by schools, PTAs, clubs, and charities.
Small Society Lottery (Raffle)
The Small Society Lottery is the most popular form of raffle for charities and community groups. To run one, the promoter must register with their local council. Typical rules include:
- A minimum of 20% of ticket sales must go to the good cause.
- No single prize can be worth more than £25,000, even if it is donated.
- You cannot sell more than £20,000 worth of tickets in a single raffle, or more than £250,000 in total across the year.
- All tickets must cost the same price.
Registration usually costs £40 initially and then £20 per year thereafter. Many PTAs and local charities use this method as it is affordable, straightforward, and widely recognised.
Incidental Lottery (Event Raffle)
An Incidental Lottery is a raffle run as part of a larger event such as a fair, fete, or fundraiser. These are the simplest raffles to organise because you do not need a licence or council registration, provided you follow the rules:
- Tickets can only be sold at the event and during the event — no advance or online sales.
- Money raised must be for a good cause and not for private profit.
- Tickets must have unique numbers so winners can be selected fairly.
- You can charge any price for tickets and even offer bulk-buy discounts (e.g. “5 tickets for £4”).
Private Society Lottery
A Private Society Lottery is limited to members of a club, society, or community group, such as a golf club or social club. Rules include:
- Tickets can only be sold to members and their guests, and only on the premises.
- Money raised must benefit the society or a relevant good cause, not private profit.
- Tickets must all be sold at the same price but there are fewer restrictions on format compared to small society lotteries.
- The draw must take place on the society’s premises.
Online Raffles
Online raffles have become increasingly popular, but they carry stricter requirements. Running a raffle online often requires registration with the Gambling Commission as well as local authority permission. Some promoters avoid these rules by hosting prize competitions instead, which fall under different legal frameworks.
In practice, most schools, PTAs, and clubs stick to offline raffles to avoid the extra red tape. If you do plan to sell tickets online, always check carefully with your local council or the Gambling Commission to ensure your raffle is legal.
Raffle Types at a Glance
| Type of Raffle | Who Can Play | Licence Needed? | Ticket Sales Rules | Prize Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Society Lottery | General public | Yes – register with local council (£40 first year, £20 renewal) | Tickets can be sold in advance or at events | No single prize over £25,000; max £20k per draw, £250k per year |
| Incidental Lottery | Anyone attending an event | No | Tickets sold only at the event, during the event | No specific limits, but all prizes must be won at the event |
| Private Society Lottery | Members of a club/society and their guests | No | Tickets sold only on society premises | No single prize over £25,000; no online ticket sales |
| Online Raffle | General public | Usually requires Gambling Commission registration | Tickets sold via online platforms (strict regulation) | Dependent on licence type – check with authorities |
Legal Requirements for Raffles in the UK
Raffles in the UK are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. The law exists to make sure all lotteries and raffles are fair, transparent, and not run for private profit. If you’re planning a raffle for your PTA, club, or charity, it’s vital to understand these rules to stay compliant.
Key Legal Points
- Only non-commercial societies (e.g. charities, clubs, PTAs) can run raffles. Private or commercial profit is not allowed.
- Small raffles at events (incidental lotteries) don’t need a licence, but tickets must still be numbered and winners drawn fairly.
- Small society raffles must register with the local council. Registration usually costs £40 initially and then £20 per year.
- Large-scale or online raffles may require a Gambling Commission licence as well as council registration.
- A minimum of 20% of ticket sales must go to the good cause (society or charity).
What Must Be Printed on a Raffle Ticket?
If you are running a small society raffle, the law requires certain details to appear on every ticket:
- The name of your society or organisation.
- The ticket price (must be the same for all tickets).
- The name and address of the promoter (does not need to be a private address).
- The date of the draw, or wording that makes it clear when the draw will take place.
- If your organisation is a registered charity, its charity number must be shown.
- The name of the local council where the raffle is registered (but not necessarily the licence number).
For incidental or private raffles, there are no strict printing requirements beyond having unique ticket numbers to allow a fair draw.
The Role of the Promoter
Every raffle must have a promoter, who is legally responsible for the draw. Their duties include:
- Making sure all tickets are printed correctly and legally compliant.
- Overseeing ticket sales and ensuring proceeds go to the society’s cause.
- Keeping accurate records of how many tickets were sold, where, and to whom.
- Submitting a return report to the local authority after the raffle, detailing sales and prize distribution.
Licence Costs and Registration
- Small Society Raffle Registration: £40 initial fee, £20 annual renewal.
- Incidental Lottery: No licence or registration needed, but rules still apply.
- Private Society Raffle: No licence or registration required, provided it’s only for members/guests.
- Online or National Raffles: May require Gambling Commission registration (fees vary).
Tip: Always check your local council’s website before running a raffle — requirements can vary slightly between authorities.
