Choosing Between a 50/50 and Queen of Hearts Game
Trying to decide between a 50/50 raffle and a Queen of Hearts game? On the surface, they seem similar. Both involve tickets, cash prizes and a dash of luck. But the experience for participants — and the results for organizers — look very different.
Before you pick, let’s examine how each operates — and what these differences mean for your overall raffle fundraising approach.
What’s a 50/50 raffle?
You’ve probably seen a 50/50 raffle out in the wild before. Maybe you’ve heard salesmen yelling about tickets at a baseball game. Or maybe you’ve seen a stand for a raffle at your child’s school picnic.
But what’s a 50/50 raffle, really? Also known as “split-the-pot raffles,” 50/50 raffles are simple fundraising games where ticket sales go into a pot. When sales end, a singular ticket is drawn to determine the winner.
50% of the pot goes toward the winner — the other 50% goes toward supporting a nonprofit.
What’s a Queen of Hearts game?
Most people aren’t familiar with a Queen of Hearts game — but it’s easier than it seems. Think of it as a 50/50 raffle with extra steps and added fun.
A Queen of Hearts raffle involves a digital board with 54 unrevealed cards. Participants buy tickets and assign them to a specific slot. Each week, a single ticket is drawn to reveal a card.
If the selection is a card other than the Queen of Hearts, the ticketholder receives a smaller cash prize designated by the organization. For example, some use the following format:
- Number Cards: $25
- Aces: $50
- Face Cards: $50
- Joker Cards: $100
If the drawing does not reveal Queen of Hearts, the jackpot rolls over into the next week and continues growing. However, once the Queen is found, raffle fundraising ends. One lucky ticketholder takes home a portion of the total jackpot (often 50%).
How do you choose?
Most organizations select a 50/50 raffle over a Queen of Hearts game because it’s comfortable — not because it’s necessarily the best raffle. However, each raffle type has its pros and cons.
50/50: The Pros
You’re probably wondering: what’s a 50/50 raffle right for?
50/50 raffles are perfect for one-off events with a set date, like galas, sporting events or festivals. They’re simple, fast and low-effort — making them appealing to last-minute participants.
50/50: The Cons
A 50/50 raffle generally has a low return on investment. Half of the raffle fundraising proceeds go to the winner and, if the pot stays small, even less goes toward your cause.
Plus, psychology suggests that a 50/50 raffle is not always on your side. The prize is predictable, builds little suspense and keeps urgency low. Participants end up thinking “I’ll try next time” rather than contributing to a one-off drawing.
Queen of Hearts: The Pros
A Queen of Hearts game turns fundraising into an ongoing event instead of a one-time transaction. The rolling structure naturally builds excitement and encourages repeat participation.
Additionally, scarcity encourages sales. The number of cards dwindled each week— making everyone feel like they’re close to winning big. Participants test their luck by purchasing more tickets, leading to a higher jackpot than most 50/50 raffles ever reach.
Queen of Hearts: The Cons
People often shy away from Queen of Hearts raffles due to weekly drawings, board management and rolling jackpots.
It sounds complicated — but online software makes raffle fundraising simple. Hosting your raffle with Go Raise Dough unlocks access to:
- 24/7 ticket purchasing
- Weekly ticket subscriptions
- Automatic data tracking
- Instant board updates
- Secure payment processing
- And more
Start Raffle Fundraising Today
Ultimately, the right raffle comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re looking for a simple, one-time fundraiser, 50/50 raffles do the trick. But if your goal is momentum, engagement and higher revenue, a Queen of Hearts game may be your best bet.
Either way, Go Raise Dough is here to help.
We offer three dynamic raffle types hosted entirely online. Our easy-to-use software supports fundraising teams in schools, churches and corporate offices — and it’s ready to support you, too.
Interested in raffle fundraising? Contact Go Raise Dough today to explore a simpler way to fundraise.