How do I pick a random winner fairly?
download.fan · Updated
Short answer
Give every valid entry a number, get a random number between 1 and the total, and match it to the list. If 50 people enter, draw from 1 to 50, so each has a 2% chance. Publish the rules first, remove invalid and duplicate entries before drawing, and record your screen so that people can see the result wasn't changed.
Step by step
Step 1: Write the rules first
State who can enter, how many entries each person gets, and the closing time.
Step 2: Clean the list
Remove duplicates and entries that break the rules, before you draw.
Step 3: Number the entries
List everyone in a sheet, and number them from 1 upward.
Step 4: Draw and record
Generate a number in that range on screen, then match it to the list.
Step 5: Contact the winner
Set a time limit to claim, and say in the rules what happens if it's missed.
What tool should I use to pick a winner?
For one winner, this random number generator is enough. For several winners, use its longer form and turn off repeats, so that nobody wins twice.
For a higher-stakes prize, a third-party record is more convincing. RANDOM.ORG offers paid services for holding random drawings online. For a classroom or stream, a visible wheel like Wheel of Names works well.
How do I pick several winners without repeats?
Draw all the numbers in one go with repeats turned off, or remove each winner before the next draw. With 50 entries and 3 winners, generate 3 different numbers from 1 to 50. Decide on any backup winners the same way, and note their order in advance.
What makes a draw look unfair?
- Changing the rules or entry count after people have entered.
- Redrawing without a stated reason, such as a winner who didn't meet the rules.
- Using your own judgment to pick "random" names from a list.
- Sorting entries in a way that lets you predict the outcome.
Do giveaways have legal rules?
Often, yes. Rules for prize draws and raffles differ by country and state, and social platforms have their own promotion terms. For a meaningful prize, or a paid entry in particular, check the local rules before you announce it.