Planning Your Raffle
Good planning is the difference between a raffle that struggles and one that smashes its fundraising goal. Before you print tickets or start selling, take time to set clear objectives, map out a budget, and secure attractive prizes. This will give your raffle the best chance of success.
Set Clear Goals
Start with the big question: how much do you want to raise and why? A clear target keeps your team motivated and makes it easier to persuade people to buy tickets. For example:
- £500 to fund a school trip
- £2,000 for new sports equipment
- £5,000 to renovate a community hall
Be specific about what the money will achieve — supporters are more generous when they understand exactly where their money is going.
Budget for Expenses
A raffle should always make a profit, but there are still costs to plan for. Typical expenses include:
- Ticket printing: usually £20–£40 per 1,000 tickets
- Posters & flyers: to promote your raffle locally
- Licensing fees: £40 to register, then £20 annually
- Event costs: tables, decorations, pens, envelopes
Keep costs lean by asking volunteers to help, borrowing equipment, or finding local sponsors. Remember: every pound saved is another pound raised for your cause.
Sourcing Prizes
Prizes are what sell tickets. The more appealing they are, the easier it is to get people to buy. There are two common approaches:
- One big headline prize: such as a TV, bike, or cash prize — creates excitement and “fear of missing out.”
- Many smaller prizes: donated vouchers, hampers, gift baskets, or experiences — increases the chance of winning and encourages bulk ticket sales.
To keep costs down, ask local businesses to donate. Restaurants, pubs, hair salons, gyms, and garden centres are often willing to offer vouchers in return for promotion. Approach them early, explain your cause, and highlight the publicity they’ll receive on tickets, posters, and social media.
Tip: A long prize list often boosts sales. Buyers are more likely to purchase extra tickets if they think their odds of winning something are higher.
Promoting Your Raffle
Even the best-planned raffle won’t succeed without promotion. To maximise ticket sales, you need to spread the word across multiple channels — print, digital, and local partnerships. The more people who know about your raffle, the more tickets you’ll sell.
Posters and Flyers
Printed materials are still one of the most effective ways to promote a raffle locally. They’re visible, shareable, and remind people every time they see them. Include:
- A clear headline such as “School Raffle – Win Amazing Prizes!”
- The main prize (with a photo if possible)
- Ticket price and where to buy
- The draw date
- Your fundraising cause (“All proceeds go towards new playground equipment”)
Display posters in community hubs — schools, churches, village halls, shops, pubs, gyms. Send flyers home with pupils and hand them out at local events. Always include a phone number or web link for ticket sales.
Social Media
Social media gives your raffle reach far beyond your immediate community at no extra cost. Best practices include:
- Create a Facebook event page with raffle details, prize photos, and ticket links.
- Share regular updates: ticket sales milestones, “last chance” reminders, and countdowns to the draw.
- Post photos of prizes on Instagram with local hashtags (#YourTown #Fundraiser).
- Tag and thank prize donors so they share posts with their own followers.
- Go live on Facebook or Instagram for the draw to prove transparency and create excitement.
Local Sponsors and Businesses
Engaging local businesses not only brings in prize donations but also expands your reach. When a shop or café supports your raffle, they often display posters or sell tickets on your behalf. To secure support:
- Prepare a short sponsorship pack outlining your cause, target, and how their business will be promoted.
- Offer logo placement on tickets, posters, and social media posts.
- Provide public thanks during the draw and in newsletters.
- Follow up with photos and results to show the impact of their support.
Every raffle ticket is a small act of community support. The better you promote, the more people feel part of something worth backing.
Raffle Tickets & Printing
Raffle tickets are more than just pieces of paper — they are legally required documents and one of your most important fundraising tools. The design, size, and quality of your tickets can make a big difference to how professional your raffle looks and how many tickets you sell.
Standard Sizes
In the UK, the most common raffle ticket size is 200mm × 74mm. This long, slim format gives plenty of space for the legal details while leaving room to showcase your cause, prize list, and branding. Smaller roll tickets exist, but they don’t carry as much information and don’t inspire the same confidence in buyers.
Ticket Books
Raffle tickets are usually stapled or glued into books of 5, though books of 10, 4, 6, or even 20 are also possible. Selling in books makes it easier to raise more per supporter and helps with record-keeping for promoters. Each book includes numbered tickets plus corresponding stubs (counterfoils) for the draw.
Numbering & Security
Every raffle ticket must carry a unique number printed both on the ticket and the stub. This is how winners are fairly identified when the draw takes place. Tickets are produced with sequential numbering using either litho or digital printing presses. Digital printing is increasingly popular for smaller runs as it allows numbering and ticket design to be completed in one process.
Barcodes and QR Codes
Many modern raffles now use barcodes or QR codes printed on each ticket. These make scanning and tracking easier, particularly for large-scale raffles or when selling through multiple volunteers. Unique codes also help reduce fraud and make reporting back to local authorities more accurate.
