Designing your own raffle tickets gives you full control over branding, format, and messaging while keeping fundraising costs low. Whether you are hosting a school charity drive, church event, nonprofit fundraiser, or community giveaway, learning how to make custom raffle tickets helps your event look official and trustworthy. U.S. raffles are regulated at the state level, so proper design, legal awareness, and recordkeeping help ensure credibility and compliance. Below, compare key considerations and steps – then follow the practical process to create polished, secure tickets that boost participation and fundraising success.
Why Make Your Own Raffle Tickets
Creating custom raffle tickets offers creative flexibility, fast turnaround, and cost savings compared to ordering pre-printed books. It also ensures your tickets reflect the theme and tone of your event. Custom tickets help:
- Increase trust and professionalism
- Highlight event branding and mission
- Allow flexible ticket quantities and last-minute edits
- Reduce cost compared to third-party printing
- Improve tracking and numbering accuracy
Raffle participants often associate professional-looking tickets with secure and fair prize drawing, making the time spent on design worthwhile.
Legal Requirements in the USA
U.S. raffle laws vary by state. Most states restrict raffles to charities or registered nonprofits, and some require permits before printing tickets. To ensure compliance:
- Verify your state’s raffle regulations
- Confirm if your organisation qualifies (often nonprofits only)
- Obtain any required raffle permit or registration
- Follow reporting rules after fundraising (if applicable)
Required information usually includes:
- Organisation name
- Ticket number
- Drawing date, time, and location
- Prize details
- Ticket price
- Permit or licence number (if required)
Always check your state charity gaming rules before printing or selling tickets.
Tools and Materials Needed
To create durable and professional tickets, prepare the following:
- Card stock (65–110 lb paper)
- Printer (inkjet or laser)
- Computer with design software or online template
- Paper trimmer or perforation tool
- Spreadsheet for numbering and buyer tracking
Recommended tools:
- Canva or Adobe Express for design
- Avery ticket templates for pre-cut paper
- Excel/Google Sheets for sequential numbers
- QR-code generator for digital validation
These resources allow beginners to achieve high-quality results at home.
How to Design Custom Raffle Tickets (Step-By-Step)
1. Plan Ticket Layout
Include essential elements while keeping the design clean:
- Event or organisation name
- Ticket serial number
- Prize information
- Drawing date and time
- Contact details or website
- Terms or disclaimers (if required)
- QR code (optional but helpful for digital recordkeeping)
2. Select a Design Tool
Choose a method based on skill and time:
- Templates: Fast, structured, beginner-friendly
- Custom design software: More creativity and branding options
3. Create Ticket Numbers
Use a spreadsheet to generate sequential numbers (001, 002, 003).
Best practice:
- Match numbers on ticket + stub
- Use three- or four-digit formatting
- Track buyer name + ticket number
4. Print and Cut Tickets
- Print a test sheet for alignment
- Use quality paper for durability
- Cut using a paper trimmer for clean edges
- Perforate if detachable stubs are required
5. Organise and Distribute
- Bundle tickets in numeric order
- Maintain a digital and physical sales log
- Store unused tickets securely to prevent loss
Tips for Professional-QUALITY Tickets
Enhance credibility and prevent counterfeits by including:
- Unique design or logo watermark
- Serial numbers and stubs
- QR code or barcode
- Clear event branding
- Instruction line such as “Keep this stub for drawing”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowded design
- Unregulated raffle setup
- Incorrect or duplicate ticket numbers
- Poor-quality paper or ink
- Missing key legal details
Distribution & Raffle Execution
Modern raffles often combine physical tickets with online participation. To streamline operations:
- Offer online payments + digital ticket confirmation
- Track all ticket sales in a spreadsheet
- Store completed stubs securely until draw day
- Conduct a public or recorded drawing for transparency
- Retain records for compliance and future audits
Good organisation increases donor trust and future participation.
Quick Comparison: DIY vs Printed Raffle Tickets
| Feature | DIY Tickets | Professional Printing |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Customisation | Very flexible | Flexible but may be limited |
| Turnaround | Immediate | Several days |
| Best for | Small–mid events | Large events, premium look |
| Numbering | Manual or spreadsheet | Automated options |
FAQ
Do I need a licence for raffles in the USA?
Usually yes, unless your state exempts charitable raffles. Most raffles are limited to nonprofits.
How many tickets should I print?
Estimate participant volume and print a little extra. For charity raffles, a common range is 500–5,000 tickets.
Can I sell raffle tickets online?
Yes in many states, but digital raffles can have additional rules. Always confirm local regulations.
What size should raffle tickets be?
Standard sizes range from 2″ × 5.5″ to 3″ × 7″, depending on whether stubs are included.
Should I include QR codes?
Yes—QR codes improve tracking, payment options, and authenticity.
