Raffle Software in Canada: Features to Look for Before You Choose

‍Raffle software helps charities, non-profits, schools, clubs and community organizations manage fundraising raffles without relying entirely on paper tickets, cash collections and manual spreadsheets.

Depending on the platform, organizations can create a raffle, sell numbered digital tickets, collect payments, maintain purchaser records, manage prizes, close ticket sales, randomly draw winners and review campaign reports from one system.

For organizations in Canada, choosing raffle software also requires careful planning around provincial, territorial and, where applicable, municipal raffle requirements.

The right platform should therefore do more than generate a winning number. It should support the entire raffle process while giving organizers the controls and records they need to manage their campaign.

What Is Raffle Software?

Raffle software is a digital system designed to help organizations manage a raffle from setup through the final draw.

Instead of printing hundreds or thousands of tickets and manually recording who purchased each one, digital raffle software can connect ticket sales with participant information.

A typical online raffle process may look like this:

1. Create the raffle campaign.
2. Add the prize or prizes.
3. Set the ticket price.
4. Configure permitted ticket packages.
5. Set the number of available tickets.
6. Open ticket sales.
7. Accept eligible purchases.
8. Generate numbered digital tickets.
9. Close sales at the scheduled time.
10. Randomly select the winner or winners.
11. Notify winners.
12. Download campaign records.

Having these steps connected can reduce the amount of manual administration required from staff and volunteers.

Why Use Online Raffle Software?

Traditional paper raffles can work well, particularly for smaller in-person fundraisers.

However, they can also require considerable manual work.

Organizations may need to order ticket books, distribute them among volunteers, collect payments, reconcile sold and unsold tickets, keep purchaser information organized and manually identify the owner of a winning ticket.

Online raffle software can move many of these tasks into a digital system.

Supporters can purchase eligible tickets from their own devices, while the platform maintains the corresponding ticket and purchaser information.

This can be particularly useful for organizations managing larger campaigns or fundraising events with several activities happening at the same time.

Raffle Software vs a Raffle Ticket Generator

A raffle ticket generator primarily creates numbered tickets.

It may produce sequential numbers for printable tickets or assign digital ticket numbers to participants.

Raffle software covers more of the campaign.

It can connect:

Ticket sales → Payments → Numbered entries → Purchaser records → Draw → Winners → Reporting

If your organization only needs to create printable raffle tickets, a simple ticket generator may be enough.

If you need to manage online sales, supporter information, payments and the draw, a complete raffle system may be more practical.

Raffle Software vs a Random Winner Generator

A random winner generator usually handles the final stage of a raffle.

You provide a list of names, numbers or entries, and the tool randomly selects a winner.

Raffle software can manage the process before that draw happens.

Instead of manually moving ticket numbers from one system into another, the sold digital tickets are already recorded within the campaign.

When sales close, the eligible ticket pool can be used for the draw.

This provides a clearer connection between the ticket purchaser and the final winning entry.

Look for Numbered Digital Raffle Tickets

Numbered tickets are one of the core features to consider when choosing raffle software in Canada.

Each eligible entry should have its own identifiable ticket number.

With GalaBid, supporters can purchase numbered digital raffle tickets where electronic ticket sales are permitted.

Their ticket information can be delivered digitally, while organizers maintain corresponding campaign records.

This reduces the need to manually match paper stubs with purchaser details after the draw.

Consider Single Tickets and Ticket Packages

Different raffles use different pricing structures.

A simple campaign might offer:

1 ticket for CA$10

Another campaign might offer multiple-ticket packages where permitted, such as:

3 tickets for CA$25

10 tickets for CA$50

These are examples only and should not be treated as recommended pricing.

GalaBid allows organizers to configure individual raffle ticket prices and multiple-ticket packages.

Organizations should confirm that their proposed pricing and package structure complies with the conditions of their raffle licence before ticket sales begin.

Set the Number of Available Tickets

Some raffles have a fixed number of tickets available.

For example, an organization may plan to make 5,000 tickets available for the campaign.

