To run a raffle online, pick the format, check the rules where you live, collect every entry in one place, draw the winner at random on record, and announce the result publicly. The rules step matters most, because a raffle where people pay to enter is often regulated like a lottery.
Many people who ask this question really want a free giveaway, and that's much simpler. Decide which one you're running before you do anything else, because the rest of the plan depends on it.
Raffle, giveaway or contest? The legal difference
These three words get mixed up, but they aren't the same thing.
- A raffle usually means people buy a ticket or pay in some way for a chance to win a prize decided by luck.
- A giveaway usually means free entry and a prize decided by luck, such as a random draw from everyone who commented.
- A contest usually means entrants win by skill or merit, such as the best photo or the best slogan.
The legal treatment differs. A raffle where people pay to enter is usually treated as a lottery in many places, and lotteries are regulated. Charities, clubs and community groups often have their own specific rules, licences or reporting duties. Free-entry giveaways are generally treated differently, but they still have rules about how you describe them and who can enter.
I'm not a lawyer, and I can't tell you what applies to you. Check your state or national rules, or ask a lawyer or the regulator that handles gambling and lotteries where you are. Do this before you sell a single ticket.
If you want a free route that's good for your business, I've written about it in my guide to giveaways and contests that grow a business.
How to run a raffle online, step by step
- Choose the format: a paid raffle, a free giveaway or a skill contest. Check the rules for that format where you and your entrants live.
- Decide on the prize. Pick something your audience wants and you can deliver without trouble.
- Write short, clear terms: who can enter, how to enter, the closing date, how the winner is picked, how they'll be contacted and who handles the prize.
- Set up one place to collect entries, such as a form, a spreadsheet or an entry tool. Don't collect entries in five different places.
- Open the entry period and tell people about it.
- Close entries on the date you promised. Don't take late ones.
- Draw the winner at random, on record, using one of the methods below.
- Contact the winner, wait for their reply, and have a backup winner ready if they don't answer.
- Announce the result, and deliver the prize promptly.
A few details make a big difference to how professional it feels. Keep a copy of your terms with the date you published them. Keep a list of all entries after the draw, in case someone asks how they were counted. And store entrants' details safely, using them only for the raffle unless they agreed to more.
If you're running a paid raffle, think about how people will pay and how you'll record each payment. Use a payment method that gives every buyer a receipt, and match each ticket to a payment before the draw. Your local rules may also say what you must do with the money, so ask before you start.
Ways to draw a winner fairly
What matters is that the draw is random and that people can see it was fair.
A random number generator
Number your entries from one upwards, then use a random number generator to pick a number. It's simple and easy to explain.
Raffle draw tools
Several online tools take a list of names or numbers and pick one at random, often with an animation. They're quick, and they look good on video.
A spreadsheet with RAND
In Google Sheets or Excel, put your entries in one column and a RAND formula beside each one. Sort by the random column and take the top name. Keep a screenshot of the sheet.
A live stream of the draw
Drawing the winner live on a stream or video call is the most open way to do it. Viewers see the draw as it happens, so there's less room for doubt. Save the recording.
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Whatever you do, don't pick a winner by feel or because you like their reply. That is the fastest way to lose trust, and in some places it can put you on the wrong side of the rules.
Whichever method you choose, say in your terms how you'll do it. Then do exactly that.
Promoting your raffle on social media
Social media is where most online raffles and giveaways spread, but each platform sets its own rules. Instagram and Facebook both expect your promotion to state clearly that it isn't run by, endorsed by or connected to the platform. Read the current promotion rules on each platform before you post, because they change.
Be careful with entry mechanics too. Asking people to tag friends, share a post or follow several accounts can be fine on one platform and banned on another. Keep it simple: one clear action per entry works best.
If you're choosing a tool to manage entries, my roundup of the best apps for running a social media contest is a good starting point. And if you want more people to enter, read what makes people enter an online giveaway before you write your post.
Say who can enter and where. A prize you can't send to a winner's country is a headache for everyone.
A short checklist before you launch
- You've checked the rules for your type of raffle, giveaway or contest.
- The terms are written down and easy to find.
- Entries are collected in one place.
- The closing date and time are clear, with a time zone.
- You know how you'll draw the winner, and you've decided to record it.
- You've read the promotion rules of every platform you'll post on.
- You can deliver the prize to every region you're allowing.
Make a raffle or giveaway tool? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to run a raffle online?
It depends on where you and your entrants are and whether people pay to enter. Paid raffles are often regulated like lotteries, so check your state or national rules or ask a lawyer first.
What's the difference between a raffle and a giveaway?
A raffle usually involves paying for a chance to win. A giveaway usually has free entry, and the winner is picked at random.
How do I pick a raffle winner fairly?
Use a random method such as a random number generator, a raffle draw tool or a spreadsheet RAND column. Record the draw or do it live so people can see it was fair.
Can I run a giveaway on Instagram or Facebook?
Yes, but follow each platform's promotion rules, and state that the promotion isn't run by or connected to the platform.
