What's involved on the day of the raffle draw?

The most common method is to put all the collected stubs into a box or hat, cover it, and draw them out one at a time. The draw is usually done at an event like a fair or fete, but can also be done online or at a separate meeting. As long as the draw is random and transparent, the method is up to you.

If you are the buyer, you keep the main ticket — the larger part with the unique number on it. This is your proof of purchase and the number that will be called if you win.

If you are the seller or organiser, you keep the stub (also called the counterfoil). The buyer writes their name and contact details on the stub, tears it off and hands it to you. All the collected stubs go into the draw.

There's no specific order that is legally required but if it's suspense you are going for then leave the biggest prize till last. As long as you are consistent then it doesn't really matter, you don't want to do 3rd prize then 1st prize then 2nd prize for example as that would certainly raise some eyebrows.

Yes, as long as all participants are made aware in advance and you have double-checked with your local council. It is worth recording the live draw so it can be replayed until all prizes have been collected.

A random number generator (RNG) is a piece of software that produces numbers at random. In raffle terms, it can be used instead of drawing physical stubs from a hat — you enter the range of ticket numbers sold and the RNG picks a winner. This is particularly useful for online draws or very large raffles.

Yes. You should publish the winning ticket numbers publicly so that all ticket holders can check whether they have won. You do not need to post the names of the winners if they prefer to stay anonymous.

Call out the winning ticket numbers clearly, one at a time, starting with the smallest prize and building to the top prize. At a live event, use a microphone if possible so everyone can hear. For each number, wait for the winner to come forward and verify their matching ticket before moving on.

After the draw, publish the full list of winning numbers on your website, social media and via email so that anyone who was not present can check. Include a deadline for claiming prizes — 28 to 30 days is standard.

Only with the winner's permission. Always ask before making names public — some winners prefer to stay anonymous. You can publish the winning ticket numbers without naming the winners.

No. Only stubs from sold tickets should go into the draw — your raffle ticket printing includes sequential numbering on every stub, making it simple to separate sold from unsold. If an unsold number is drawn, nobody can claim the prize, which causes confusion and delays. Remove unsold tickets before the draw and dispose of or recycle them afterwards.

Yes. Every prize must be won — that is what makes a raffle different from other types of lottery. Even if only one ticket is sold, that ticket holder wins. The draw is made from the sold stubs only, so there will always be a winner for every prize.

A reverse raffle is a variation where ticket numbers are drawn one at a time and eliminated, rather than selected as winners. The last number remaining wins the top prize. Some versions award smaller prizes to numbers drawn along the way (for example, every 50th number drawn wins a consolation prize).

Reverse raffles work best at sit-down events like dinners or galas because the audience stays engaged as numbers are eliminated. They are subject to the same legal rules as a standard raffle — you still need registration, unique numbering and a named promoter.

The prize remains with the organiser. There is no legal requirement to redraw, but most organisers give winners a reasonable deadline to claim — typically 28 to 30 days — and state this clearly before the draw.

If a prize goes unclaimed after that deadline, you can either redraw for that prize, donate its value back to the cause, or roll it over to your next raffle. Whatever you decide, make sure you publish the unclaimed numbers so ticket holders can check, and record the outcome for your return report to the council.