Design & Branding
A well-designed ticket does more than comply with legal requirements — it builds trust and boosts sales. Professional raffle tickets include:
- Your society or organisation name (and charity number if applicable)
- Ticket price (must be the same for all tickets)
- The promoter’s name and address
- The draw date or a way to identify it
- The registering council name (for licensed raffles)
- Your logo, colours, and clear cause messaging
- Prize details and sponsor mentions (optional but persuasive)
Buyers are more likely to support your cause if tickets look professional, legitimate, and clearly show where funds are going.
Printing Costs
The cost of raffle ticket printing is usually very affordable, especially compared to the funds raised. As a guide:
- Expect to pay around £30 for 1,000 tickets as a starting point
- Additional thousands typically add £7–£8 per 1000 there afer/
- Custom features like colour printing, barcodes, or bespoke sizes may cost a little more
Stubbs Tickets has specialised in raffle ticket printing for over 20 years, producing millions of tickets every year for schools, PTAs, clubs, and charities. We understand the legal requirements and design details that make your raffle successful.
Good raffle tickets sell themselves — professional design, clear details, and unique numbering give buyers confidence to support your cause.
Running the Raffle Draw
The draw is the highlight of every raffle. This is the moment supporters look forward to, and it’s also where transparency and fairness matter most. A well-run draw builds trust and ensures people are happy to take part in future raffles.
Draw Methods
There are several tried-and-tested ways to conduct a raffle draw. The key is to ensure tickets are thoroughly mixed and the process is visible:
- Traditional method: Place all stubs into a drum, box, or hat. Mix thoroughly, then draw tickets one at a time in front of witnesses.
- Tombola drum: A spinning drum adds excitement, especially at fairs or school events, and makes the mixing process highly visible.
- Digital random number generator (RNG): Software tools can generate winning numbers fairly and instantly. These are especially useful for large raffles or when you need an online element.
Order of Prizes
There’s no legal requirement for prize order, but consistency matters. Best practice is to start with smaller prizes and build up to the main prize, creating suspense. For example:
- 1st prize – your headline prize (cash, TV, holiday, etc.)
- 2nd prize – medium-value prize such as electronics
- 3rd prize – vouchers or small gifts
Avoid drawing prizes out of sequence (e.g. 1st prize before 2nd) as this can confuse participants and reduce excitement.
Online & Hybrid Draws
It’s increasingly common for raffles to involve an online audience. Options include:
- Live streaming: Broadcast your draw on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube so supporters who can’t attend in person can still take part.
- Hybrid draws: Conduct the draw at an in-person event while also streaming online for maximum transparency.
- RNG software: For fully digital raffles, use certified random number generators to draw winners fairly. Always record or stream the process for trust.
Transparency & Records
Always announce winning ticket numbers clearly, write them down for public display, and publish them afterwards (e.g. in newsletters, noticeboards, or online). Keep all tickets safe for at least one month in case of queries. Where possible, have neutral witnesses — such as school governors or committee members — present during the draw.
A raffle draw isn’t just about choosing winners — it’s about creating a fair, transparent, and exciting moment your community will remember.
After the Raffle: What Happens Next?
Your raffle doesn’t end when the last ticket is drawn. What you do afterwards is just as important for building trust, thanking supporters, and setting up future fundraising success.
Sharing the Results
Transparency is essential. Always publish your winning numbers promptly and in multiple places so no one misses out. Good practice includes:
- Announcing winners live at the draw and on social media
- Posting winning numbers on your school, club, or charity website
- Including results in newsletters, emails, or community noticeboards
While publishing numbers is required, you don’t have to share winners’ names unless they give permission.
Prize Distribution
Make it as easy as possible for winners to collect their prizes:
- Offer flexible collection times, including evenings or weekends
- Provide clear instructions on where and how to collect
- Ask winners to sign for prizes — this provides proof and tidy records
- With permission, take photos of prize collections for social media and future promotions
Always thank your prize donors again at this stage. Public recognition encourages continued sponsorship for your next raffle.
Evaluating Success
Once prizes are claimed, review your raffle’s overall success:
- Calculate income, expenses, and net profit against your original target
- Identify which ticket sales channels worked best (paper vs. online, events vs. direct sales)
- Note timing trends — did sales spike early, or mostly in the last week?
- Consider the workload for volunteers and whether the effort matched the return
This analysis helps improve future raffles and ensures lessons are carried forward.
Gathering Feedback
Feedback is invaluable for making your next raffle smoother and more successful. Try:
- Sending a short online survey to ticket buyers
- Asking volunteers what worked and what didn’t
- Thanking business sponsors and asking if they’d support again
- Reviewing social media comments for unfiltered feedback
File your notes with raffle paperwork so future organisers have a head start.
A successful raffle doesn’t just raise money — it builds lasting goodwill. Clear results, smooth prize collection, and thoughtful evaluation all encourage people to support your next fundraiser.
Raffle FAQs
Got questions about raffles? Here are answers to the most common queries. For more detailed guidance, explore our full help centre.