The Golden Combination at a Charity Gala: Auction & Lottery
Technology
Monday, August 11, 2025
Puck Blommers
7
minutes reading
The Golden Combination at a Charity Gala: Auction & Lottery
A charity gala is often the highlight of the year for nonprofits and fundraisers. It’s the night where donors, partners, and supporters come together to make an impact. Traditionally, the auction has taken center stage—bringing excitement, exclusive items, and the charm of a live auctioneer. But more and more, organizers are adding a digital lottery to the mix. At Lotify, we call this combination the golden formula: maximum revenue, high engagement, and a unique guest experience. Here’s why.
Why the Combination of Auction and Lottery Is So Effective
A charity gala usually revolves around two main goals: raising as much money as possible and engaging guests. An auction and lottery reinforce each other in several ways:
Dual revenue streams: The auction generates large amounts from top bidders, while the lottery adds up many smaller contributions into an impressive total.
Accessible for all guests: Both major donors and guests with smaller budgets can participate actively.
Ongoing engagement: The auction creates excitement for a select group, while the lottery keeps the entire audience involved during the gala and even beforehand online.
Continuous fundraising: lottery tickets can be sold online before the event and continue throughout the gala, while the auction happens live.
A broad and exclusive prize mix: Auctions usually feature unique items, but lotteries can also include exclusive prizes that money can’t buy—making participation even more attractive.
Why a Digital Lottery Makes the Golden Formula Work
An auction naturally has a limitation: there is only one winner per item. A digital lottery breaks this barrier and allows everyone to participate, enabling more guests to actively contribute. This way, a larger audience can join in, while participants can get involved in an accessible way, for example, by having a chance to win a prize for a small amount. At the same time, the digital lottery provides an additional source of revenue, as tickets can be sold independently of the auction, both before and during the benefit gala.
💡 During its charity gala, Fonds Gehandicaptensport sold over 500 lottery tickets, raising an impressive €28,900.
How a Lottery Works at a Charity Gala
Running a digital lottery may sound complex, but with Lotify it’s simple, and fully compliant with the rules of the Dutch Gambling Authority (Ksa).
Step | What You Do | How Lotify Supports |
|---|---|---|
Determine whether your prize package has a total value of up to €4,500 or higher. | Lotify arranges the correct permit for you, based on the value of your prize package. | |
| Create an landingspage on the Lotify platform where tickets are sold. | Our editor lets you easily apply your branding and style. |
| Provide safe and easy payment options. | Easily connect iDEAL through our platform to benefit from Lotify’s low transaction fee, or use your preferred payment methods |
| Share it in invitations, social media, QR codes, and gala reminders. | The platform offers ready-to-use tools like shareable links, QR codes, and email/social integrations. |
| Schedule the draw during the gala for maximum excitement. | Lotify’s GLI-certified draw system ensures 100% fair and transparent winners. |
Tips to Maximize Revenue with a Digital Lottery
Start promotion early: Announce the lottery in your save-the-date or invitation. Give guests a sneak peek at the prizes to build anticipation.
Choose a varied prize mix: Combine exclusive experiences with accessible, appealing prizes to attract everyone.
Make participation easy: Place QR codes on tables, in the program, and on screens so guests can buy a ticket in one scan.
Plan the draw strategically: Pick a high point in the program, such as after dinner or before closing, to maximize excitement.
Keep it top of mind: Have the host or auctioneer remind guests throughout the evening that tickets are available.
Inspiring Case: FC Utrecht
A strong example of how a lottery can boost a gala’s success is FC Utrecht. During their charity gala, the club combined an auction with a Lotify-powered lottery. Thanks to clever promotion—before and during the event—and an appealing prize package, the results spoke for themselves:
Revenue: €23,855
Participants: Over 900 people bought tickets
Average per guest: 5 tickets each
Added value: Guests loved the extra excitement and the easy way to contribute
This case highlights how a digital lottery doesn’t just increase revenue—it also deepens guest engagement.
Conclusion: More Revenue & More Experience with the Golden Combination
A charity gala is the perfect opportunity to raise funds and strengthen your network. By combining an auction with a digital lottery, you boost not only your revenue but also the involvement of all your guests. Whether someone wants to bid high or take part with a smaller contribution, everyone gets the chance to join in and make a difference.
👉 Want to get the most out of your charity gala? Book a demo and discover how simple it is to set up a digital lottery with Lotify.
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