Trading a pin for donations

[gunner007]

I'm sure you've seen the FB pages where there is a donation for a pinball machine. then a random donater is given the pinball machine. While borderline so so legal. This would be a fun way to move some pins along. Has anyone thought of doing this or tried it? I have participated and would again if the persons doing it are legitimate and known in the community.

 

[luch]

like a rental ? i'm confused ?

 

[gunner007]

So the one I've done in the past. Is the owner of a pin. Say a pro. offers up 100 spots for donations. Equalling out to what they want to sell it for. Then using a randomizer one of the people that donated gets the pin. like 69 people donate $120 for a pro ver pin. and 1 of those people get the pinb.

 

[luch]

this would only work if you sell all the tickets , what would happen if you only sell 50% , do you still award the pin to the winner ?

 

[gunner007]

this would only work if you sell all the tickets , what would happen if you only sell 50% , do you still award the pin to the winner ?

Like the other ones. No donations accepted until all the spots are filled. Then it proceeds.

 

[Dogf@ce]

I think this can be done if there are “proceeds” going to a registered charity. And licences/permits would need to be involved. To do it fully by the book so to speak.

 

[luch]

yeah , would think if it's a way for someone to max out a sale , i don't think it would work , i would think it's a scam

 

[MrMikeman]

Sounds like a raffle, not donations. Raffles are regulated.

 

[Dogf@ce]

Raffle, agreed. Both are very regulated. Maybe a great idea for Pinfest 2026 but the paperwork and admin can be a nightmare.

 

[Saltimbanco]

Only a few of my concerns. And the more I think about it, the more I find:

- Randomizer integrity: Who’s programming the draw system? Is it auditable and tamper-proof? Manipulating a randomizer is an easy thing to do.

- Draw transparency: Will there be neutral witnesses or a public livestream? Without oversight, the draw’s legitimacy is questionable. Even with a livestream, unless it's a registered charity like Project Pinball...

- Ticket control: Who verifies ticket counts? What prevents overselling or selling after the advertised cap? Easy way to mislead buyers.

- Oversubscription risk: If far more tickets are sold than disclosed, that’s fraud—especially if the raffle is still promoted as “limited spots.”

- Licensing & legality: Raffles are regulated. You’ll need permits, and rules vary by province, state, or country. Some jurisdictions ban online raffles entirely.

- Tax implications: Both the charity and the winner may face tax obligations. Is that being disclosed or even considered?

- Prize delivery: Is the pinball machine insured, appraised, and ready to ship? What if it’s damaged or misrepresented? (Say, promised a Deadpool but received a "Deadpin")

- Refund policy: What happens if the raffle is canceled or the prize becomes unavailable?

That thing could spiral into a bunch of trouble, really fast..

 

[gunner007]

yes yes I know, I understand the legality issues but they are being done and I've participated in them. I know if there were certain people on here that were to do it or vouch for someone else in their circle I would jump in. Here is the latest one I have done. they are held monthly or more. Rules are pretty simple. So it looks like this isn't something of interest to anyone here. Unfortunate I'd enjoy the game.
I removed names just info to those that have not seen this. And they use powerball draw numbers for their draw.
Sunday Brunch Waff13 (9/21/2025)
NIB Pick a Game
-- NIB Metallica Remastered Premium
-- NIB Godzilla Premium
-- NIB Deadpool Premium
-- NIB King Kong Premium
-- NIB Venom Premium
-- NIB Dungeons and Dragons Premium
-- NIB Jaws 50th Premium (as soon as next run is produced, scheduled for September)
$400 SHIPPING CREDIT INCLUDED TO THE WINNER (credited towards shipping)
$160.00 per sp0t!
Pick any number 1 to 69. Will run when full using the p0werball drawing. D0nation information will be posted once this is full.
Rules: DO NOT post anything in the comments other than spot numbers! If you have ANY questions, comments, and or concerns… private message me personally!! If you post anything other than spot numbers in the comments of this waff1e, your comment will be deleted and possibly banned from the page!
Sp0ts will be claimed in order as requested in the comments section.
DO NOT send in any d0nations until after all spots are claimed! Once all spots are claimed, you have 24 hours to send in d0nations. After 24 hours if you haven't sent in your d0nation, your spot will be given to the next person in line, and you will lose that spot! So check back and check back often to see if it’s filled up! Do not leave any notes or comments when sending in any and all d0nations. Leave the comment section blank! If not, your payment will be refunded and your spot lost! When all d0nations are in, the pin will run based on the next p0werball l0ttery drawing. ( Wednesday eve and Saturday eve drawings. NOT the Monday drawing!) The First White ball drawn would be the winning number (1-69)
DONAT10N INFO
nce full, A “&“ beside your name means your d0nation is recorded. Again, once spots are filled, d0nation information will be posted and you have within 24 hours to send in that d0nation or you will lose your spot!. Please check back often to see the status of this waffle if you picked a spot!
Thanks for playing and g00d Luck!

 

[Seb]

Nitro QC is doing one right now

 

[gunner007]

Nitro QC is doing one right now

Thanks, I'll probably buy 1. But there is no limit to the number of tickets? Again. becasue I trust they are honest I won't question a 3rd party review etc etc. And I don't see anything about a charity or anything. I really don't care about the legal aspect. I think just a great way to sell a pin. I'm actually going to ask how many tickets have been sold to date. cheers.
Go figure GST??? Well bought 2 tickets anyway.

 

[pinballjah]

Just do it privately, same as running an underground poker game. Illegal but hundreds running across the city on a nightly basis.

 

[gunner007]

Just do it privately, same as running an underground poker game. Illegal but hundreds running across the city on a nightly basis.

I know but you need sites like this with people that know each other at least online and know if they are legit. I wouldn't give $100 to some random fb post. lol. But if there was a way I think it would be great for people having a hard time selling a game. A great way to move it. Even a shit game I'd be in on it for the chance. Especially with low odds. I think if I ever have a game I want to move along I may do it. I hope someone reading this and has a hard moving game gives it a chance.

 

[GUARD]

Do the draw at Ontario Pinfest next May!

 

[Dogf@ce]

Do the draw at Ontario Pinfest next May!

That’s what I said!

 

[gunner007]

It would have to be something where people pre pledge they are going to do it. The one in the US fills its 69 people about every 2 weeks or so. For brand new pins though. I'm thinking within our community for people having a tough time selling titles that maybe arent super popular or even ones that are. If enough donations are made the seller gets their money and someone gets an amazng deal on a pin.