Printed vs. Online Raffle Tickets: Why You Need Both

a blue sky representing the potential of combining an IRL raffle fundraiser with printed raffle tickets with online raffle elements

July 3, 2025

Events, shopping, meetings… almost everything has shifted online, and raffles are no exception. While online raffles are highly effective in sheer reach, they can’t replace the tangible excitement of holding a printed ticket.

The solution? A hybrid raffle approach.

A hybrid raffle combines the convenience of online sales with the tactile experience of printed raffle tickets. By channelling the strengths of in-person experiences and the unlimited reach of online, this approach positions your charity to reach its campaign fundraising goals.

Key Takeaways

  • Hybrid raffles raise more money by combining the best of both worlds: online convenience and in-person excitement
  • Printed tickets reach different donors – older supporters and those who prefer face-to-face transactions you’d miss online
  • Online sales expand your reach globally with 24/7 convenience and easier payment options
  • Physical tickets create buzz through wallet reminders, fridge magnets, and natural word-of-mouth promotion
  • One platform manages both – track printed and online ticket sales together for seamless winner drawings
a printed raffle ticket template for fundraising events wit multi-colored hands.

Why Use Both Printed and Online Raffle Tickets?

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Inclusivity

Not everyone is comfortable with or able to make purchases or donations online. Printed tickets can help you reach out to an older demographic or others who prefer face-to-face transactions and payment over digital. If you  keep your raffle 100% online, these are people you’d miss!

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The Power of Tangibility

There’s value in the physical. A ticket in hand serves as a palpable reminder of the potential win. For some, it also reinforces the validity of your organisation and fundraiser—seeing your charity’s information, a picture of the prize, and a website can be reassuring. These elements also serve to stoke anticipation, a feeling that’s hard to capture through an online transaction.

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In-person sales

Printed raffle tickets open up opportunities to spread awareness and build relationships. Interacting with someone face-to-face enables conversation to take place. You can answer questions about your charity, talk about the impact it makes, or initiate conversations around ideas to build on your efforts. These connecting moments are challenging to replicate online and help your organisation stay top of mind.
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Visibility and promotion

Tucked into a wallet, left on the kitchen counter, or stuck to a fridge, your organisation’s raffle ticket serves as a mini billboard. Each time your supporter sees it, they’re reminded of your event and mission. This visual cue can spur word-of-mouth promotion, increasing ticket sales and overall reach.

What an Online Raffle Brings to the Table

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Global Reach

Online raffles remove geographic barriers. Supporters from anywhere can participate in your fundraiser, dramatically expanding your potential donor base beyond your local community.

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24/7 convenience

People can buy tickets whenever it works for them — during lunch breaks, late at night, or on weekends. There’s no need to coordinate schedules or find you at an event.

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Lower barrier to entry

Online payments are often easier for supporters than carrying cash or writing cheques, especially for younger donors.
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Built-in legitimacy

Secure payment processing and automated receipts provide the digital equivalent of that trust factor you get with printed tickets. Supporters get immediate confirmation and can easily track their entries
Smiling man using smartphone to purchase raffle tickets online, demonstrating the convenience of mobile fundraising

While online raffles offer significant advantages, the combination of an online raffle and a physical raffle with printed tickets can create a synergy that optimises the reach, excitement, and overall success of your fundraising event. This approach instils a sense of optimism and hope for a more successful event.

Wrapping Up

Raffles are an opportunity to engage your community, create excitement, and make a real difference for your cause. By combining virtual and IRL elements, you’re reaching more people and raising greater awareness.

Hand-in-hand with that approach are custom-printed tickets. Though they’re old school, they’re a key part of your hybrid raffle fundraising strategy. They can help you reach more people, create a buzz around your event, and ultimately raise more funds. You can even add sponsor ads to the back to cover their cost.

The other side of a successful hybrid fundraising event is managing online sales. For that, you’ll need a raffle fundraising platform. Using both physical tickets and tech, you can create a killer hybrid raffle!

Ready to start? Our charity fundraising platform is built to support all your online, hybrid, and in-person efforts! Plus, our integrated print services make it easy to order materials like printed raffle tickets for your hybrid fundraiser!

Want to see Eventgroove in action?

We’d love to show you! Schedule a one-on-one demo with our expert sales team.

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