A Brief History of Raffles—and Why They Still Work Today

1/7/2025

Raffles have been around for centuries—and for good reason. Whether raising money for a local cause, awarding land, or funding a major civic project, raffles have proven time and again to be simple, effective, and widely appealing.

Raffles Through the Ages

The roots of the raffle go way back. In ancient times, cultures used games of chance to distribute goods and property. The Old Testament describes Moses using a lottery to divide land west of the Jordan River. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Babylonians also cast lots—sometimes with dice, bones, or stones—to make decisions and award prizes.

In China during the Han Dynasty, a lottery-like game called Keno was created. Its proceeds funded public works, including, according to some accounts, construction of the Great Wall.

Raffles began to resemble modern fundraising tools during the Middle Ages. In 15th-century Belgium, lotteries were used to raise money for churches and civic buildings. The painter Jan van Eyck’s widow even raffled one of his paintings after his death. Later, Queen Elizabeth I held a public raffle with prizes like fine china and tapestries. Over 400,000 tickets were sold.

As the idea spread across Europe and into the New World, raffles were embraced by communities looking to fund everything from public works to education. The first recorded raffle in North America happened in Virginia in 1612—with proceeds going directly to benefit the community.

Why Raffles Still Work Today

While the format has evolved, the heart of a raffle remains the same: participants buy tickets for the chance to win something meaningful, and the funds go toward a good cause. Today’s raffles are used by:

• Schools raising money for trips or equipment
• Sports teams funding new uniforms
• Nonprofits supporting their ongoing programs
• Churches, clubs, and community groups hosting fun events with a purpose

With both in-person and online options available, it’s easier than ever to reach supporters wherever they are. And with customizable tickets, QR codes, and online raffle tools, modern raffles are not only effective—they’re easy to run.

What You Need to Run a Raffle

From start to finish, a great raffle includes a clear cause, appealing prizes, and professional materials. Printed tickets remain a tried-and-true option, especially for in-person or hybrid raffles. Customizing your tickets with sponsor logos, draw details, and numbering adds credibility and keeps your fundraiser organized.

Ready to start planning? Explore raffle ticket printing options that are quick to customize, easy to order, and professionally printed to support your next fundraiser.