How to Run Successful Online Event Lotteries

With the rise of remote work and online communication, more events like corporate gatherings, seminars, and webinars are being held online.

Many organizers face the challenge: "How do we conduct fair lotteries online?"

This article explains how to successfully run online event lotteries and how to use the digital amidakuji tool "Amida-san."

Challenges in Online Event Lotteries

1. Difficulty Ensuring Fairness

• Winners may be known in advance
• Organizers could manipulate results
• Participants easily feel unfairness
• Lack of transparency

2. Handling Large Groups

• Participants range from dozens to hundreds
• Managing everyone's names is difficult
• Lottery takes considerable time
• Systems can't handle the load

3. Implementation in Remote Environments

• Physical lottery drawing impossible
• Not all participants available simultaneously
• Time lag occurs
• Operation methods unclear

4. Creating Event Excitement

• Simple lotteries lack excitement
• Suspense doesn't translate well
• Participant engagement is low
• Difficult to create atmosphere

Solving these challenges requires an appropriate online lottery tool.

Requirements for Online Lottery Tools

1. Transparency and Fairness

• Visible process
• No one can manipulate results
• Satisfies all participants
• Guaranteed fairness

2. Large Group Support

• Handles 100+ people
• Withstands simultaneous access
• Smooth operation
• Easy management

3. Ease of Use

• No registration required
• Participate just by sharing URL
• Smartphone compatible
• Intuitive operation

4. Event Appeal

• Attractive visuals
• Creates excitement
• Engaging presentation
• Easy result sharing

Using Digital Amidakuji "Amida-san"

Amida-san meets all these requirements as an online lottery tool.

Feature 1: Participatory Lottery System

Unlike traditional lottery tools where organizers conduct everything unilaterally, Amida-san has all participants join the lottery:

• Each participant adds their own horizontal line
• Lottery only possible when all lines are complete
• No one can manipulate results
• Extremely high transparency

Feature 2: Support for Large Groups

Handles large-scale online events:

• Support for large groups
• Smooth even with simultaneous access
• Real-time progress tracking
• Admin dashboard control

Feature 3: Instant Use Without Registration

Minimizes participation barriers:

• Just share URL
• No email required
• No download needed
• Works in browser only

Feature 4: 3D Visualization for Excitement

With paid option "Amida 3D":

• Beautiful 3D animation
• Realistic ball-dropping effect
• Engaging event presentation
• Captures participant attention

Real-World Use Cases

1. Corporate Internal Events

Case: Prize distribution at year-end company event

Challenges:

• Large event with 200 participants
• Many remote employees
• Fairness is crucial
• Need to create excitement

Using Amida-san:

1. Create amidakuji day before event
2. Share URL with all participants
3. Everyone draws lines by event day
4. Execute lottery on event day, enhance with 3D visualization

Results:

• Unity through participatory process
• Fairness guaranteed
• Event excitement with 3D presentation
• Immediate result sharing

2. Webinar Lotteries

Case: Material giveaway at webinar with 150 participants

Challenges:

• Many participants
• Limited time
• Need to conduct on Zoom
• Must demonstrate fairness

Using Amida-san:

1. Share amidakuji URL at webinar start
2. Participants draw lines during presentation
3. Execute lottery with screen share at end
4. Announce winners

Results:

• Lottery preparation complete during presentation
• Effective time use
• Transparent lottery
• Improved participant satisfaction

3. Online Social Gatherings

Case: Game at online drinking party with 50 people

Challenges:

• Keep participants engaged
• Everyone should enjoy
• Fair game progression
• Unity despite being remote

Using Amida-san:

1. Prepare multiple amidakuji (question master, topic provider, etc.)
2. Draw lots for roles in each segment
3. Game format where everyone participates
4. Share results and create excitement

Results:

• Everyone participates with a role
• Fair progression
• Unity even online
• Natural conversation creation

4. Seminar Participation Prizes

Case: Participation prizes at online seminar large-scale

Challenges:

• Very large number of participants
• Low winning probability
• Fairness emphasis
• Minimize complaints

Using Amida-san:

1. Send amidakuji URL at seminar registration
2. Everyone draws lines in advance
3. Execute lottery on seminar day
4. Notify winners by email

Results:

• Smooth even with large numbers
• Transparent lottery
• Participant satisfaction
• Reduced organizer burden

Using with Zoom and Teams

Using with Zoom

1. Preparation:

   • Create amidakuji
   • Share URL in chat
   • Participants draw lines in advance

2. Event Day:

   • Screen share Amida-san
   • Click lottery button
   • Share results with 3D visualization
   • Announce winners

3. Tips:

   • Can combine with breakout rooms
   • Encourage participation via chat
   • Record for documentation

Using with Microsoft Teams

1. Preparation:

   • Share amidakuji URL in team channel
   • Participants access individually
   • Check progress in chat

2. Event Day:

   • Display Amida-san with screen share
   • Execute lottery during meeting
   • Share results on Teams

3. Tips:

   • Always visible with Teams tab feature
   • Progress management in channel posts
   • Save results to OneDrive

Tips for Success

1. Thorough Advance Notice

• Announce amidakuji existence before event
• Explain participation method carefully
• Set clear deadlines
• Send reminders

2. Encourage Participation

• Only participants eligible for lottery
• Offer early participation bonuses
• Visualize progress
• Display participant count

3. Create Excitement

• Use Amida 3D for realism
• Include countdown
• Use music and sound effects
• Encourage reactions

4. Utilize Results

• Screenshot results
• Encourage SNS sharing
• Announce next event
• Follow-up email

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is large group support free?

Yes, basic features (large groups) are free. Amida 3D (paid) is optional for enhanced presentation.

Q2: Does it work smoothly with Zoom screen sharing?

Yes, works fine with screen sharing. 3D animation displays smoothly.

Q3: Is it okay if not all participants are ready beforehand?

Yes, participation possible until just before event. However, we recommend waiting for everyone before lottery.

Q4: Can we conduct multiple lotteries?

Yes, create multiple amidakuji for different prizes. Multiple lotteries possible in one event.

Q5: Can we adjust winning probability?

Yes, control probability by adjusting number of destinations. For example, set 3 "win" and 7 "lose" destinations for 30% winning rate.

Q6: Can participants join from mobile?

Yes, smartphones and tablets supported. Comfortable with responsive design.

Summary

To successfully run online event lotteries:

• Transparency and fairness are essential
• Participatory process increases satisfaction
• Choose large group-compatible tools
• Visual presentation enhances events
• Zoom/Teams integration is effective

Amida-san achieves all of this:

• All participants join the lottery
• Support for large groups
• Instant use without registration
• Excitement with 3D visualization
• Completely free (basic features)

Try using Amida-san at your next online event.