Table of contents

• Zeffy's 100% free raffle generator: draw raffle winners online

• What is a raffle app, and how does it work?

• 3 best apps and websites for running an online raffle

• 8 best free online raffle generator tools (aside from Zeffy)

• How to choose your raffle tools

• Conclusion: run your raffle for free

• Frequently asked questions

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Zeffy's 100% free raffle generator: draw raffle winners online

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How to use our free online raffle generator

Step 1: Add your participants

Type names directly or paste a list from a spreadsheet. The tool automatically converts tabs and commas into separate entries. If you are using Zeffy's raffle software, export your participant report and paste the names right in. Bought multiple tickets? Each entry counts separately, so participants with more tickets get more chances to win.

Step 2: Choose your draw settings

Switch between 'Draw by Name' and 'Draw by Ticket Number' depending on your raffle format. Select how many winners you need (up to 5) and toggle 'Remove winners' on if each person should only win once.

Step 3: Press Spin and draw

Press Spin. The wheel uses a randomised selection process designed to give each entry an equal chance. Winners are listed below the wheel as you go.

A note for UK charities and community groups

In the UK, selling raffle tickets in advance of a draw is legally a lottery under the Gambling Act 2005. Most small charity raffles run as small society lotteries and must be registered with your local authority (council) before tickets go on sale. Registration costs £40 initially and £20 to renew each year. Key limits: a single draw cannot exceed £20,000 in ticket sales; annual aggregate sales cannot exceed £250,000; at least 20% of proceeds must go to the good cause; and the maximum single prize is £25,000. Tickets may only be sold to people aged 16 and over. You must also submit a return to your council within three months of the draw.

A raffle where tickets are sold and drawn entirely at the same event (a fete, quiz night, fundraising dinner) is an incidental non-commercial lottery and needs no registration at all. However, you cannot sell those tickets online or in advance.

Raffle rules in the UK are set by the Gambling Act 2005 and enforced by the Gambling Commission. Confirm your raffle qualifies as a small society lottery or an incidental non-commercial lottery before you start selling tickets.

Important: Gift Aid does not apply to raffle ticket purchases. HMRC treats a raffle entry as payment for a chance to win a prize, which counts as goods or services rather than a donation. The charity cannot reclaim the 25p-per-£1 Gift Aid uplift on raffle entries. Gift Aid does still apply to any genuine voluntary donation made alongside the raffle (HMRC Gift Aid guidance).

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What is a raffle app, and how does it work?

A raffle app is a software tool, available on a mobile device or in a browser, that supports a raffle or prize draw. Raffles allow charities and community organisations to sell tickets to supporters who gain a chance to win a specified prize.

Before you choose a raffle tool, check that your draw complies with the Gambling Act 2005. Most UK charity raffles are small society lotteries (register with the council) or incidental non-commercial lotteries (no registration needed if the draw is conducted entirely at the event). See the Gambling Commission's small society lotteries guidance for the full rules.

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Is your UK raffle a lottery? What the law says

Under the Gambling Act 2005, a charity raffle with tickets sold in advance is legally a 'lottery'. Most charity raffles fall under the small society lottery category. You register with your local council (not the Gambling Commission directly), pay £40 to register and £20 to renew annually, and must meet the following limits:

• Single draw cap: £20,000 in ticket sales

• Annual aggregate cap: £250,000 across all lotteries by the same society

• Minimum proceeds to the good cause: at least 20%

• Maximum single prize: £25,000

• Ticket buyers must be 16 or over

• A return must be submitted to the council within three months of the draw

An incidental non-commercial lottery (tickets sold and drawn entirely at one event, such as a school fete) needs no registration but cannot be run online or sold in advance. Online charity lotteries above the small-society thresholds require an operating licence from the Gambling Commission itself.

Sources: Gambling Commission, small society lotteries and lotteries at events.

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Types of raffle apps for every step of the process

• Raffle draw apps

• Raffle management apps

• Branded raffle apps

• Social media raffle apps

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3 best apps and websites for running an online raffle

Most small UK charities running a raffle currently juggle a ticketing tool, a donation platform, and a spreadsheet. Zeffy pulls all three into one free tool.

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Pricing may vary slightly based on payment processor, region, and campaign setup.

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1. Zeffy: best for UK charities running a robust raffle for free

Zeffy is 100% free fundraising software for charities. Its online raffle platform makes selling raffle tickets to a broad community of supporters straightforward and provides a seamless experience for sharing information about the prize participants can win.