Raffle software should make it easy to establish that limit and monitor ticket availability as sales progress.

GalaBid allows administrators to set the total number of tickets available for an individual raffle item.

Once the configured limit is reached, the organization has a clear record of the available ticket pool.

Control How Many Tickets a Supporter Can Buy

Some campaigns may also need a maximum purchase quantity.

For example, the raffle rules might limit how many tickets an individual participant can purchase.

GalaBid allows administrators to configure a maximum purchase quantity for a raffle item.

This provides additional control over ticket distribution.

Whether a purchase limit is necessary should be determined by the organization based on its raffle structure and applicable requirements.

Make Sure the Raffle Works on Mobile

Many supporters will discover a fundraising raffle from their phone.

They might receive an email, see a social media post, scan a QR code at an event or receive the campaign from another supporter.

The purchasing experience should therefore work well on mobile devices.

Supporters should be able to review the prize, understand ticket pricing and complete an eligible purchase without needing to switch to a desktop computer.

GalaBid is browser-based, so participants can access campaigns using compatible phones, tablets and computers without downloading a dedicated GalaBid app.

Check How Payments Are Processed

Payment processing is an important part of choosing online raffle software.

Before launching a campaign, organizations should understand how supporters pay and how the proceeds reach the organization.

Questions to consider include:

• Which payment provider processes transactions?
• Which payment methods are supported?
• Where are the funds deposited?
• What payment processing fees apply?
• Are there additional platform fees?
• Does the raffle platform hold the organization's funds?

For Canadian GalaBid campaigns, online payments can be processed through the organization's connected Stripe Canada account.

Eligible payment methods can include supported credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Understanding the payment process before ticket sales begin can help organizations plan the financial side of the campaign more accurately.

Compare Raffle Software Costs

Price should be considered alongside functionality.

Different raffle software providers may use different pricing structures.

Costs could involve platform charges, subscription pricing, campaign fees or payment processing fees.

Organizations should look beyond the advertised starting price and understand what the campaign could actually cost based on expected ticket sales.

Also consider what is included.

A lower-cost system may be less useful if the organization still needs separate tools for payments, ticket management, winner selection and reporting.

The best option is the one that fits the fundraiser's requirements and budget.

Look for a Built-In Random Draw

A raffle eventually needs a winner.

Having the random draw available within the raffle software can keep the process connected with the tickets already sold through the campaign.

GalaBid includes random raffle drawing functionality.

Organizers can initiate a draw through the campaign controls or configure an eligible raffle so the winner is selected automatically when the raffle closes.

This avoids having to export ticket numbers and manually enter them into a separate random number tool.

Organizations should make sure their chosen draw process follows the conditions of their raffle licence.

Check Support for Multiple Prizes

Some fundraising raffles have one major prize, while others have several winners.

For example:

First Prize: Weekend getaway
Second Prize: Restaurant package
Third Prize: Gift basket

Raffle software should make it clear how multiple prizes are managed.

GalaBid allows organizers to configure multiple prizes and draw the corresponding winners.

Depending on the campaign setup, winners can be drawn individually or multiple prizes can be handled through the available draw controls.

The prize and draw structure should be clearly explained to supporters before they purchase tickets.

Schedule Ticket Sales and Closing Times

Organizers should not have to manually watch the clock to stop online ticket sales.

Scheduling controls can make this easier.

Raffle software can allow the organization to determine when a raffle opens and when ticket sales close.

GalaBid provides scheduling controls for raffle items.

Organizers can also decide whether the draw should happen automatically when the raffle closes or be initiated manually afterward.

This can be useful for online campaigns as well as raffles connected with live fundraising events.

Notify Winners Efficiently

Selecting the winning ticket is only part of the final process.

The organization also needs to identify and contact the winner.

Digital raffle software can connect the selected ticket with the corresponding purchaser information.

GalaBid can notify raffle winners digitally after the draw.

Organizations should also follow any additional requirements in their raffle rules regarding how and when winners must be contacted or announced.

Planning this process before ticket sales begin can make the end of the campaign much easier to manage.

