You’re sitting in the stands at Great American Ball Park. The humidity is thick, the smell of Frybox fries is wafting through the air, and the Reds are down two runs in the seventh. Suddenly, the scoreboard flashes a number that makes everyone stop chewing their hot dogs. The jackpot for the Cincinnati Reds split the pot raffle has just crossed the $50,000 mark. You look at that crinkly strip of tickets in your hand.
Is it worth it? Honestly, yeah, but maybe not for the reason you think.
Most fans view the raffle as a simple "get rich quick" scheme while watching Elly De La Cruz steal third. It’s more than that. It is a massive, highly regulated fundraising machine that fuels the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund. If you've ever wondered if people actually win those massive six-figure opening day pots, the answer is a resounding yes. But there are quirks to the system that most people miss until they’re standing at the kiosk near the handled-can beer stand.
The Mechanics of the Cincinnati Reds Split the Pot
It’s a 50/50 raffle. Simple math. Half the money goes to one lucky winner, and the other half goes to the Reds Community Fund. They use the funds for things like the Reds Youth Academy and the "Fun at Bat" programs in local schools. It’s one of those rare moments where losing a bet actually helps a kid get a baseball glove.
You can buy tickets everywhere. There are the roaming sellers in the bright vests carrying those handheld tablets, and then there are the stationary kiosks. Usually, you’ll find the kiosks near the main gates and throughout the 100-level concourse. The pricing usually scales—something like 3 tickets for $5, 10 for $10, 60 for $20, and a "super value" 200 tickets for $50.
Most people go for the $20 or $50 options. Why wouldn't you? The math on the $5 buy-in is terrible compared to the bulk rates. If you’re playing to win, you’re basically forced into the higher tiers.
When does the drawing actually happen?
The pot usually closes at the end of the 7th inning. That’s the "last call." If you’re waiting for the 9th inning rally to buy your tickets, you’re out of luck. The winning number is typically announced in the middle of the 8th or the top of the 9th on the big board (the HDR board in left field).
If you miss the announcement because you were busy beat-boxing to "Cotton Eye Joe," don't panic. The Reds post the winning numbers on their official website and their social media channels almost immediately after the game. You don’t have to be present to win, which is a huge relief if you had to leave early to beat the traffic on I-75.
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The Massive Pots: Opening Day and Beyond
Opening Day in Cincinnati is a holiday. Period. Because of that, the Cincinnati Reds split the pot during the first week of the season is usually astronomical. We’ve seen pots climb well over $100,000. In some years, they even run "cumulative" raffles that span an entire homestand or a special event.
Take a look at the historical data. During a standard Tuesday night game against a low-tier opponent, the pot might sit around $15,000 to $25,000. Not bad. But when the Cubs or the Cardinals come to town, or during a weekend series with a bobblehead giveaway, that number skyrockets. More people in the seats equals more people dreaming of a payday.
Who actually wins?
The winners are regular people. In 2023 and 2024, the Reds Community Fund highlighted several winners who were just local families or lifelong fans. There’s no "trick" to it, despite what the guy in the Joey Votto jersey in Section 128 tells you. It is a random number generator (RNG) system. It’s digital, audited, and strictly regulated by Ohio’s charitable gaming laws.
The Tax Man Cometh: What You Actually Pocket
Let’s get real for a second. If the scoreboard says $80,000, you aren't walking out with $80,000. First off, it’s a 50/50 raffle, so the "pot" is the total amount collected. The winner gets half. So, you’re at $40,000.
Then comes the IRS.
For any prize over $5,000, the Reds are required by law to withhold federal income tax—usually at a flat rate of around 24%. Then you’ve got Ohio state taxes and potentially Cincinnati city taxes if you live or work in the city limits. By the time the dust settles on a $40,000 prize, you might be looking at a check closer to $28,000 or $30,000.
Still enough for a very nice used car or a massive down payment on a house in Oakley. But it’s good to keep your expectations grounded in reality.
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Why the Reds Community Fund Matters
If you lose—and let’s be honest, you probably will—where does that other 50% go? This is where the Reds actually outshine a lot of other MLB teams. The Reds Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) that is surprisingly transparent.
