50/50 draw
The winner takes half the ticket money and the group keeps half. Common overseas; NOT recommended in NZ without DIA confirmation.
Typically raises
n/a
Is it right for us?
- Money
- Under $500
- Work
- An afternoon
- Helpers
- 1–2 people
- Lead time
- A week or less
- Red tape
- Some
Rare in NZ: rare and legally awkward in NZ, so mostly unknown
- People
- n/a
- Organiser time
- n/a
- Lead time
- n/a
- Up-front cost
- No upfront cost, but legal risk.
- Risk
- No cash at risk. The risk is the rules: see Typical rules before running anything like it.
How it works
The money, as an example sum
There is no typical amount for your group on this one. The notes below say why.
From the typical figure on this page. Your result will differ.
Where the money figure comes from
Not recommended, so no figures. Overseas guides describe it (Momentive, RallyUp). No NZ guidance found.
Last checked October 2026. Ran this? Tell us what you raised and we’ll use real results to improve the figures.
Step by step
- Don't run it as a percentage prize.
- If you want a cash prize, fix it in advance (e.g. $250) and run a normal Class 1/2 raffle.
- Print the cash prize amount on the tickets and posters like any other prize.
- Keep the 20% rule: a $250 cash prize allows up to $1,250 of tickets printed.
- If you still want a true 50/50, ask DIA in writing first (gambling@dia.govt.nz, 0800 257 887).
Getting the word out
Even a well-run plan fails if nobody hears about it. There are two asks, and the first one goes out first.
- Ask for help
- Sellers to take a book of tickets, and businesses to give prizes.
- Ask people to buy
- People to buy tickets.
- When to start
- Ask for helpers first, as soon as the date is set. Start the public ask about 1–2 weeks out, and book newsletter and paper notices before that: small newsletters close early.
Where to put it
- Asking people yourselfMost yeses come from someone asking directly. Give every member a short message they can send to family and workmates.
- PostersPosters at the school gate, the clubrooms and shop windows, with the date, place, price and how to pay.
- School, club and church newslettersYour own newsletter is free and read by the families most likely to say yes. Check when it closes.
- Email lists and group chatsYour members’ email list and the class, team or church group chats. Short, with one date or one link.
The full guide to getting the word out: every channel from flyers to the evening news, with lead times and costs.
What you’ll need
- Place
- Not neededNone needed
- Landowner’s permission
- Not needed
- Council permit
- Not needed
- Food rules
- Not neededNo food sold
- Alcohol
- Not neededNo alcohol sold
- Gambling rules
- NeededNot covered by the standard raffle rules. Ask DIA before running it
A percentage prize is not recommended in NZ: lottery prizes must be fixed and stated at point of sale. Run a fixed-cash-prize Class 1 or 2 raffle instead, or get DIA's written view first.
What you can get donated
n/a
Tips
- A fixed cash prize gets the same 'win cash' appeal with no ambiguity.
Watch out for
- Copying US 50/50 kits and online 50/50 platforms.
50/50 draw: checklist
0 of 8 done
Read this first
- Don’t run this as it stands: read the rules and change the format first.
- Don't run it as a percentage prize.
Before
On the day
After
A percentage prize is not recommended in NZ: lottery prizes must be fixed and stated at point of sale. Run a fixed-cash-prize Class 1 or 2 raffle instead, or get DIA's written view first.
Also pairs with: Use a fixed cash prize instead (e.g. '$200 cash'), which is an ordinary raffle prize.
* General fundraising information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Money figures are examples and estimates, not promises. Check current official requirements before you commit. About this guide