About randomdraws.ca™
randomdraws.ca™ is a cloud based third party service used by marketing firms, digital agencies, bloggers, lawyers, and brands in Canada to hold independent draws for contests.
Our draw system and methodology uses the latest technology to pick random winners for your draw in compliance with regulations. This means that you can feel confident that your draw is going to be unbiased and can be trusted by your contest entrants and any potential auditors. You will receive a certificate of compliance with each draw with all draw and approval details.
To add further credibility to the draw, you are able to optionally publish the winners on our hosted URL, or even perform the draw live. You may also consider displaying our approved logo on your promotion page.
Holding a draw is fast and easy, involving only a few simple steps. You can generate your winners immediately or conveniently schedule the draw to occur in the future.
If you register an account with us (optional), we will keep a record of your draw so that you have evidence that the draw was performed appropriately and as intended.
If you are an agency or law firm, randomdraws.ca™ is a great way of keeping track of your activity by client. Or if you are a brand running multiple promotions over time, you can easily sort your draws by date. We keep any information you provide to us, and the generated winners, confidential and secure.
Our pricing structure is simple. You pay the same fee regardless of how many entries or winners you have. We accept Amex, MasterCard and VISA using Stripe, or you can use PayPal.
Visit our FAQ section for more information about our service and how we can help you with your next random draw.
Or contact us if you would like to talk.
News and updates
Zip file upload for entries
In order to allow larger and faster file uploads (up to 300 MB), we have added support for zip files. The system will automatically extract the file from the uploaded zip file and process it like normal.![]()
You can now conduct a weighted draw (where the entrants have differing numbers of tickets). Up to 20 million entrants and 1 billion tickets are supported. Additionally you can specify where entrants with multiple tickets can win multiple prizes or are restricted to just one win.![]()
Allow your draw's participants to instantly check their entry/participation in the draw. To set up entry checking, click the "Set up entry checking" button in the entry checking section on the draw's detail page. You can set up entry checking before a scheduled draw occurs, or at any time after. Once set up, a link will be provided that you can share with the public.![]()
You can now turn on "screen share" mode when streaming draws. This allows you to conduct a real time public draw but simultaneously hide private information like draw numbers, entry counts (optionally), certain column values (DOB, address, etc).
Our system have been granted formal approval for use with category 4 promotions:![]()
The API has been enhanced to include complete interoperability with the web version. All functions of the web version are now available in the API. For the latest docs, visit randomdraws.com/api/docs. Additionally, the API has two additional database friendly results files available for download to make automated import easier in your app/website.
If you have uploaded an entries file, we can publish the winners of your draw. To set up winner publication, click the "Set up link" button in the winner publication section on the draw's detail page. You can set up publication before a scheduled draw occurs, or at any time after. Once set up, a link will be provided that you can be share with the public.
We have launched an enterprise grade random draw API that lets you offload entry capture and conduct frequent regular draws, e.g. hourly draws. Additionally it has many additional features, e.g. limiting entry per entrant or per period (hour, day, etc.). More info: randomdraws.com/ca/api![]()
If you have privacy or security concerns, you can now conduct truly anonymous draws without even uploading a file. Simply create a ticket/counter for each of your entrants and then conduct a draw with the same number of entrants. Winners can then be cross referenced to your data set.![]()
We've rolled out new functionality to make self-management of your random prize/sweepstakes draws easier and more flexible:
- Draw re-scheduling
- Cancel draws and get a credit
- Set draw timezone
- Dynamic countdown timer![]()
Our developers have optimised system performance of our Instant Win API - it can now handle 50 transactions / API calls per second.![]()
When running a national competition ensure the prize draw tool you use is pre-approved and registered in South Australia. This is important even when you don't need a permit in SA.![]()
Our system accepts CSV, TXT and TSV file formats. Why?
It is easy to parse more modern formats like XLS, ODS, etc, however these create a number of risks/issues:
- hidden data: rows and columns may be hidden
- multiple tabs: which tab is the entry data in?
- display limitations, e.g. Excel currently only allows 1,048,576 rows
For these reasons and more, our system only accepts pure text based formats to ensure that the draws are complete, accurate and transparent.![]()
Our developers have optimised system performance and we now allow up to 20 million entries and 1 million winners for each random draw. No additional cost.![]()
Did you know that you need to keep records of the draw in order to be compliant? Each jurisdiction has differing requirements, but it is generally appropriate to maintain the draw records (lists of entries, winners, scrutineer sign-off, etc.) for at least 12 months, sometimes 3+ years.
