How the Online Raffle Generator works, and model wording promoters can include in their prize-draw terms and conditions.
In plain English
This tool picks winning numbers at random using a computer process. The method is open, repeatable in principle, and produces a result the promoter can record and show to entrants. Promoters should save the inputs (the range of ticket numbers and how many winners) and the outputs (the winning numbers, the draw name and the date and time) as their record of the draw.
Industry voluntary code (reference)
“Promoters of prize draws should ensure that prizes are awarded fairly in accordance with the rules and terms displayed to players. This should be by an independent person, or under the supervision of an independent person, unless winners are selected by a computer process that produces verifiably random and auditable results, or by a certified physical drawing machine.”
Model terms — promoters may copy the wording below into their prize-draw T&Cs
Winners shall be selected by an automated computer process (the “Generator”) operated by the Promoter at the time of the draw. The Generator takes as its inputs (a) the inclusive range of valid entry numbers issued by the Promoter and (b) the number of winners to be drawn, and returns that quantity of winning entry numbers.
The Generator derives each selection from the pseudo-random number source provided by the entrant’s web browser (the ECMAScript Math.random() function). This source is independent between draws and is suitable for the selection of prize-draw winners. It is not represented as cryptographically secure and must not be relied upon for any cryptographic purpose.
Where the draw requires unique winners, the Generator uses rejection sampling — repeatedly drawing a number within the stated range and discarding duplicates — until the required number of distinct winners has been obtained. Where the number of winners requested equals or exceeds the size of the range, the Generator returns a uniformly random permutation of the full range produced by a Fisher–Yates shuffle. In each case every valid entry number has an equal probability of being selected.
The Generator runs in the entrant’s browser and its source code is publicly inspectable. The Promoter shall record, for each draw: (i) the inclusive entry-number range used; (ii) the number of winners drawn; (iii) whether unique winners were required; (iv) the date and time of the draw; (v) the name of the draw (if any); and (vi) the winning entry numbers returned. This record constitutes the auditable result of the draw and shall be retained by the Promoter for a period of not less than six (6) months following the draw.
Because winners are selected by a computer process producing verifiably random and auditable results, the draw is conducted without the need for an independent person to perform or supervise the selection, as contemplated by the applicable industry voluntary code for prize draws quoted above.
The Promoter shall: (a) publish the rules of the draw — including the entry-number range, the number of winners, the closing date and the prize(s) — before the draw is conducted; (b) ensure that the entry-number range provided to the Generator corresponds to the entry numbers actually issued to entrants; (c) conduct the draw once for a given set of rules and not re-run it in order to obtain a different result; and (d) retain the record described in clause 4.
The Generator is provided on an “as is” basis. Crowdfunder is the provider of the Generator only and is not the promoter of any draw conducted using it; Crowdfunder accepts no liability for the conduct of a draw or for the discharge of the Promoter’s obligations to entrants. Entrants’ rights in respect of a draw lie against the Promoter.
This statement is provided for general information and as model wording. It is not legal advice. Promoters operating in regulated jurisdictions should satisfy themselves of any additional requirements applicable to their draw.