How a raffle works
A raffle is a lottery bolted onto normal play. You earn tickets by wagering, the tickets go into a draw, and a small number of winning tickets share a prize pool. How Stake runs its own version is set in the promotion terms. That covers the ticket rate, how many tickets win, and whether tickets carry over to the next week.
Look for the details on the promotion's own page and in its terms: how much wagering earns a ticket, whether there's a cap on tickets per player, when the draw happens, and how big the pool is. Those details can change between weeks, so we don't copy them here. Check the promotion page on the day.
What a ticket is worth
A ticket's value depends on three numbers: the prize pool, the number of winning tickets, and the total number of tickets in the draw. The first two should be in Stake's terms. The last one is the hard part. You can't know how many tickets other players hold until the draw, and on a busy site it can be a large number.
Here's a made-up example to show the method. The numbers aren't Stake's.
Worked example (invented numbers)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Wagering per ticket | 1,000 |
| Tickets you hold | 5 |
| Total tickets in the draw | 500,000 |
| Winning tickets drawn | 50 |
| Prize per winning ticket | 1,000 |
| Your chance of at least one win | About 0.05% |
| Expected value of your tickets | About 0.50 |
To earn those five tickets you'd have wagered 5,000. At a 1% house edge, your expected cost of that wagering is about 50. The raffle gives back about 0.50 on average. That's the shape of most raffles: a nice extra on play you were doing anyway, and a poor reason to play more.
Who's eligible
Eligibility is set by Stake's terms. Common rules at casinos include being in a country where the promotion runs, having a verified account, and not being self-excluded. Some games or bet types may not count toward tickets. If you're unsure, ask live chat before assuming your play counts.
What to check on the promotion page
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Wagering per ticket | Sets how many tickets you'll earn |
| Ticket cap per player | Limits how many you can hold |
| Games that count | Some play may not earn tickets |
| Draw day and time | When tickets are used up |
| How prizes are paid | Cash or bonus, and any wagering on prizes |
How to see your tickets
Look for your ticket count in the promotion area or your account. If you can't find it, or the count looks wrong, take a screenshot and ask support. Counts may take a while to update after you play.
Use the raffle without chasing it
- Read the current terms on Stake's promotion page.
- Play at the stakes you planned before you knew about the raffle.
- Check your ticket count after the week's play.
- Look at the draw results when they're posted.
- Don't raise your bets to earn extra tickets.
Prizes and wagering
Some casinos pay raffle prizes as cash and some as bonus funds with wagering attached. Stake's terms for the raffle say which applies. If a prize carries wagering, our bonus page explains what that costs, and how to claim a bonus lists the rules that can void it.
Pros and cons
Weekly raffle: the trade-off
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No opt-in cost if you were playing anyway | Small expected value per ticket |
| Weekly draw gives regular chances | More tickets need more wagering |
| Prizes can be large for a few winners | Most tickets win nothing |
Where it fits with other rewards
The raffle is one of several recurring rewards. Rakeback returns part of the house edge on every bet and is usually steadier. Our rewards guide puts them side by side.
When to walk away
If you notice you're placing bets to hit a ticket target, that's the raffle steering your play. Set a deposit limit and ignore the ticket counter.
Raffle myths
- "More tickets make a win likely." They raise your chance, but from a tiny base, and each ticket costs wagering.
- "Late-week tickets have better odds." Every ticket in a draw has the same chance.
- "Someone has to win, so it might as well be me." True for the draw, but almost every ticket loses.
A note on dates
We checked this page against Stake's own pages on 13 October 2026. Raffle terms can change from week to week, so if the promotion page says something different, follow Stake and tell us. The raffle is for adults only: 18+, or the higher legal age where you live. Stake.com isn't available in the US, the UK, Australia, Ontario or the other places on Stake's prohibited list, and that list can change. Gambling can be addictive, so let tickets be a side effect of your play, never the goal.
FAQ
Do I need to opt in to the raffle?
Check the promotion's current terms on Stake. Some promotions are automatic and some need an opt-in.
How many tickets can I earn?
It depends on your wagering and any cap Stake sets. The promotion page shows the current rules.
Are raffle prizes paid in cash?
Stake's raffle terms say how prizes are paid and whether any wagering applies.
Does sports betting earn tickets?
That's set in the terms. Check which bet types count before you rely on it.
Is the raffle worth chasing?
No. The expected value per ticket is small compared with the cost of the wagering that earns it.