By Kellah Lavoie

Raiders win big with new 50/50

Feb 14, 2011 | 10:55 AM

The 50/50 draw jackpot at Raider games has jumped 75 per cent in the past month.

It’s because of a new system the team brought in on Jan. 15.

Bruce Vance, director of marketing for the Raiders, said it is the same system that was brought in more than a year ago for the World Juniors in Saskatoon.

It has only been in Prince Albert for seven games, but the average 50/50 winnings have jumped from about $1,275 to $2,216.

“They (spectators) can see the live totals going up on screen. It just entices them more, the pot growing bigger and bigger, they want a piece of it and it’s human nature to try and get a piece of the action,” he said.

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Vance said tickets can be bought for $5, $10 or $20 and the amount of money shown on the screen grows instantly after each ticket is purchased.

“It’s a proven system that’s used all around North America now.”

While it is raising more money, the new system didn’t come cheap.

According to Vance, when they are finished – the Raiders organization still wants to add some bells and whistles – it will cost between $40,000 and $50,000.

He said they borrowed the money from the Raiders education trust fund, but should have it all paid back early next season. He said it should take less than one year.

They are happy with the investment.

Vance said most WHL teams already have the new system and it was time to get it into Prince Albert.

“People really have embraced it, it has been really well received, as we figured it would be,” he said.

There are currently two stationary systems and four portable ones in the Art Hauser Centre for the 50/50 draws. A ticket is printed immediately after being purchased.

“It’s just something new and exciting,” he said.

klavoie@panow.com