In a 50/50 raffle, tickets are sold and half the money goes to the winner, while the other half goes to the organization running it.
Basics
In a 50/50 raffle, tickets are sold. Half of the pot goes to one winner. The other half funds the organization.
Winning
A ticket is drawn at random.
Where
Sports games, fundraisers and charity events.
Example
$2,000 in sales pays $1,000 to the winner.
Rules
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State laws apply. Some need a permit.
Taxes
Winners may owe tax on the prize.
Why
The pot grows with participation.
Where and how they are run
50/50 raffles are common at sports games, charity events and community fundraisers. Many professional teams run electronic 50/50 programs through platforms such as 50/50 Raffle by Hockey Hub partners, with proceeds supporting charities. Rules are set by the provincial or state regulator.
- In Canada, provinces like Ontario license charitable raffles through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
- Large 50/50 jackpots at NHL and NFL events have reached over 1 million USD in some cases.
- Tickets are bought in bundles, such as 5 for 10 USD, so the odds depend on how many tickets you hold.
Rules and reasons
Winners must be selected randomly, and organizers must follow reporting rules. Winnings are taxable in the US. In Canada, lottery winnings are generally not taxed as income for individuals, though rules vary. People take part because the win can be large and the funds go to a cause. Keep the receipt, and check eligibility such as age and location.
Where and how they are run
50/50 raffles are common at sports events, schools and charities. Electronic raffles let people buy tickets by phone or online. In Canada and the US, many provinces and states regulate them. The winner may be drawn at the event.
Rules and reasons
Charities use them for fundraising because they are simple. Check licensing, purchase rules and age limits. Odds depend on tickets sold.
Origins and platforms
50/50 raffles became popular at sports games in North America. Electronic raffle platforms such as 50/50 Central and Rafflebox let charities sell tickets online. Pro sports teams have raised millions: the Edmonton Oilers raised over 800,000 CAD in a single game in some seasons.
Fairness and tips
Check the organizer’s license number, how winners are chosen (random number generator) and whether you must be present. Tickets are not tax deductible. Keep tickets safe. In some provinces and states, the prize limit is regulated. Winnings are generally taxable in the US.
Based on data from provincial gaming commissions and charity raffle platforms
