Raffles remain one of the most effective and flexible fundraising tools in the United States. When planned strategically, the right type of raffle can generate thousands of dollars with relatively low upfront costs. But what kind of raffle makes the most money? The answer depends on your audience, prizes, marketing approach, and execution.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most profitable raffle types, proven fundraising raffle ideas, and expert-backed strategies to help you maximize revenue—whether you’re a nonprofit, school, church, or community group.

Understanding Fundraising Raffles

What Is a Raffle?

A raffle is a fundraising game where participants purchase tickets for a chance to win one or more prizes. Winners are selected randomly, making raffles easy to understand, exciting, and accessible to a wide audience.

The Purpose of Raffles in Fundraising

Raffles are designed to:

  • Generate quick revenue

  • Engage supporters emotionally

  • Expand donor reach

  • Encourage repeat participation

When executed correctly, raffles can outperform traditional donation drives because they combine entertainment with incentive-based giving.

Types of Raffles That Yield High Profits

Not all raffles are equally profitable. Below are the raffle formats that consistently generate the highest returns.

1. 50/50 Raffle

The 50/50 raffle is one of the most profitable raffle formats because it requires no prize procurement.

How it works:

  • Ticket sales are split evenly

  • 50% goes to the winner

  • 50% goes to your organization

Why it makes the most money:

  • Zero upfront costs

  • Unlimited earning potential

  • Simple to explain and promote

Best for: Events, sports games, community gatherings, and quick-turn fundraising.

2. Online Raffle

An online raffle removes geographic limits and allows supporters to participate from anywhere in the U.S.

Why online raffles are highly profitable:

  • Broader audience reach

  • Lower operational costs

  • Easy integration with social media and email campaigns

Using modern online raffle platforms also allows you to automate ticket sales, winner selection, and payment processing—saving time while increasing revenue.

3. Reverse Raffle

In a reverse raffle, tickets are drawn until only one ticket remains—the grand prize winner.

Revenue advantages:

  • High-ticket pricing (often $50–$100 per ticket)

  • Builds suspense and excitement

  • Encourages group purchases

This raffle type works especially well for galas, banquets, and ticketed events where attendees are already invested.

4. Multi-Prize Raffle

Instead of offering a single prize, a multi-prize raffle increases perceived value by offering multiple chances to win.

Why it performs well:

  • Appeals to a wider range of interests

  • Encourages participants to buy more tickets

  • Keeps engagement high throughout the draw

Pairing large and small prizes ensures accessibility for all budgets.

5. Themed Raffles

Themed raffles are tailored around a specific interest, such as:

  • Travel

  • Sports

  • Family fun

  • Holidays

These raffles succeed because they tap into emotional and lifestyle-based motivations, making tickets easier to sell.

Key Strategies for Maximizing Raffle Revenue

Even the best raffle format won’t succeed without smart execution. Here’s how to boost profits significantly.

Raffle Ticket Pricing Strategies

Pricing can make or break your raffle.

Proven pricing techniques:

  • Offer bundle deals (e.g., 1 for $10, 5 for $40)

  • Use tiered pricing for premium raffles

  • Test higher price points for exclusive prizes

The goal is to increase average spend per participant, not just ticket volume.

Optimizing Prize Selection

The most profitable raffles offer prizes that are:

  • High perceived value

  • Relevant to your audience

  • Donated or discounted

Cash prizes, travel packages, electronics, and experiences often outperform physical items.

Raffle Marketing Ideas

Effective promotion is essential.

Top raffle marketing ideas include:

  • Email countdown campaigns

  • Social media giveaways and reminders

  • Influencer or board member promotion

  • Scarcity messaging (“Only 100 tickets left!”)

Consistency and urgency drive ticket sales.

Leveraging Online Raffle Platforms

Modern online raffle platforms allow you to:

  • Sell tickets 24/7

  • Track sales in real time

  • Accept multiple payment methods

  • Automate confirmations and reminders

These platforms dramatically increase participation and reduce administrative workload.

Engaging the Community for Raffle Success

Community Raffle Fundraising

Community-based raffles perform exceptionally well when supporters feel personally connected to the cause.

Ways to increase community involvement:

  • Encourage peer-to-peer ticket sales

  • Recognize top sellers publicly

  • Host live draws or community events

Collaborations with Local Businesses

Partnering with local businesses can:

  • Secure high-value prizes at no cost

  • Expand your promotional reach

  • Build long-term sponsorship relationships

Business-sponsored raffles often generate higher trust and credibility.

Legal Considerations for Raffles

Before launching your raffle, ensure compliance with U.S. state and local raffle laws, which may regulate:

  • Online ticket sales

  • Cash prizes

  • Licensing and permits

Always check your state’s charitable gaming regulations to avoid penalties.

Final Thoughts on Raffle Success

So, what kind of raffle makes the most money?
The answer is a well-marketed raffle that combines the right format, compelling prizes, smart pricing, and strong community engagement.

For most organizations, 50/50 raffles and online raffles deliver the highest ROI, while themed and reverse raffles excel for premium events. By applying the strategies outlined above, you can transform your next raffle into a powerful, repeatable fundraising engine.

If you’re looking to scale your fundraising efforts, start with the raffle type that best fits your audience—and optimize every step for maximum impact.