They poured millions into the P&G Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy in Roselawn. It’s a 33,000-square-foot facility with indoor fields, batting cages, and even classrooms. They provide free coaching and tutoring. When you buy a split the pot ticket, you’re essentially paying for a kid’s jersey or helping a high school team in the inner city get a new backstop.
They also run the "Reds Rookie Success League." It’s a summer program that focuses on character building as much as baseball. It’s hard to be too mad about a losing ticket when you see the impact on local neighborhoods like Price Hill or Over-the-Rhine.
Strategies and Myths
Can you actually "game" the Cincinnati Reds split the pot? Short answer: No. Long answer: Sorta, if you understand probability.
- The Volume Strategy: Buying the $50 pack gives you the lowest cost-per-entry. If you're going to play, play at that level. Buying a single $5 ticket is basically just a $5 donation to charity (which is fine!).
- The "Slow" Games: Some people think playing on a low-attendance Wednesday afternoon game is better because there are fewer entries. While your odds of winning are technically higher, the payout is significantly lower. It’s the classic risk vs. reward trade-off.
- The Online Factor: In recent years, many teams have moved toward online sales. However, Ohio law has specific rules about where and how these can be sold. For the Reds, you generally need to be within the state of Ohio to purchase online during a "home" window, though most sales still happen inside the stadium.
Common Misconceptions
People think the "roaming" sellers are luckier than the kiosks. They aren't. They all feed into the same central server. Another myth is that the "big" winners are always in the Diamond Club or the luxury suites. Statistically, most winners are in the 100 or 400 levels simply because that’s where the highest volume of fans sit.
How to Claim Your Prize
If your number is called, you don't just run onto the field and do a backflip. You need to head to the Fan Accommodations station. Usually, there's a main one behind home plate on the 100 level.
You’ll need:
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- The physical (or digital) ticket. Do not lose this.
- A valid government-issued ID.
- Your Social Security number (for those tax forms).
You won't get a suitcase full of cash. They’ll process your information, and you’ll typically receive a check in the mail within a few weeks.
The Ethical Side of Sports Betting and Raffles
It’s worth noting that while split the pot is a "charity raffle," it’s still a form of gambling. Cincinnati has seen a massive surge in sports betting since it became legal in Ohio. You’ve got the BetMGM Sportsbook right there at the stadium.
The Reds split the pot is generally viewed as "wholesome" gambling because of the charitable tie-in, but it’s still important to play responsibly. If you find yourself spending more on raffle tickets than you did on your seat, it might be time to take a breather and just enjoy the game.
Summary of Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're heading to Great American Ball Park and want to try your luck, here is the move:
- Check the Jackpot Early: Look at the screens in the 2nd or 3rd inning. If the pot is already unusually high, it might be a "big" night.
- Go for the $20 or $50 Tier: Don't waste money on the $5 tickets if you're actually trying to win. The odds difference is massive.
- Take a Photo of Your Ticket: Tickets get lost. They get beer spilled on them. They get thrown away with nacho trays. Take a quick photo of the numbers as soon as you buy them. It can save you a world of heartbreak.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: If you’re checking the winning number on the Reds’ website after the game, you’ll need juice.
- Read the Fine Print: If you win a "special" raffle (like a jersey or a trip), the rules for claiming are sometimes different than the cash split the pot.
The Cincinnati Reds split the pot is a staple of the Queen City baseball experience. It’s as much a part of the game as the "Woo" birds or a Skyline chili dog. Whether you win or not, your money is staying in the community, helping the next generation of ballplayers in the tri-state area.
Next time you're at the stadium, watch that counter on the scoreboard. When it hits six figures, you'll feel that itch. Just remember to take a photo of the ticket before you head to the concession stand for another round.
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the current jackpot or to check a winning number from a previous game, visit the official Reds Community Fund website or head to the Fan Accommodations desk located near Section 119. They keep a log of all unclaimed prizes for 30 days, so if you find an old ticket in your laundry, there’s still a slim chance you’re a winner.