Creative Ways to Sell Raffle Tickets (That Actually Work) 

Raffle tickets have been around since the beginning of fundraisers, and they’re still here simply because they work. Whether it’s a school raising money for uniforms, a local animal shelter funding vet care or a church supporting mission trips, raffle ticket are a fast and easy way to fund most small fundraising campaigns. And they become even more profitable when you can find creative ways to sell them.

The thing is, with all the new technology from gamification to social media, the old way of selling tickets just doesn’t get people excited the way it used to. We’re living in a world flooded with online ads, instant giveaways, and slick promotions and if you want people to open their wallets, and actually feel good about it, you need to stand out. That’s where your and our creativity comes in.

Think about the last raffle you saw. Was it just a someone going to each person with a big roll of tickets trying to get you to purchase as many as you can? Or was it tied to something fun like a themed event or some sort of social media challenge? Even simply bundling prizes can add more excitement to your raffle. Being creative doesn’t need to be complicated, it just has to stimulate your audience is a way that gets them excited enough to want to participate and open their wallets.

In this article, we’ll look at practical, creative strategies that nonprofits, schools, and community groups are using to boost their own raffle ticket sales right now. You’ll learn how to:

• Use social media in ways that actually drive ticket purchases, not just “likes.”
• Create themed promotions that feel fresh and exciting.
• Bundle tickets with perks so buyers feel they’re getting more than just a chance to win.
• Host simple but memorable community events where raffles naturally shine.

We’ll also touch on the biggest challenges fundraisers often face like donor fatigue or low turnout and discuss different ways you can over come these obstacles. By the end you’ll have more than just a list of great and creative ideas, you’ll have a sense of which ideas will be best suited for your own audience and what’s going to realistically fund your next cause.

What Are Raffle Tickets in Fundraising?

For those of you newer to fundraising, in the dimpliest terms raffle tickets are ‘sold’ to people in order for them to have a chance to win a prize. The more tickets they buy, the more chance they have to win. What’s great about this type of fundraising is there are no real moving parts. Just a roll of tickets, some prizes and someone to sell the tickets to your guests. Super simple!

And it doesn’t matter if your attendees win or not, they know they’re donating to a great cause so in the end, it’s always a win win for everybody. The only difference is with a regular donation, your supporters don’t get the thrill of the possibility of winning something cool. It’s all about the odds. If someone really wants to win your raffle, they’ll buy multiple tickets, not just one.

But here’s the thing, since it is a game of chance, in other words a type of gambling, even as a nonprofit there are state laws to be aware of. Because they’re a form of gambling, most states (and some countries) have laws that regulate how they’re run with some requiring a license and others limiting prize values. But almost all states require that the proceeds clearly benefit a nonprofit or charitable cause.

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Why Creativity Matters in Selling Raffle Tickets

While selling raffle tickets seems straightforward enough, and it is, it doesn’t always mean you’re going to sell the amount you need to cover your funding goal. People are bombarded nowadays with all sorts of asks, from GoFundMe pages to text-to-donate campaigns. So if your ask doesn’t stand out in some way, you could end up with a serious flop.

That’s where creativity makes the difference. A little imagination turns a “just another fundraiser” into something people want to be part of. Think about it this way, would you want to buy a plain ticket from a folding table in a hallway, or grab one that’s part of a themed event like a “Pizza and Prizes Night”? One is routine, the other is an experience. And people love experiences!

Curiosity is also another major draw for a more creative event. If you are running a themed event, say a raffle during a football game, when people see someone selling tickets all dressed up like a football player and the prizes are all sports related, they’re more likely to stop, listen, and buy. Because now it isn’t just about the prizes, it’s about being involved in something fun, while also helping out a charity.

These small things can really set you apart from the competition. And let’s face it, there are a ton of nonprofits all trying to raise money for a good cause. So if your town is having multiple raffles on a special night, bringing a little creativity to yours isn’t just be smart, it’s literally survival. Themed raffles, bundled perks, and clever promotions give people a reason to choose your tickets over the rest.

At the end of the day raffle fundraising isn’t just about selling tickets, it’s about creating a moment people remember and want to be a part of. When you do that, sales stop being a push and start becoming a pull.

