TicketRunQuick answer: In a 50/50 raffle the winner gets half of the money collected and the organizer keeps the other half. Print numbered tickets with stubs (the generator above is set up for a 50/50), sell them during the event, announce the pot, then draw one stub and pay the winner half.
How a 50/50 raffle works
- Sell tickets. Write the buyer's name and phone on the stub, put the stub in the drum and give the buyer the ticket.
- Close sales and count. Stop selling at a set time, count the cash with two people present and announce the total pot.
- Draw. Draw one stub, or use the winner picker with the sold range.
- Pay out. The winner receives half the pot and the organizer keeps the rest. Check the winner's ticket number against the stub before paying.
Payout examples
| Total collected | Winner gets (50%) | Organizer keeps |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | $150 | $150 |
| $1,000 | $500 | $500 |
| $2,450 | $1,225 | $1,225 |
Some 50/50s split differently, for example 60/40, or pay several winners from the winner's half. Print the split you use in the small print so buyers know before they pay.
Pricing deals that print well
Bundles such as $2 each · 3 for $5 or $5 for an arm's length sell more tickets than a single price. Put the deal in the Price field and it prints in the bottom corner of every ticket. When someone buys a bundle, tear off several consecutive tickets so their numbers are easy to check later.
Tips for game days and galas
- Give each seller a book of consecutive numbers and note the range in the seller log, so the pot can be reconciled per seller.
- Use a bold colour stub so stubs are easy to spot and don't get mixed with other raffles in the same venue.
- Announce the pot before the draw, and the winning number twice. Post it afterwards on your social channels with the ticket image or the picker result.
- If a winner isn't present, use the name and phone on the stub to contact them, as your rules state.
Check your local raffle rules. Raffle and 50/50 laws vary by state, province and country: some require a licence or limit raffles to registered charities and nonprofits, and some restrict prices, prizes or online sales. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does 50/50 mean in a raffle?
The prize is half of the money collected from ticket sales. The other half goes to the organizer or cause.
How much should 50/50 tickets cost?
Low prices with bundles are common, such as $1 each or $2 each and 3 for $5. Choose prices that make change easy for sellers.
Do 50/50 tickets need stubs?
Yes. The stub goes in the drum with the buyer's name and phone, and the buyer keeps the matching ticket as proof.
Are 50/50 raffles legal everywhere?
No. Many places regulate 50/50 raffles as gaming and require a licence or limit them to charities. Check local rules before you sell.
More ticket types and guides
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. General information, not legal advice.