Top features:

• Automatically generated, customisable e-tickets with QR codes for in-person sales and online raffles in one place.

• Accept all major payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cheques.

• Tailored raffle and donation forms, ticket bundles, discount codes, and automated emails with live support at every step.

• Gift Aid handling on voluntary donations made alongside the raffle (note: Gift Aid does not apply to the raffle ticket itself, only to genuine voluntary donations).

Available to: UK registered charities (Charity Commission for England and Wales, OSCR, or CCNI), CICs and HMRC-recognised community groups.

Pricing: Zeffy is 100% free and includes features to support any fundraising campaign type, including raffle fundraisers. No platform fee, no transaction fee, no card fee. Ever.

Capterra review:

"My overall experience with Zeffy is absolutely incredible. They have saved me not only money but time. This is definitely the best site to use for fundraising."

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2. GalaBid: best for adding a raffle alongside a charity auction

GalaBid is an online raffle and silent-auction platform with 10 or more years of UK and global track record. Charities can create raffle campaign websites in minutes and start engaging supporters. It is particularly strong at gala dinners and golf days where a raffle and a silent auction run in the same evening.

Top features:

• Quick and easy set-up with pre-event ticket sales and immediate digital ticket issuance.

• Seamless payment options for raffle ticket purchases, accepting credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

• Transparent draw with certified random ticket selection, visual displays, and winner leaderboards.

Cons:

• GalaBid is exclusively integrated with Stripe, which comes with Stripe's card-processing fees for UK transactions.

• Text notifications and other features are only available on fixed-fee pricing plans.

• A voluntary contribution is suggested by default on the free option (donors can opt out).

Pricing: GalaBid offers three-tier pricing. For current UK fees and a head-to-head comparison, see the Zeffy vs GalaBid compare page (fee-verified June 2026). All plans additionally incur Stripe's UK card-processing fees.

Capterra review:

"It was easy to use and navigate. The GalaBid team answered any questions I had as they came up and were very helpful."

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3. Givergy: best for UK galas running mobile bidding and a raffle in one evening

Givergy is a London-based mobile bidding platform for charity galas, with a 'Keep it FREE!' initiative that means the platform is free for UK charities and donors voluntarily cover fees. It has a strong UK gala presence and is particularly well suited to charities already running a silent auction who want to drop a raffle into the same event.

Top features:

• Mobile bidding and raffle management from a single platform, ideal for charity gala dinners.

• 'Keep it FREE!' donor-covered fee model: the platform is free for UK charities.

• Visual displays and real-time engagement features for live events.

Cons:

• Givergy is primarily a galas-and-events tool rather than a year-round raffle platform.

• Not designed for standalone online raffle ticket sales outside of an event context.

• Pricing beyond the free tier depends on event size and configuration; confirm with Givergy before booking.

Pricing: Free for UK charities under the 'Keep it FREE!' model (donor-covered fees). Contact Givergy for event-specific pricing on larger productions.

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8 best free online raffle generator tools (aside from Zeffy)

If you are not running a full raffle platform and just need to pick winners quickly, these generator tools are among the most commonly used options.

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Pricing may vary slightly based on payment processor, region, and campaign setup.

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1. Raffle Name: easiest app for a simple raffle draw from your phone

Raffle Name is a strong option for simplifying raffle draws. It works well if you want to run a raffle that doesn't require extensive customisation but still offers a smooth experience.

Top features:

• Support for unlimited raffle lists with up to 9,999 entries per raffle and multiple tickets per individual.

• Displayed probability of winning per entry for transparency and excitement.

• Option to choose multiple winners with video recording of the raffle draw.

Cons:

• The app features many ads that can disrupt the experience.

• While the app is intuitive, there are few instructions provided.

• App speed is not always optimal, especially when recording the winner's draw.

Pricing: Access to all features requires an annual subscription (priced in USD; UK buyers are billed at the prevailing exchange rate. Around £16 equivalent at time of writing).

App Store rating: 4.7/5 stars

"The best part is that you can choose to do the auto raffle while you can record a video for everyone to see."

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2. Easily Create: Manage Raffles: best app for customisation and raffle ticket sales management

Easily Create: Manage Raffles is a solid choice for organising a raffle effectively, quickly, and securely from your phone. It is an excellent option for those who want to customise their raffle experience.

Top features:

• Customised ticket designs with clear rules for date, number of winners, and prizes.

• Automated and fair raffle draws with real-time notifications for winners.