Creative Raffle Ideas to Sell More Tickets

So you’ve got your raffle set up, the prizes are ready and you have whatever the necessary licenses are in your state and you’re ready to go. Now the real challenge begins, actually selling all of your tickets. Luckily there are some great ways to sell your tickets either in-person or online. And we’ll lay out the best so your fundraiser is a smashing success.

Creative Ideas to Sell More Raffle Tickets In-Person

Asking for donations in person can be gut wrenching for some people, but it’s usually one of the simplest ways to sell your tickets. When you’re standing in front of someone it makes it a lot more difficult for your supporters to say no. It also helps build a connection no digital platform will ever duplicate. But standing at a table with a stack of tickets doesn’t cut it anymore. You need to give people a reason to stop, smile, and say yes.

Here are some fresh, proven ideas to make your in-person raffle sales stand out.

1. Themed Selling Events

Themed events are one of the best ways to sell tickets. A “Holiday Cheer Raffle” at the December craft fair feels more exciting than plain tickets on a folding table. Sports themes also work. Just sell tickets at local games with prizes tied to team spirit like “Sideline Seats” or a signed jersey. For a library fundraiser you could create a “Book Lovers’ Raffle” with signed novels, reading lamps and bookstore gift cards.

Themes create energy. And anytime you can tie your event into a seasonal event like summer carnivals or spring markets, you now have something that sets you apart and gives people an experience they’ll remember.

Action step: Pick one upcoming holiday or community event and build your raffle pitch around it. Even small touches, like decorating your table with themed props will make people more likely to stop by and at least listen to your pitch.

2. Bundle Deals That Feel Like a Win

People love getting a bargain, and bundling tickets wisely is no exception. Try creating bundles that inspire people to spend more, yet feel they’re getting the better deal. Instead of $5 a ticket, offer deals like “5 tickets for $20” or “Buy 10, get 2 free.” This is definitely one of the best ways to increase the average purchase.

Action Step: Sit down and think about the amount of funds you need to have in order to make your raffle profitable. Then think of all the ways you can bundle tickets that still allow you to reach your goal while also making your supporters feel like they’re getting an amazing deal!

3. Sell Where the Crowds Already Are

This should be self explanatory, but instead of trying to get people to come to your raffle, try ‘adding’ your raffle to other events that already have attendees. This can even be your own event. Adding a raffle to whatever event you’re running, even a high end gala can be a nice little boost to your numbers at the end of the night. Or simply piggy back onto an already existing event that isn’t competing for charity like a high school basketball game if you’re trying to raise funds for your sports team, or at a dog park if you’re trying to raise funds for a new animal clinic. Think of what you can add without taking way from the main event while also aligning with the day and you should have a real winner!

Action Step: Check your community calendar and sign up for a booth or ask permission to set up near a high traffic event as soon as possible.

4. Costumes, Mascots, and Props

A little fun goes a long way. Even better if you have a bunch of volunteers that don’t mind getting a little creative and are willing to dress up in different costumes to match the event type. Anything goes here, from dressing up as the school mascot to dressing up as a pumpkin at the local pumpkin patch at Halloween. These bring attention, and attention brings in money. Even props like a huge prize wheel grab attention as it’s all in the display. People may buy a ticket just because they enjoyed the interaction. Kids especially love photo ops and parents usually chip in for a ticket or two.

Action Step: Have you and your team sit down and think about all the ways you can make your event more creative and funky. Go big and write it all down, then start thinking about what is realistic, and which ideas match your event the best. You could come up with a seriously creative idea that stops people in the streets!

5. Add Instant Win Scratch Offs

This is something we don’t see very often and could really help boost your raffle sales. People don’t always have time to stick around for the entire event and wait for the prizes to be raffled off. And others just love a quick thrill and will gladly buy something they can see right ways.Scartch-offs are the perfect fit for these people and the prizes can be much smaller. And although they are not quite a raffle ticket, it’s the same basic concept. The only thing here is you really need to know your states laws as they may be different for these, so be sure you’re allowed to sell them.

Action step: Ask a local business to donate $5 coupons or freebies and hand them out as scratch-off prizes with select ticket sales.