Look for Useful Raffle Reports

Reporting is another important feature when comparing raffle software.

Organizations may need access to information about:

• Tickets sold
• Individual ticket numbers
• Purchasers
• Transactions
• Winning tickets
• Winners
• Draw information

GalaBid provides downloadable raffle information that organizers can use when reviewing and administering their campaigns.

The exact records that an organization is required to keep can vary, so organizers should check their applicable raffle licence and regulatory requirements.

Consider Raffle Software for In-Person Events

Online raffle software does not mean the campaign has to be completely remote.

Digital raffles can also be used during eligible in-person fundraising events.

Guests can access the raffle from their phones and purchase tickets during the event where permitted.

QR codes can also make the campaign easier to access.

Instead of typing a web address, a guest can scan the code and open the fundraising campaign on their phone.

Where the campaign configuration and applicable rules allow it, authorized volunteers can also assist participants with raffle purchases.

This gives organizations more flexibility while keeping ticket records digital.

Choose Software That Can Support the Rest of Your Fundraiser

A raffle may only be one part of a larger fundraising campaign.

A charity gala, for example, could include:

• Event ticketing
• Silent auction
• Live auction
• Donations
• Raffle
• Paddle raise

Using separate systems for every fundraising activity can create additional administration for the organizing team.

It can also make the experience more complicated for supporters.

GalaBid provides raffle functionality alongside other fundraising tools, allowing organizations to manage multiple fundraising activities within the same broader campaign environment.

For organizations planning more than a standalone raffle, this can be an important factor when choosing software.

Raffle Software for Canadian Charities

Canadian charities can use eligible raffles as part of a broader fundraising strategy.

Digital raffle software can help reduce the manual work involved in managing ticket numbers, purchaser information and the draw.

However, the organization still needs to determine whether it is eligible to run the raffle and what licensing requirements apply.

Using online software does not replace those responsibilities.

The platform provides the technology, while the organization remains responsible for running the raffle according to applicable requirements.

Raffle Software for Schools

Schools and parent organizations may also consider digital raffles for eligible fundraising activities.

A school fundraiser may rely heavily on volunteers, making ease of use particularly important.

Digital raffle software can help keep ticket sales and participant information organized without requiring volunteers to reconcile large numbers of paper ticket books.

Before launching, the organization should confirm its eligibility and the requirements applying to the proposed raffle.

Raffle Software for Clubs and Community Groups

Sports clubs, community organizations and other eligible groups can have similar needs.

These organizations may not have a dedicated fundraising team, so a system that brings several raffle tasks together can reduce administrative work.

Mobile participation can also be useful when fundraising happens during a community event where supporters are already using their phones.

The same licensing considerations still apply, regardless of the size of the organization.

Understand Canadian Raffle Requirements

Raffles are regulated activities in Canada.

Requirements can differ between provinces and territories, and additional municipal rules may apply in some locations.

Electronic raffles can also be subject to requirements that are different from traditional paper raffles.

Before selling tickets, an organization should confirm areas such as:

Eligibility: Is the organization permitted to conduct the raffle?

Licensing: What type of raffle licence is required?

Online sales: Are electronic raffle ticket sales permitted?

Location: Where must eligible purchasers be located?

Ticket requirements: What information must appear on the ticket?

Pricing: Are the proposed ticket prices and packages permitted?

Draw: How must the winner be selected?

Records: What information must be retained after the raffle?

Access to online raffle software does not automatically give an organization permission to conduct an electronic raffle.

Always confirm the requirements applying to the specific campaign before ticket sales begin.

Are Raffle Tickets Tax-Deductible in Canada?

Raffle ticket purchases should not be treated the same as charitable donations.

A person purchasing a raffle ticket receives the opportunity to win a prize.

For Canadian registered charities, a separately purchased raffle or lottery ticket is therefore not considered a charitable gift for official donation-receipting purposes.

A supporter may receive confirmation of their raffle transaction, but that should not be confused with an official charitable donation receipt.