• Easy social media integration to maximise reach and engagement.

Cons:

• Some functionality may need more tutorials than what is offered.

• iPhone users rate the app lower than Android users.

Pricing: Annual subscription available (priced in USD; UK buyers are billed at the prevailing exchange rate. Around £14 equivalent at time of writing).

App Store rating: 4.7/5 stars

"I had already downloaded almost 10 applications and they were all horrible. This one is simply amazing, objective and easy."

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3. My Raffle: best app for simple, no-frills raffle tracking and draws

My Raffle is a straightforward mobile app designed to help you run a raffle without unnecessary complexity. It is a solid option if you are looking for an easy way to manage entries, track tickets, and select winners all in one place, especially for smaller or in-person raffles.

Top features:

• Simple ticket tracking system with manual entry and participant management.

• Built-in random winner selection for quick and fair draws.

• Clean, minimal interface that makes set-up and navigation easy, even for first-time users.

Cons:

• Limited customisation compared to more advanced raffle platforms.

• Fewer integrations or automation features for larger-scale fundraising efforts.

Pricing: Weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription options available (priced in USD; UK buyers are billed at the prevailing exchange rate).

App Store rating: 5/5 stars

"App is clean and performs as intended. To take it to the next level, I'd like to see a link to the raffle numbers when sharing so that people can choose their own number and submit."

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4. Wheel of Names: Random Name Picker: best for interactive, visual raffle draws

Wheel of Names is an interactive and visually engaging random name picker tool that lets you create customisable spinning wheels to pick winners for your raffle. The tool is popular among schools, businesses, and event organisers because of its simple interface.

Top features:

• Interactive spinning wheel with customisable colours, sounds, and spin duration.

• Strong randomness powered by browser-based cryptographic functions for fair results.

• Ability to remove winners after each spin to prevent duplicates.

Cons:

• No built-in ticket tracking or participant management.

• Limited automation for larger or recurring raffles.

Pricing: Free to use.

App Store rating: 4.5/5 stars

"Do you need to make random selections of names, items, places, or other items? This tool is for you. Because Google hosts this wheel, it allows you to save customised wheels onto Google Drive for easy access anywhere."

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5. RandomPicker: best for secure, large-scale raffle drawings

RandomPicker is designed for more structured raffles and prize draws, especially when you need a higher level of security or fairness in your draw. It is often used by organisations running more formal or large-scale contests.

Top features:

• Secure, unbiased winner selection with encryption and SSL protection.

• Ability to import entries from spreadsheets or collect entries via embedded forms.

• Supports weighted entries and more advanced raffle configurations.

Cons:

• Less intuitive than simpler generator tools.

• Paid plans are required for larger or more advanced raffles.

Pricing: Qualified charities can use RandomPicker for free. Verify current UK charity eligibility directly on the RandomPicker site.

Capterra rating: 4.2/5 stars

"I like most that this software fills the need of putting together drawings for various events in a clear way with an easy registration process."

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6. CommentPicker: best for social media giveaways and raffles

CommentPicker is one of the most widely used tools for running raffles directly on social media. Instead of manually collecting names, it pulls entries from comments on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.

Top features:

• Automatically pulls entries from social media comments (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and more).

• Advanced filters (hashtags, duplicate removal, tagged friends) for fair selection.

• Supports multi-platform giveaways and exports.

Cons:

• Requires access to social accounts.

• Some advanced features require a paid plan.

Pricing: Free to use, with optional premium features (priced in USD; around £8 per month equivalent at time of writing).

Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 stars

"Exceptional customer service. Despite rare issues (which are often not their fault), CommentPicker always responds to messages within minutes, swiftly assisting in resolving any problems."

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7. Spin the Wheel: Random Picker: best for highly customisable, app-based raffle wheels

Spin the Wheel: Random Picker is a mobile app that lets you create fully customisable spinning wheels to draw raffle winners in an interactive and visual way. It is especially useful if you want more control over design, multiple wheels, or a more engaging experience during live draws.

Top features:

• Create unlimited custom wheels with as many entries or labels as needed.

• Customise each wheel with colours, text styles, and label designs.

• Access pre-made templates and a library of shared wheels for quick set-up.

• Built-in sharing features to send wheels or results to others.

• Randomised selection system that ensures fair results regardless of spin behaviour.

Cons:

• Requires app download (not browser-based like other generators).

• Includes additional features (like chatrooms and shared wheels) that may feel unnecessary for simple raffles.

• Not designed for managing ticket sales or participant data.

