Understanding Raffle Formats: Online (Internet Raffle), Hybrid, and In-Person Only

What is a Raffle?

A raffle is a fundraising activity where participants purchase tickets for a chance to win prizes, typically organized by nonprofit organizations. Raffles can be conducted in different formats, including online (internet raffle), hybrid, and in-person only (offline). Below, we explain each type to help you understand their differences and requirements.

Online (Internet Raffle): An internet raffle is conducted entirely or primarily online. Ticket sales, promotion, and often the drawing itself occur through digital platforms, such as websites, apps, or social media.

Key Features: Tickets are sold online, and the drawing may be streamed or announced virtually.

Advantages: Reaches a broader audience, convenient for participants, and reduces physical logistics.

Considerations: Requires compliance with local gambling laws, including registration. In Maine, all internet raffles must be registered with the Gambling Control Unit. May have restrictions on participant location and online payment processing.

Example: A nonprofit sells tickets via a state approved platform, such as MaineRaffle, and the winner is picked virtually or announced during a live-streamed drawing.
Hybrid (In-Person/Online) Raffle: A hybrid raffle combines in-person and online elements. Tickets may be sold both at physical locations (e.g., events, stores) and online, with the drawing conducted either in-person or virtually.

Key Features: Offers flexibility for participants to buy tickets online or in-person. The drawing may be held at an event or streamed online.

Advantages: Appeals to both local and remote participants, increasing participation. Combines the engagement of in-person events with the reach of online platforms.

Considerations: Must comply with regulations for both in-person and online raffle components. In Maine, the online component does not require registration as an internet raffle.

Example: A charity sells tickets at a community fair and through a website, with the drawing held live at the fair and streamed online.
In-Person Only (Offline) Raffle: An in-person only (offline) raffle is conducted entirely in physical settings, with no online ticket sales or virtual drawing.

Key Features: Tickets are sold at physical locations (e.g., events, offices), and the drawing occurs at a live event.

Advantages: Simple to organize, fosters community engagement, and may have fewer regulatory requirements in some jurisdictions. In Maine, raffles with prizes $2,500 or less do not require registration.

Considerations: Limited to participants who can attend in-person. Requires physical logistics for ticket sales and the drawing event.

Example: A school sells raffle tickets at a fundraiser event, and the winner is drawn from a physical ticket drum during the event.

Key Considerations for All Raffle Types

Legal Compliance: Always check local gambling laws. For example, in Maine, internet and hybrid raffles with an online component require registration with the Gambling Control Unit, while small in-person raffles may not.
Eligible Organizations: Typically, only nonprofits (e.g., charitable, educational, or civic groups) can conduct raffles, with proceeds supporting a charitable purpose.
Transparency: Ensure fair and transparent ticket sales and drawings, with proper record-keeping.
Prize Limits: Prize values may affect registration requirements or restrictions on the number of raffles conducted simultaneously. Check out the various raffle scenarios to see what requirements apply based on prize value.

Need More Information?

For specific regulations, contact your local gambling authority (e.g., in Maine, the Maine Gambling Control Unit). Always consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with applicable laws.