Organizations running both raffles and donation campaigns should make this distinction clear.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Raffle Software

Before selecting your raffle software, consider the complete campaign rather than focusing on one feature.

Ask whether the software can generate unique numbered digital tickets, support the ticket pricing structure you need, limit ticket availability, process Canadian payments and maintain purchaser records.

Check whether supporters can participate easily from mobile devices and whether the software provides scheduling, random draws, multiple-prize functionality and winner notifications.

Reporting is also important. Make sure you understand what campaign information can be reviewed or downloaded after the raffle.

Finally, consider whether the software can support other fundraising activities your organization may need, such as auctions, donations or event ticketing.

How GalaBid Raffle Software Works

GalaBid provides raffle software designed to help eligible fundraising organizations manage digital raffles from setup through the final draw.

Organizers can create a raffle, add prizes, configure ticket prices and permitted packages, set ticket availability and determine how many prizes will be awarded.

Eligible supporters can purchase numbered digital raffle tickets from compatible phones, tablets or computers.

Ticket information is connected with participant records, helping organizers keep track of who purchased each eligible entry.

Canadian online payments can be processed through the organization's connected Stripe account.

When ticket sales close, organizers can use GalaBid's raffle controls to conduct the draw or configure an eligible raffle for automatic winner selection.

Winner notifications and campaign reporting can then help organizers complete the final stages of the fundraiser.

GalaBid also supports other fundraising activities, making the raffle part of a broader fundraising campaign when needed.

The organization remains responsible for confirming its raffle eligibility, obtaining the appropriate licence and following the applicable Canadian requirements.

Raffle Software FAQs

What is raffle software?

Raffle software is a digital system that can help organizations manage raffle ticket sales, numbered entries, payments, purchaser information, winner selection and reporting.

Can raffle software sell tickets online?

Yes, online raffle software can support digital ticket sales. Canadian organizations should first confirm that electronic ticket sales are permitted under their applicable raffle licence.

What is the difference between raffle software and a raffle ticket generator?

A raffle ticket generator mainly creates numbered tickets. Raffle software can manage a broader process that includes ticket sales, payments, participant records, draws and reporting.

Does GalaBid generate numbered raffle tickets?

Yes. GalaBid can generate numbered digital entries for eligible raffle ticket purchases and maintain the corresponding information within the campaign.

Can GalaBid automatically draw a winner?

GalaBid provides random raffle draw functionality and can support manual or scheduled automatic winner selection depending on the campaign setup.

Can raffle software handle multiple prizes?

Yes. GalaBid allows organizers to configure multiple prizes and manage the corresponding winner selection through its raffle controls.

Can supporters buy raffle tickets from their phones?

Yes. GalaBid campaigns are browser-based and can be accessed through compatible mobile devices without requiring supporters to download a dedicated GalaBid app.

Can I limit the number of raffle tickets available?

Yes. GalaBid allows administrators to configure the total number of tickets available for a raffle item.

Can I limit how many tickets one supporter purchases?

Yes. Organizers can configure a maximum purchase quantity for a raffle item.

Can raffle software accept Canadian payments?

GalaBid can connect Canadian campaigns with Stripe for supported online payment processing.

Do Canadian organizations need a licence to run a raffle?

Raffles are regulated in Canada, and requirements vary by jurisdiction and raffle type. Organizations should confirm the applicable licensing requirements before selling tickets.

Can a Canadian charity issue a donation receipt for a raffle ticket?

A separately purchased raffle or lottery ticket is not considered a charitable gift for official donation-receipting purposes.

Ready to Run Your Raffle Online?

Take the manual work out of managing your next fundraising raffle with GalaBid's raffle software.

Create numbered digital tickets, manage eligible online sales, process supporter payments, keep ticket records organized, conduct the draw and manage winner information from one fundraising platform.

Whether you're planning a charity fundraiser, school event or community campaign, GalaBid gives your team the tools to keep the raffle organized from setup through the final draw.

Start your raffle with GalaBid and make ticket sales, raffle management and winner selection easier for your fundraising team.