Ticket Rolls and Raffle Ticket Rolls Explained

1/10/2024

Imagine the thrill of riding a rollercoaster or Tilt-A-Whirl, playing carnival games, the taste of your favorite festival food, and the anticipation of a raffle draw. What’s the common thread? Tickets. While there are many types of tickets used in events and raffles, this article shines a spotlight on one of the most utilitarian yet indispensable options—roll tickets.

Though basic, double roll and roll tickets are mighty—they’re keys to experiences and memories. They may not have the glamour of their high-tech counterparts, but their simplicity and functionality make them a staple in events and fundraising.

Despite their ubiquity, roll tickets often spark questions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mystery of roll tickets and double roll tickets, answering all your queries and more. Feel free to click on any question to jump straight to the answer. Let’s roll!

What are roll tickets?

Roll tickets are…well, numbered tickets on a roll. They’re printed on sturdy card stock and available in a variety of colors. Each item on the roll is perforated, making it easy to separate one from another. Additionally, every ticket included on a roll is printed with a unique, sequential number.

The number on each roll ticket serves multiple purposes. It helps to ensure the ticket’s authenticity and allows for efficient tracking and management. For instance, it can be used to match a ticket with its holder (like at a coat check) or to enable a raffle winner to redeem their prize. In larger events, these unique numbers can also aid in data analysis, helping organizers understand attendee behavior and improve future events. So, while low tech, a roll ticket’s unique number is a handy event management tool.

Ticket rolls are also incredibly affordable and versatile, making them a staple for fundraisers everywhere!

There are two basic types of ticket rolls—single roll and double roll. You can also have custom roll tickets or double roll raffle tickets created specifically for your event. 

examples of typical single rolls tickets and double roll tickets. The images is meant to illustrate the differences between the two.

How do ticket rolls work, and how do you use them??

Their use depends on the application. There is some functionality overlap between single roll and double roll tickets, but the two lend themselves to specific purposes. For example, some roll tickets are sold blank (with just numbering), some are sold with cute graphics like smiley faces, while others are printed for specific purposes, such as beer tickets or “Admit One” tickets.

Single Roll Tickets 

Single roll tickets are just that—a single spool of tickets connected end to end to make up a roll. Single roll tickets are the perfect tickets for carnival games, door prizes, and food/drink tickets. Sometimes, they are employed as admission tickets, refreshment tickets, or raffle tickets. However, they are best used for instances not requiring the customer to retain a stub (such as for a raffle or event admission). The reason for this is that to get two matching numbers, the actual ticket must be torn in half. Doing so leaves a tiny little stub for the person to worry about losing. 

Double Roll Tickets 

Double roll tickets are numbered ticket pairs connected side to side and strung onto the ticket reel end to end. Each ticket pair is printed with duplicate numbers that are unique from the others on the roll. The primary function of these double tickets is as a stub and a ticket! For example, when using double roll tickets for a raffle, one half is put in the raffle drum for later prize drawings, and the other is handed to the attendee. The number printed on both halves is what connects the ticket holder to the potential winning ticket! 

Pro tip: Use ticket rolls or double raffle ticket rolls in various colors for different uses. For instance, you might sell red single roll tickets as soft drink tickets, green tickets for beer, white double roll tickets for coat check, and pink single roll tickets for games and rides.

Custom roll tickets 

Custom roll tickets are design and printed especially for your event with your logo or use displayed on the top. 

What is the difference between custom event tickets and ticket rolls?

Custom event tickets (or raffle tickets) are like the big brother or sister to the roll ticket. They’re printed especially for your event or fundraiser, and can be used for functions with reserved seating (such as a performance). They are a little more expensive than ticket rolls, but they’re worth it! Custom event or raffle tickets make a great impression, are stubbed to enable easy event re-entry, and extend your celebration’s visual brand. To illustrate this, check out our gallery of  event ticket templates below.

Where can I buy roll tickets? 

Get your ticket rolls and printed event tickets from  Eventgroove! We offer a one-business-day turnaround (our Montana team processes orders at lightning speed), super-low prices, several shipping options, and a satisfaction guarantee.


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