While unclaimed raffle prizes aren't common, they can occasionally happen and knowing how to handle them properly is important for raffle organizers. Whether you're dealing with an unclaimed raffle prize due to an unreachable winner or managing a declined prize that needs to be redrawn, following the correct process is crucial for compliance. We've enhanced our platform with clear guidance and a new redraw feature to help you handle unclaimed raffle prizes appropriately and efficiently.
Two Different Scenarios
1. Declined Prizes
When a winner has been contacted and explicitly declines their prize, you can use our new redraw feature to immediately select a new winner. This type of unclaimed raffle prize is straightforward:
- Winner has been contacted
- Winner has voluntarily declined the prize
- You can proceed with an immediate redraw
2. Unreachable Winners
When you've made reasonable attempts but cannot reach a winner, you must follow state-specific holding periods and regulations:
- Winner hasn't responded to contact attempts
- State holding periods must be observed
- Different rules apply based on your state
New Redraw Feature for Declined Prizes
When a winner has explicitly declined their prize, our new redraw tool makes it easy to select a new winner:
- Access the Redraw Tool
- Go to your Raffle Winners tab
- Click "Prize Unclaimed" under the relevant prize
- Select "Redraw Prize" option
- Automatic Process
- System selects a new winner fairly
- Previous winners are automatically excluded
- Both winners receive notification emails
- Public raffle page updates automatically to include original and redrawn winner for transparency
State Regulations for Unreachable Winners
If you cannot reach a winner, each state has specific requirements:
- NSW: Hold for 3 months before redraw
- QLD: Must retain prize for 12 months
- VIC:
- Prizes over $500: Hold physical prize 3 months, can sell but retain proceeds for 12 months
- Prizes under $500: Reasonable waiting period before redraw
- WA: 12-month retention with documented contact attempts
- SA: Minimum 2-month hold before redraw
- NT: Transfer to Director-General after 3 months
- ACT: Reasonable period before redraw (specify in T&Cs)
Using Our Prize Management System
- Access the Tool
- Navigate to Winners tab
- Click "Prize Unclaimed"
- System will present two options:
- "Redraw Prize" for declined prizes
- "Retain Prize" for unreachable winners
- Choose Your Path
- For declined prizes: Proceed with immediate redraw
- For unreachable winners: Follow state guidance provided
Need help managing prize winners?