Pricing: Free to use, with an optional upgrade (priced in USD; around £5 equivalent at time of writing) for an ad-free experience.

App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars

"This app is amazing and easy to use, very helpful."

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8. Spin the Wheel by AppSorteos: best for social-friendly and embeddable raffle wheels

Spin the Wheel by AppSorteos is a simple, web-based raffle generator designed for ease of use and social sharing. It is a strong option if you want to create a customised wheel, reuse it later, or embed it directly into a website.

Top features:

• Create and customise a virtual wheel to randomly select winners.

• Save and reuse wheels through an account for ongoing raffles.

• Generate shareable links and embed wheels on websites for added engagement.

• Supports multiple use cases, including giveaways, raffles, and social media contests.

Cons:

• Requires login to save and manage wheels.

• Free version includes ads, which can affect the experience.

• Fewer advanced filtering options compared to more robust tools.

Pricing: Free to use, with optional paid upgrades (priced in USD; roughly £7 to £39 per month depending on usage at time of writing).

App Store rating: 5/5 stars

"Very good app."

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How to choose your raffle tools

Now that you have seen the options, making a final choice can still feel difficult. These best practices can guide you to the right decision for your raffle.

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1. Think about where your audience engages most

Start by asking where your supporters are most active. If you rely on social media to connect with your audience, a tool that specialises in selecting entries from the platforms where you engage donors is the best choice.

If you are running an event or want an interactive way to engage attendees, you may not need a social-integrated tool. A customised wheel you can embed on your website or use live at an event can generate excitement and capture attention in the room.

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2. Consider how much customisation you need

Do you need a raffle tool that matches your branding or event theme? If so, a random name picker that offers strong customisation (and is easy to use without a design background) will serve you best.

Think about which personalised design elements matter most, such as wheel colours, logos, and custom backgrounds, to create a visually engaging experience. This is especially helpful if you are hosting an event and want a cohesive, branded look that reflects your mission.

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3. Evaluate whether you need advanced entry filters

If you are running complex raffles that require multiple winners for various prize categories or specific entry criteria, advanced filtering options will help keep things organised.

Consider how many winners you will have and look at random generators that give an equal chance for one or more winners at a time. Think about the time savings from a tool that can filter entries by hashtags, remove duplicates, and add conditions to ensure only qualified entries are considered.

If your raffle is simpler or focused on engaging attendees at an event, basic filtering options can work well and potentially save you the cost of upgrades.

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4. Decide how you want to track results

Under the Gambling Act 2005, a society running a small society lottery must submit a return to the local authority within three months of each draw, showing ticket sales, prizes paid, expenses, and the amount passed to the good cause. Choose a raffle tool that lets you download entries and winner data so you can complete that return accurately.

Downloadable winner reports help with transparency and record-keeping. Some name randomiser tools allow you to save results directly to Google Drive. Aligning your tool choice with the reporting expectations of your council and the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice will save time at the end of each draw.

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5. Consider user-friendliness

Your team's comfort with technology should also factor into your decision. A more intuitive option may be best if you are looking for a tool that is easy to set up and requires minimal technical knowledge.

Do not be afraid to try a few and see what fits your current raffle process. Your team and supporters can offer valuable feedback that informs which raffle app or website you stick with.

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6. Check UK regulatory fit

Confirm your chosen tool supports the reporting your local licensing authority expects for a small society lottery return. Look for a platform that keeps a clear audit trail of ticket sales, participant data, and winner selection. Aligning with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice (current version in effect from 1 November 2025) builds donor trust and demonstrates transparency.

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Conclusion: run your raffle for free

With so many options available, Zeffy stands out as the only platform offering a genuinely 100% free model for UK charities, with no platform fee, no processing fee, and no card fee. Designed for charities and community organisations, Zeffy provides everything you need to run a raffle in compliance with UK small society lottery rules: online ticket sales, a dedicated raffle page, and Gift Aid handling on voluntary donations paid alongside the raffle.

A small UK charity running a Christmas raffle, an autumn appeal, and a summer fete should not be paying three separate platforms. Zeffy is the one free home for all three, with proper Gift Aid handling built in and a clean separation between raffle ticket sales (where Gift Aid does not apply) and genuine donations (where it does).

You can also use Zeffy's online raffle generator above to draw winners without leaving this page, keeping the experience smooth and ensuring you do not lose any fundraising income to fees.

Zeffy is 100% free and always will be. We even cover the transaction fees.

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Frequently asked questions

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