Our system, automatically stores the uploaded entries, winners and other important draw details (time/date, IP address, etc.), as well as generating a certificate.![]()
If you have legal requirements or security concerns, you can conduct an anonymous random draw by removing all personally identifying info from each row. For instance, upload only the row ID numbers or some other unique identifier which you can match with your records after the draw. This means that none of your private data will ever be uploaded or stored.![]()
We have recently launched Instant Win API™, www.instantwinapi.com
It is an API that uses a randomised time-based mechanism to ensure your prizes will be distributed smoothly across the promotional period, regardless of how many prizes are available or how many entries you receive. If you want lightning fast winner selection for your next competition/promotion and to save time, development and testing costs, request access now.![]()
No problem :) All you need to do is upload the entrants, enter the prizes, quantities and schedule the draw. Our system will perform the draw at the precise time you schedule and will send you a notification email when complete.![]()
Video highlighting that electronic random draws in Australia require the use of an approved system in some states, notably SA and NSW.![]()
Sometimes the winners of competitions may be invalid (eg invalid contact details or ineligible entrant). Rather than necessitating a re-draw, it is a good idea to draw some "reserve winners" during your initial draw for each of your prizes. That way, if any winner is invalid, you can award the prize to a reserve winner without having to do another draw.
randomdraws.ca™ allows you to have up to 10,000 winners from 10 million entries for a flat price.![]()
TRNGs use an unpredictable physical means to generate random numbers, e.g. measuring the quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, atmospheric noise, etc.
PRNGs use mathematical algorithms to generate random number, i.e. they are computer generated.
Our RNG and RSG (random sequence generators) can optionally tap into one of two quantum number generators and utilise quantum based true random seeds. Our fallback is the cryptographically secure MSCryptoAPI.
Image: Schrodinger's Equation - you may have heard about his cat :)![]()
(1) Random sequence generator (RSG)
www.randomdraws.com/ca/random-sequence-generator
(2) Random number generator (RNG)
www.randomdraws.com/ca/random-number-generator
Options for: uniqueness, grouping duplicates, quantum true random seed and ordering![]()
Lawyers Weekly is the authoritative source of independent news, analysis and opinion about the practice of law in Australia.
lawyersweekly.com.au/news/19485-compliance-law-shake-up-continues![]()
We have recently been featured in Radio Info, a leading website for radio industry broadcast professionals.
radioinfo.com.au/news/random-draws-radio-comps![]()
The www.randomdraws.com™ electronic random draw system has been reviewed and certified by the government of South Australia. This certification makes it compliant for all electronic random draws in Australia.![]()
In order to allow larger and faster file uploads (up to 300 MB), we have added support for zip files. The system will automatically extract the file from the uploaded zip file and process it like normal.
7 Aug 2024
Weighted / ticketed drawsYou can now conduct a weighted draw (where the entrants have differing numbers of tickets). Up to 20 million entrants and 1 billion tickets are supported. Additionally you can specify where entrants with multiple tickets can win multiple prizes or are restricted to just one win.
3 Apr 2024
Public entry checker - improve draw transparencyAllow your draw's participants to instantly check their entry/participation in the draw. To set up entry checking, click the "Set up entry checking" button in the entry checking section on the draw's detail page. You can set up entry checking before a scheduled draw occurs, or at any time after. Once set up, a link will be provided that you can share with the public.
2 Apr 2024
Presentation / screen share modeYou can now turn on "screen share" mode when streaming draws. This allows you to conduct a real time public draw but simultaneously hide private information like draw numbers, entry counts (optionally), certain column values (DOB, address, etc).
9 May 2022
Qld gov approval for use with category 4 promotions.Our system have been granted formal approval for use with category 4 promotions:
-
TPAL Electronic Draw System v 1.0
Approval № 221846
- TPAL Instant Win System 1.1
Approval № 221849
17 Feb 2022
API updatesThe API has been enhanced to include complete interoperability with the web version. All functions of the web version are now available in the API. For the latest docs, visit randomdraws.com/api/docs. Additionally, the API has two additional database friendly results files available for download to make automated import easier in your app/website.
27 Apr 2022
Publish winners - free & independentIf you have uploaded an entries file, we can publish the winners of your draw. To set up winner publication, click the "Set up link" button in the winner publication section on the draw's detail page. You can set up publication before a scheduled draw occurs, or at any time after. Once set up, a link will be provided that you can be share with the public.
17 Dec 2020
Random draw APIWe have launched an enterprise grade random draw API that lets you offload entry capture and conduct frequent regular draws, e.g. hourly draws. Additionally it has many additional features, e.g. limiting entry per entrant or per period (hour, day, etc.). More info: randomdraws.com/ca/api
8 Apr 2020
Random draw - new feature - anonymous draws IIIf you have privacy or security concerns, you can now conduct truly anonymous draws without even uploading a file. Simply create a ticket/counter for each of your entrants and then conduct a draw with the same number of entrants. Winners can then be cross referenced to your data set.
