Fans can take part in the excitement of game-day 50/50 raffles, where every ticket purchased offers a chance to win while also supporting community programs through team foundations.
For New York Islanders fans, going to a game at UBS Arena is about more than just the thrill of hockey, it’s also an opportunity to support the local community through the team’s 50/50 raffle. Fans can buy tickets online and at the arena for a chance to win half the proceeds, while also supporting the Islanders Children’s Foundation. The foundation helps fund programs aimed at improving the lives of children, families, and communities across New York.
The Rise of 50/50 Raffles in the Sports World
The Islanders’ raffle is just one example of how sports teams have embraced 50/50 raffles as an effective way to raise money for the community and engage fans. The model has proven successful over time, as these types of raffles have become increasingly popular at professional sports games. Fans get the chance to win the jackpot, and can also feel good knowing their participation is helping people in need.
A Leader in 50/50 Raffles: The Edmonton Oilers
The model for these types of raffles has been taken furthest by the Edmonton Oilers. The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) runs the largest 50/50 raffle in all of professional sports, and it’s a model that has reshaped how these raffles can be run. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person attendance at games, the Oilers took the 50/50 raffle online. The Oilers’ decision allowed fans across Alberta to participate, not just those attending home games.
This move online, combined with major investment and innovation from the EOCF in marketing, prizing, technology and operations, has driven some astounding results. With the ability to sell tickets to fans across Alberta, the Oilers’ raffle often generates multi-million-dollar jackpots. The money raised goes toward various community initiatives, from youth sports programs to healthcare services and food security efforts in Northern Alberta. The Oilers have turned their 50/50 raffle from a small in-venue operation to a fundraising powerhouse, with the largest jackpots seen in any NHL raffle.
The success of the Edmonton Oilers’ raffle isn’t just about the size of the jackpots, but also about the impact it has on the community. Proceeds support a range of causes that improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need across Alberta. The raffle has become a key part of the team’s efforts to engage fans and create positive change, highlighting just how powerful sports can be in making a real-world difference.
The Impact of 50/50 Raffles in the Community
These raffles provide an example of how sports teams can leverage fan passion and engagement to make a lasting impact in the community. The raffles connect fans to their teams while supporting causes that matter. The Islanders Children’s Foundation funds programs focused on education, health, and community wellbeing in New York, while the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has generated unprecedented jackpots that support initiatives across Alberta, from youth sports to food security. The funds raised through 50/50 raffles are a testament to the power of community-focused sports philanthropy.
