Hosting a raffle or sweepstakes on Zeffy
Zeffy offers two lottery formats under one campaign type: Sweepstakes and Standard Raffle. We recommend Sweepstakes: it is the default option, it is available in every US state according to our product information, and it includes a free entry method. Standard Raffle is available only where Zeffy permits it.
This article is not legal advice, and we can't guarantee that an activity is legal everywhere. Check the rules that apply to your organization and region before you launch.
How the campaign options work
"Raffle & Sweepstakes" is a single campaign type in Zeffy. When you create the campaign, you choose the lottery type. Sweepstakes is selected by default and marked "Recommended".
Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes is Zeffy's default lottery option: participants can enter for free, and free and paid entries have equal odds of winning.
Availability. Our product information describes Sweepstakes as available in every US state. We also recommend it as an alternative to raffles in the UK and the US.
Free entry. A free way to enter is always available: Zeffy automatically provides one free entry per email address per day. You can't remove this option; it is set out in the rules. You can also add entry types priced as you wish.
Equal odds. Free and paid entries have equal odds of winning. You can't tie prizes to the amount a participant paid.
Official Rules. Zeffy generates Official Rules from your campaign details and makes them available to participants. The free entry method is explained in the rules.
Total entries. You must set the total number of entries when you build the campaign.
Use the words "Sweepstakes", "entries", "enter", and "participate" when you talk about your campaign. Don't call a Sweepstakes a raffle or describe entries as tickets or purchases: the word "raffle" is blocked in the Sweepstakes title and description. When you refer to a specific Sweepstakes, include "No purchase necessary".
Standard Raffle
In a Standard Raffle, participants purchase raffle tickets and payment is required.
Standard Raffle is available only where permitted. It is unavailable in Zeffy for organizations in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, and Utah, where online raffles are not allowed. Organizations in those states can choose Sweepstakes instead.
Standard Raffle is a separate option from Sweepstakes, so the Sweepstakes rules above don't apply to it. It has no free entry method, and Zeffy does not generate Official Rules for it. You are responsible for checking the rules that apply to your raffle.
We don't make an odds claim for Standard Raffle entries: check the rules that apply to your raffle instead.
Details that apply to both options
Both formats run on a Zeffy campaign page and checkout, and both support entry or ticket rates and bundles.
Both require a draw date. The e-ticket includes a numbered entry with a detachable stub. When it's time to pick a winner, see Drawing a winner for your raffle.
Standard Raffles require an "I confirm I am 18 or older" checkbox at checkout.
Non-501(c)(3) organizations cannot discount Sweepstakes entry bundles: each entry must cost the same base rate.
Prize pools over $5,000 that are open to New York or Florida residents may require state registration and a bond. Zeffy does not handle those requirements.
For step-by-step form configuration, follow Set up and customize a raffle form. For licensing questions and gaming authority contacts, see Is Zeffy a licensed Electronic Raffle System?