Charity lotteries vary widely in prize value, ticket cost, odds and bonus structures.
To make them comparable, we standardise the data and apply a consistent scoring framework.
The result is the PrizeGuru Rating.
Built on measurable data, not opinion.
1. We Gather the Data
We research and analyse charity lotteries across Australia, collecting key details about each draw.
Some of the main examples are:
- Prize Value: The total worth of the prizes on offer.
- Ticket Cost & Bundles: Prices for individual tickets and bundles.
- Odds of Winning: Your chances of winning the major prize.
- Bonus Draw details: The number of bonus draws and their values.
2. We Calculate the PrizeGuru Rating
The PrizeGuru Rating is designed to give you a quick overview of a draw’s overall value.
In addition to the key details mentioned above, we also include advanced metrics such as Odds Adjusted Value (OAV), Odds per Dollar Contributed (Odds/$), and Return on Dollar (RoD).
The rating is calculated using a weighted model.
Primary factors such as prize value, odds and ticket cost carry the greatest influence. Advanced metrics like OAV, RoD and Odds/$ refine and standardise those inputs to ensure a fair comparison across different ticket bundles.
While we do not publish the exact weightings behind the model, every factor considered is explained on this page.
Here’s why these factors matter:
(i) Primary Factors:
These form the core inputs of the PrizeGuru Rating:
- Prize Value: The total advertised value of the prizes in a draw.
- Odds of Winning: The stated probability of winning the major prize.
- Ticket/Bundle Cost: The cost per entry, including the structure of ticket bundles where applicable.
(ii) Comprehensive Factors:
Our refined metrics make the comparison more accurate.
- Return on Dollar (RoD): This metric estimates the potential prize value received per dollar spent, assuming a win. Higher prize values relative to ticket cost result in a more favourable RoD.
Because some charities offer multi-ticket bonuses, the relationship between prize value and cost is not always linear. Where bonus prizes apply to bundle purchases, RoD may improve for specific ticket options.
RoD Example
RoD on Multi-Ticket Bonus Example
- Odds per Dollar Spent (Odds/$): This metric standardises a draw’s odds by expressing the probability of winning relative to the cost per dollar spent.
Lower headline odds or lower ticket prices do not automatically indicate better value. By adjusting for cost, Odds/$ allows draws with different pricing structures to be compared on a consistent basis.
Where charities offer discounted bundle pricing or bonus entries, the cost per ticket may decrease, improving the Odds/$ for specific ticket options.
Odds/$ Example
Odds/$ on Bundle Ticket Example
Odds Adjusted Value (OAV): OAV combines prize value, winning odds and ticket cost into a single standardised measure. It reflects the relationship between advertised prize value and the probability of winning, adjusted for entry cost.
This enables consistent comparison across different draws and ticket structures.
OAV Example
Note: Not all multi-ticket bonuses or bundles guarantee better value. Some lotteries already provide great value without additional incentives.
3. You Compare and Choose
The comparison table allows you to review and evaluate current charity lotteries using consistent criteria. You can:
- Filter lotteries by charity, ticket price, prize value, or odds.
- Sort columns like Prize Value, Cost Per Ticket, or Rating.
- Identify draws with notable metrics, including stronger odds or higher ratings.
- Click “Buy Tickets” to proceed directly to the charity’s official website.
Why Use PrizeGuru?
The PrizeGuru Rating provides a consistent, data-driven overview of overall value across Australian charity lotteries.
Individual factors such as prize value, ticket cost and odds are always displayed alongside the rating for full transparency.