What is the best way to raffle something off?

Question

I want to raffle off a PS3 and donate 50% of the money to Parkinson's research. Anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

The only way you can do this legally is to make sure you are giving away all the money less the purchase price of the item. You can not benefit from the raffle, that is not legal and that is gambling sceme.
If you truly want to help this organization contact them. They may say yes to a raffle or no. Since they are responsible for the outcome they may have to run it not you. And you can not use their name without their permission.
It is best to get with a non-profit organization and tell them your idea. They bring it to the board and get approval. But you would be doing it under them and their guidelines.
And you can not profit from the money made.

Answer 2

Before you spend too much time in the planning stage, you should check with your local law enforcement agency. In some states, a raffle is considered gambling if it is not done by a charitable organization ( most states make an exemption for them). In most states, you keeping ANY of the money will be illegal. If it is illegal in your state, you may be able to have a local chapter of the National Parkinson's Foundation hold the raffle of your donated PS3.

If it is legal for you to hold the raffle, you can buy some relatively inexpensive two-part tickets from Sam's or WalMart. If you are active in a church or similar organization, you should be able to arrange to sell tickets before or after one of their functions.

Answer 3

i work at a nursing home, so when we have raffles we print of sheets that have a place to write a persons name and phone number on them. we sell them around town $1 each or 6 for $5. we also advertise using posters at the local stores/banks. we just draw the name when it's time and call teh person to pick up their prize.