17 Dec 2019
Random draw - new featuresWe've rolled out new functionality to make self-management of your random prize/sweepstakes draws easier and more flexible:
- Draw re-scheduling
- Cancel draws and get a credit
- Set draw timezone
- Dynamic countdown timer
24 Jul 2019
System upgrade: instantwinapi.com throughputOur developers have optimised system performance of our Instant Win API - it can now handle 50 transactions / API calls per second.
29 May 2019
Compliance with SA regulations - AustraliaWhen running a national competition ensure the prize draw tool you use is pre-approved and registered in South Australia. This is important even when you don't need a permit in SA.
6 Feb 2019
Which file format?Our system accepts CSV, TXT and TSV file formats. Why?
It is easy to parse more modern formats like XLS, ODS, etc, however these create a number of risks/issues:
- hidden data: rows and columns may be hidden
- multiple tabs: which tab is the entry data in?
- display limitations, e.g. Excel currently only allows 1,048,576 rows
For these reasons and more, our system only accepts pure text based formats to ensure that the draws are complete, accurate and transparent.
16 Nov 2018
System upgrade: maximum entries and prizes increasedOur developers have optimised system performance and we now allow up to 20 million entries and 1 million winners for each random draw. No additional cost.
6 Jul 2018
Keeping RecordsDid you know that you need to keep records of the draw in order to be compliant? Each jurisdiction has differing requirements, but it is generally appropriate to maintain the draw records (lists of entries, winners, scrutineer sign-off, etc.) for at least 12 months, sometimes 3+ years.
Our system, automatically stores the uploaded entries, winners and other important draw details (time/date, IP address, etc.), as well as generating a certificate.
13 Apr 2018
Anonymous DrawsIf you have legal requirements or security concerns, you can conduct an anonymous random draw by removing all personally identifying info from each row. For instance, upload only the row ID numbers or some other unique identifier which you can match with your records after the draw. This means that none of your private data will ever be uploaded or stored.
08 Jan 2018
Instant Win API™ launchedWe have recently launched Instant Win API™, www.instantwinapi.com
It is an API that uses a randomised time-based mechanism to ensure your prizes will be distributed smoothly across the promotional period, regardless of how many prizes are available or how many entries you receive. If you want lightning fast winner selection for your next competition/promotion and to save time, development and testing costs, request access now.
04 Sep 2017
Need to do a sweepstakes draw / prize draw at midnight or on a weekend?No problem :) All you need to do is upload the entrants, enter the prizes, quantities and schedule the draw. Our system will perform the draw at the precise time you schedule and will send you a notification email when complete.
28 Jun 2017
Overview of Australian electronic random draw requirementsVideo highlighting that electronic random draws in Australia require the use of an approved system in some states, notably SA and NSW.
16 May 2017
Reserve Winners of PrizesSometimes the winners of competitions may be invalid (eg invalid contact details or ineligible entrant). Rather than necessitating a re-draw, it is a good idea to draw some "reserve winners" during your initial draw for each of your prizes. That way, if any winner is invalid, you can award the prize to a reserve winner without having to do another draw.
randomdraws.ca™ allows you to have up to 10,000 winners from 10 million entries for a flat price.
21 Apr 2017
True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) vs Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs)TRNGs use an unpredictable physical means to generate random numbers, e.g. measuring the quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, atmospheric noise, etc.
PRNGs use mathematical algorithms to generate random number, i.e. they are computer generated.
Our RNG and RSG (random sequence generators) can optionally tap into one of two quantum number generators and utilise quantum based true random seeds. Our fallback is the cryptographically secure MSCryptoAPI.
Image: Schrodinger's Equation - you may have heard about his cat :)
24 Feb 2017
Two new free tools now live:(1) Random sequence generator (RSG)
www.randomdraws.com/ca/random-sequence-generator
(2) Random number generator (RNG)
www.randomdraws.com/ca/random-number-generator
Options for: uniqueness, grouping duplicates, quantum true random seed and ordering
10 Nov 2016
www.randomdraws.com™ has been featured in Lawyers WeeklyLawyers Weekly is the authoritative source of independent news, analysis and opinion about the practice of law in Australia.
lawyersweekly.com.au/news/19485-compliance-law-shake-up-continues
02 Sep 2016
www.randomdraws.com™ featured in Radio InfoWe have recently been featured in Radio Info, a leading website for radio industry broadcast professionals.
radioinfo.com.au/news/random-draws-radio-comps
11 Aug 2016
Government approval / certificationThe www.randomdraws.com™ electronic random draw system has been reviewed and certified by the government of South Australia. This certification makes it compliant for all electronic random draws in Australia.
05 Aug 2016
