News writer, Interviewer
Every year, Wisconsin Lottery players face the same problem. The Holly Jolly Raffle appears. Then it vanishes.
This isn't a supply chain issue. It's not a manufacturing delay. It's simple math meeting demand.
This raffle sells out fast
The Holly Jolly Raffle returns for its 16th year with just 150,000 tickets available. That's it. Once they're gone, you're out of luck.
The top prize sits at $125,000. Each ticket costs $5. The odds are straightforward: 1 in 150,000 for the jackpot, 1 in 1,924 for $1,000, and 1 in 86 for $100.
Here's the pattern. For the past seven years, tickets have sold out before the sale deadline. Every single year.
Extremely appealing odds
Compare this to other lottery games. Your odds of winning something with the Holly Jolly Raffle are considerably better than most alternatives. The game offers 1,829 total prizes across three tiers. Do the math. That's roughly 1 in 82 tickets that win a prize.
The Wisconsin Lottery returns 50.4% of sales to prizes. This percentage beats scratch-offs and most other instant games.
Tickets are on sale now
Sales began today, October 24, 2025. The drawing happens on December 11, 2025.
Should you wait? Probably not. Last year's winner, Thomas Tlougan of Lowell, bought his ticket at a Kwik Trip in Beaver Dam. His winning number was 083925. He claimed $125,000.
Tickets print in numerical order, starting with 000001. Buy early and you get a lower number. Does this matter? Not for your odds. But it does tell you how many tickets were sold before yours.
What happens if you win?
Winners have 180 days after the drawing to claim prizes. Miss that deadline, and your money goes back to the state.
The winning numbers are posted on wilottery.com the evening of December 11. Check your ticket. Sign the back immediately.
The Wisconsin Lottery has paid out over $11.4 billion in prizes since 1988. They've generated more than $6.1 billion in property tax credits for Wisconsin homeowners.
Get a ticket while you still can
This raffle disappears because people buy it. The limited supply creates urgency. The decent odds create appeal. The holiday timing creates nostalgia. Will you get a ticket before they're gone?
You have until December 11 or until the 150,000 tickets sell out. Based on history, assume the latter comes first.
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