Why not a 50/50 draw?

Planning guide

Use a fixed cash-prize raffle instead of splitting ticket income with the winner. Decide the prize before selling any tickets.

Make a plan

  1. Keep the prize fixed and fully funded before sales.
  2. Check the applicable raffle rules and limits.
  3. Use the raffle guide to plan numbered paper tickets sold face to face.

Ideas to use

  • Raffle

    Sell numbered paper tickets for fixed prizes, then draw the winners. Choose a small class raffle, a headline prize, hampers, donated prizes or an event-night raffle.

Details for your plan

These notes and sources were checked in October 2026. Check current costs, eligibility and official rules before committing money.

50/50 draw

The winner takes half the ticket money and the group keeps half. Common overseas; NOT recommended in NZ without DIA confirmation.

  1. Don't run it as a percentage prize.
  2. If you want a cash prize, fix it in advance (e.g. $250) and run a normal Class 1/2 raffle.
  3. Print the cash prize amount on the tickets and posters like any other prize.
  4. Keep the 20% rule: a $250 cash prize allows up to $1,250 of tickets printed.
  5. If you still want a true 50/50, ask DIA in writing first (gambling@dia.govt.nz, 0800 257 887).

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.

Rules and permissions

  • No DIA guidance on 50/50 found (searched 2026-10-08).
  • The prize is unknown at sale, yet s25(b) requires prize value at point of sale and DIA lottery rules say 'Prizes offered must not be changed once the lottery has commenced' [Inferred conflict].
  • DIA's calcutta rules expressly allow a pool 'expressed as a percentage figure'; the lottery rules have no such clause.
  • Run by an individual: all profit must go to prizes, so it isn't a fundraiser.

Sources: dia.govt.nz, dia.govt.nz, dia.govt.nz, rallyup.com

Promote it and collect the money

Getting the word out helps you ask for helpers and reach buyers. Use Taking the money to plan payments and safe counting.

* 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