6. Make It Social, Not Just a Sale

Getting donations is just one of the benefits of a raffle. In our opinion, the larger benefit, especially at in-person events is the chance to connect deeply with your supporters so they can see your commitment and passion. Ask them why they care about your cause and thank them on the spot for even being there. Or snap a photo of them holding their tickets to post online later. The idea is you want your raffle to be fun, not a transaction. And chatting with your guests and including them in some positive and memorable way will only help your future fundraising campaigns.

Action Step: If at all possible, try to know a little something about the individuals that’ll be attending your event. You have no idea how much more people open up both themselves and wallets when you mention their cat or their daughter’s piano recital. Talk about instant connection!

7. Create Urgency With Limited-Time Offers

Urgency is a copywriters secret to selling more, and the same principle works in real life as well. Nothing gets people moving like a deadline. Try “early bird” deals (extra tickets for the first hour) or flash sales during an event (“Next 20 buyers get a free snack with purchase”). And of course as the time runs out for the final draw, announce ever minute of the last ten minutes, “five minutes left to win!” to get thse last few sales in the door. Urgency drives action and makes people who might have walked past stop and think twice.

Top 7 In-Person Raffle Ticket Selling Ideas

1. Host themed sales tied to holidays or local events.
2. Offer bundle deals that reward bigger purchases.
3. Sell at high traffic community hotspots.
4. Use costumes, mascots, or fun props to draw a crowd.
5. Add instant win scratch-offs for bonus excitement.
6. Turn each sale into a social interaction, not just a transaction.
7. Create urgency with limited-time perks or “flash sales.”

Creative Ideas to Sell More Raffle Tickets Online

With amazing platforms like Paybee that have been designed specifically for the nonprofit sector, holding raffles online is as easy as sending an email or posting a link on all your social media accounts. And the best thing is, since you’re virtual anyone in the world with an internet connection can now join your event. That means the world is your oyster. But you still don’t want to feel pushy or like you’re making a sale, so here are some great ways we’ve collected to sell more raffle tickets online without feeling pushy.

1. Social Media Promotions With Countdowns

A single post saying “Buy your raffle tickets before it’s too late!” usually gets lost in the noise. But a series of countdown posts builds helps build momentum and gets noticed. Think “5 days left,” “3 days left,” and “last chance today.” Mix in quick prize previews or behind the scenes videos to keep the energy fresh daily. You can even mix in your corporate donor’s gifts in order to make things more personal and give your donors the exposure they deserve.

Action step: Schedule a 7-day countdown on Instagram or Facebook. Post a short daily clip like unwrapping a prize or letting kids at your school hold up signs with the days left.

2. Influencer and Ambassador Partnerships

You don’t need a celebrity to boost your raffle sales. Local micro-influencers, PTA leaders, coaches or even popular small business owners can be powerful ambassadors for your cause. This comes down to association and can be especially effective for those of you just starting your nonprofit with no money. This is because your link is being shared be someone people see as trustworthy, even though they may not know your charity at all. When they share your raffle link, it feels personal and trustworthy.

Action step: Identify three community voices with loyal audiences and ask them to share your raffle link with a short message about why they support the cause.

3. Email Campaigns With Storytelling

Don’t ever think email is dead, because it’s not. Well laid out email campaigns are still the number one way of speaking to your tribe directly, and the best thing about email is you own your subscribers, unlike a social media account. The trick is to tell stories and get people emotionally involved rather than just asking for money. Share how the raffle supports your mission. For example, “Every ticket helps fund new uniforms” or “Each sale covers one meal for a shelter dog.” Then add a clear, one-click button to buy tickets online.

Action step: Draft one email that includes a short story, a photo, and a direct “Buy Tickets” button. Send it to your supporter list three times. First on launch day, then mid-way and 48 hours before the draw. Track your results and look for ways to improve open and click through rates.

4. QR Codes to Promote Your Online Raffle

QR codes are a simple bridge between offline and online. They are small squares with a pattern unique to your event that you can share digitally or place on flyers, posters, or even restaurant tabletops. Supporters simply scan with their phone and are instantly taken to your ticket purchase page. No extra steps, no excuses not to click your link. And with our own platform, you can instantly create QR codes for all of your events that lead right back to your own donation page seamlessly. Try our free demo to see how easy it is!

Action step: Create a QR code for your raffle link using our free software, then print it on everything you hand out and see the donations start rolling in.

