Knowing how to run a successful 50/50 raffle is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your tournament’s bottom line.
Half of the money collected goes to the winner, and the other half goes to your cause. That simplicity is what makes it so powerful.
But while the concept is straightforward, the results can vary widely depending on how well it is organized and promoted.
Here is how to run a 50/50 raffle that maximizes participation and revenue.
Start Early and Promote It Clearly
Do not wait until the end of the event to introduce your raffle.
Start promoting it:
- Before the event through emails and announcements
- At registration
- Throughout the day
Make sure participants know:
- What the raffle is
- How it works
- When the winner will be announced
The more visibility it has, the more people will participate.
Make It Easy to Understand
Simplicity is your advantage.
Clearly communicate:
- How much tickets cost
- How the prize is determined
- When and where the drawing will take place
Avoid complicated rules or unclear messaging. The easier it is to understand, the more people will buy in.
Use Tiered Pricing to Encourage Larger Purchases
Encourage golfers to buy more tickets by offering simple pricing tiers.
For example:
- A small number of tickets for a base price
- A larger bundle for a slightly higher price
- A best-value option for maximum tickets
This approach increases the average purchase without adding complexity.
Sell Tickets Throughout the Event
Do not limit sales to one location or one moment.
Maximize revenue by:
- Selling at registration
- Offering tickets during the round
- Continuing sales during post-round activities
Assign volunteers to actively sell tickets and remind participants about the raffle.
Consistent visibility leads to higher participation.
Make the Prize Visible and Exciting
Even though the prize is based on ticket sales, you can still build excitement.
Consider:
- Displaying the growing prize total
- Announcing updates throughout the event
- Creating anticipation leading up to the drawing
When people see the prize increasing, they are more likely to participate.
Place Sales in High-Traffic Areas
Location matters.
Sell tickets in areas where golfers naturally gather:
- Registration
- Practice areas
- Food and beverage locations
- Post-round gathering spaces
The more accessible the raffle is, the more successful it will be.
Use Clear and Visible Signage
Participants should never have to ask where to buy tickets.
Make sure you have:
- Clear signage at registration
- Signs throughout the course
- Visible pricing information
Well-placed signage increases awareness and participation.
Train Volunteers to Engage Participants
Your volunteers play a key role in success.
Make sure they:
- Understand how the raffle works
- Can clearly explain pricing
- Actively encourage participation
A simple, friendly ask can significantly increase sales.
Announce the Winner at the Right Time
Timing your drawing is important.
Choose a moment when:
- Most participants are present
- Attention is focused on the event
- Energy is high
This is often during:
- Post-round gatherings
- Award ceremonies
A well-timed announcement adds excitement and reinforces the success of the raffle.
Keep the Process Organized and Transparent
Trust is essential.
Make sure:
- Tickets are handled properly
- The drawing is conducted fairly
- The winner is clearly announced
Transparency builds confidence and encourages future participation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple raffles can underperform if not executed well.
Avoid:
- Waiting too long to start selling tickets
- Making pricing unclear
- Limiting sales opportunities
- Failing to promote the raffle throughout the event
- Poor visibility or lack of signage
Small improvements in these areas can significantly increase results.
Back 9 Pro Tip
The most successful 50/50 raffles are the ones that are visible, simple, and integrated into the event from start to finish.
Organizers who see the best results:
- Promote the raffle early and often
- Use clear signage and consistent messaging
- Make it easy to purchase tickets in multiple locations
- Encourage participation through volunteers and announcements
When the raffle is treated as a central part of the event rather than an afterthought, participation increases and revenue follows.
Final Thoughts
A 50/50 raffle is one of the easiest ways to add meaningful revenue to your golf tournament.
With minimal setup and the right approach, it can quickly become one of your most reliable fundraising tools.
Keep it simple, make it visible, and promote it consistently.
When you do, you will see strong participation and better results year after year.
