Frequently Asked Questions

What does the raffle support?

Proceeds from the Syracuse Mets 50/50 Raffle directly support the Rescue Mission Alliance and its programs serving individuals and families throughout Syracuse, Auburn, and Binghamton.

Thank you for helping us make a tangible difference in our community.

To learn more visit: Rescue Mission | Striving to End Hunger, Share Hope, and Put Love Into Action

Volunteer with us: Rescue Mission | Volunteer Today

Donate: Rescue Mission | Donate to Rescue Mission Programs

How does the Syracuse Mets 50/50 Raffle work?

Fans purchase raffle tickets throughout each raffle period for a chance to win 50% of the jackpot, while the remaining proceeds support the Rescue Mission Alliance and our programs throughout Central New York.

Current raffle periods are:

1. Tuesday–Friday home games with a drawing held Friday
2. Saturday–Sunday home games with a drawing held Sunday

The winning ticket receives 50% of the final jackpot for that raffle period.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets may be purchased:

1. In person at Syracuse Mets home games from authorized raffle sellers
2. Online through the official raffle webpage while sales are active for the current raffle period

Who is eligible to participate?

Participants must:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be physically located within New York State at the time of online purchase
3. Comply with all New York State Gaming Commission regulations

How are online purchases verified?

Online purchasers are required to:

1. Create a secure raffle account
2. Verify age and identity
3. Confirm their physical location within New York State
4. Accept raffle terms and conditions before completing a purchase

Online transactions are protected through encrypted payment and security systems.

How is the winning ticket selected?

Winning tickets are selected following the close of each raffle period in accordance with New York State Gaming Commission regulations.

Fanthem is used for ticket sales and reporting; however, raffle drawings are conducted manually and may not occur electronically.

How will I know if I win?

Winning numbers are announced following the drawing and posted online.

If a participant entered contact information during purchase utilizing the QR code on their receipt, the Rescue Mission Alliance will contact the winner directly using the information associated with the winning ticket.

How do I claim my prize?

Winners may be required to provide:

1. Government-issued identification
2. A completed IRS W-9 form
3. Additional tax forms for winnings over $600
4. NYS and Federal withholding requirements & accompanying forms for winnings over $5000

Prize payments are processed through the Rescue Mission Alliance Finance Team once all required documentation is received.

What happens if winnings exceed $600?

If winnings exceed $600, federal tax reporting requirements apply.

Additional IRS forms, including Form W-2G and Form 5754, may be required prior to payment issuance.

Official tax documents will be provided to winners for their records.

What happens if winning exceeds $5,000?

Federal and New York State tax withholding requirements apply to raffle winnings over $5,000.

Prior to receiving payment, winners may be required to complete additional tax documentation and provide any information necessary to comply with federal and state reporting requirements.

Applicable federal and New York State withholding taxes will be deducted from the prize amount before payment is issued.

Because additional review, tax calculations, and withholding procedures are required, prizes exceeding $5,000 may take longer to process than standard raffle winnings. The Rescue Mission Alliance Finance Team will work with winners to complete all required documentation and provide copies of applicable tax forms for their records.

Is my information secure?

Yes. Online raffle transactions utilize encrypted and PCI-compliant payment processing systems.

The Rescue Mission Alliance does not store sensitive payment information, and purchaser information is accessible only to authorized personnel involved in raffle operations, compliance, and payment processing.

Since 1887, the Rescue Mission puts love into action through shelter, food, clothing, and hope.

Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse, NY, working with Rescue Mission Alliance Of Syracuse NY (EIN 150532146) is located at 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY. learn more at https://www.rescuemissionalliance.org