5. Livestream Raffles That Feel Like an Event

People love to watch winners get announced in real time. Hosting a livestream raffle draw on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube makes the experience exciting and shareable. And the best part is you can include this with a hybrid gala experience where you have a live audience as well as those watching from abroad all at the same time! This way you can benefit from your in-person audience as well as your virtual attendees all at one event.

Action step: Plan a short fifteen minute livestream for the raffle draw whether you want a hybrid approach or just virtual. Announce the date early and encourage ticket buyers to tune in.

The Best Online Raffle Promotion Tactics

Innovative Raffle Ticket Incentives

Doing everything we’ve mentioned above is going to help your ticket sales immensely. But that doesn’t mean you can’t push things even farther. This is where incentives come in. You can think of them as small bribes to nudge people to buy more raffle tickets or to buy them sooner rather than later. And we’re giving you our list of the best five to start with below.

4 Most Effective Raffle Incentives

1. Bonus tickets for referrals.
2. Early-bird discounts to drive quick sales.
3. VIP experience prizes that can’t be bought.
4. Tiered rewards that encourage bigger buys.

1. Bonus Tickets for Referrals

Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful fundraising tools in your marketing arsenal. And if you treat your referrals as a sort of affiliate program, you can offer people to sell some tickets for you to their friends and family and give them free tickets in exchange. So if they sell ten tickets, they get one free, or whatever you think would be most beneficial to spark people’s interest. It costs nothing to print a few more tickets, but it gives supporters a reason to spread the word.

Action step: Set a simple rule: “Refer a friend or sell X amount of tickets and get 2 bonus tickets.” Announce it clearly on your flyers and social posts.

2. Early-Bird Discounts

Create urgency by rewarding people eager enough to buy early. For example: “Buy before March 1 and get tickets for $3 each instead of $5.” These early sales can give you some immediate cash flow as well as help you predict your turnout. Aand when done correctly, it can even create a sense of momentum that carries into the rest of the campaign.

Action step: Blast all of your communication channels, social media and email about your early bird discount. See how well it does and adjust your communications accordingly.

3. VIP Experiences as Prizes

People love experiences they can’t buy at a store. Think front row concert tickets, “lunch with the mayor,” or a private cooking class with a local chef. These VIP style prizes don’t have to cost you much if you partner with community leaders or businesses, but they’ll feel priceless to winners.

Action step: Brainstorm three unique “experience” prizes in your area and ask partners to donate them.

4. Tiered Rewards for Big Buyers

Again, we’re looking to encourage people to feel like they’re getting a bargain. But with this strategy instead of discounting bulk purchases, you’re tying cool gifts for tiers of ticket purchases. So you can do something like offer a private dinner with a local chef for anyone buying a hundred tickets or more. Just make sure it’s something they can’t usually experience and you can set it up with no cost. The reward doesn’t have to be huge, it just makes people feel valued.

Action step: When possible, come up with a few different prizes as different things motivate people differently. Look to your board and local businesses for ideas and contacts as well.

Conclusion: Turning Ideas Into Action

Raffle ticket fundraisers work because they’re simple, flexible, and rooted in bringing a community together to support a good cause. But the difference between selling a handful of tickets and raising thousands often comes down to creativity and doing the work to bring that creativity to life.

So pick just one of our unique ideas and run with it. Go all out and see how much a difference it can really make. Maybe it’s creating a theme. Maybe it’s setting up a livestream draw. Maybe it’s testing out a referral bonus. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to try something new and see how your community responds.

Find fresh ways to make your supporters feel part of something bigger and the results will follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sell raffle tickets online legally?
Yes, but laws vary by state or country. Always check local nonprofit raffle regulations first.

What incentives encourage more raffle ticket sales?
Offer early bird discounts, bonus entries for referrals, or small instant prizes for buying more tickets.

What are the best prizes for raffle fundraisers?
Popular options include gift cards, travel experiences, electronics, or donated local services.

How do you avoid legal issues when selling raffle tickets?
Check raffle laws, apply for necessary permits, and clearly explain terms, odds and deadlines.

Do digital raffles sell better than traditional raffles?
Often, yes, digital raffles are easier to buy, share, and track, especially for younger audiences.

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