Rafflebox values the safety and security of the organizations we work with, as well as our ticket buyers.
Online 50/50 and prize raffles are popping up everywhere! During a time when in-person fundraising galas and live auctions are not possible, online raffle platforms like Rafflebox are helping charities and non-profits raise funds for animal care, hockey jerseys, and all sorts of important causes.
But how can you be sure that you’re buying a ticket from a reputable raffle provider? We recently stumbled upon a fake raffle page and, while the page has been removed, we wanted to share a few simple steps that you can take to stay safe and have fun while supporting your cause:
You can contact your provincial gaming government body to verify a license. They will be able to tell you the license number, the raffle platform hosting the raffle, and other license details. Examples of provincial gaming bodies include the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) and the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia.
All Rafflebox fundraisers list the license number directly on the raffle page, below the ticket purchase information.
When a charity or non-profit hosts a fundraiser, you better believe they are using every piece of digital real estate possible to promote their raffle. This includes their website and social media accounts. If you see an ad or post on social media asking you to support a raffle by buying a ticket, be sure to visit the host organization’s official website to see if the same raffle is being promoted there.
Cross-check with their social media accounts to ensure all promotional material looks the same.
If an organization is hosting the raffle, they should be more than happy to answer any questions from potential ticket buyers. In the event that the raffle is fraudulent, it’s always good to notify the organization that someone is pretending to be them.
4. Read the rules
50/50s, prize raffles and sweepstakes must have a detailed set of rules, outlining information like:
a. Draw date and location
b. Number of tickets being sold
c. Window of ticket sales
d. Eligibility criteria
If you cannot find a detailed set of rules, contact the hosting organization. All Rafflebox fundraisers outline the specific raffle rules in the Rules tab on the live raffle page:
All (public) raffles hosted by Rafflebox will appear on our live raffles page, so if you see a Rafflebox logo, visit our website to ensure that the raffle is listed. We also host private raffles, so if you don’t see it on our website, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Our support team is always happy to answer any questions and can be reached at support@rafflebox.ca.
Following these steps will ensure that your money goes to your charity of choice. Happy Raffleboxing!