Blue Jays 50/50

Operation and Rules

The Jays Care 50/50 operates as a series of raffles held throughout the Toronto Blue Jays' regular season and playoffs. Tickets are sold primarily online during games, though a Florida-specific raffle also offers tickets at the stadium during a defined entry period. A critical rule for participants is that they must be physically located within a province where the raffle is licensed at the time of purchase, regardless of their permanent residence. The foundation runs multiple draws that often build over several games, culminating in a single large jackpot. Proceeds from ticket sales, after prizes and operational costs are deducted, are directed entirely to the Jays Care Foundation. The classic 50/50 structure means half of the total pot from ticket sales is awarded to one lucky winner, with the other half funding charitable programs. The operational rules are designed to comply with the charitable gaming regulations of each participating province, which govern every aspect of ticket sales and prize distribution. These regulations are the reason the raffle cannot be sold in provinces like Saskatchewan, where the local gaming authority has not granted a license.

Geographic Expansion and Limitations

The raffle has undergone a deliberate geographic expansion across Canada, moving beyond its initial base in Ontario. For the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the Jays Care Foundation secured licenses to sell 50/50 tickets in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and New Brunswick, joining its home province of Ontario. This expansion was formally celebrated in Bathurst, New Brunswick, where it was noted that New Brunswickers had already raised more than $700,000 for kids across the province through the raffle. However, the raffle faces a significant limitation in Saskatchewan, where the provincial gaming regulator, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, has confirmed there are no plans to license the draw. The authority cited a need to balance the interests of existing local charities that rely on their own raffles for funding, which has prompted disappointment from baseball advocates in the province who see the potential for major funding benefits. The Alberta government formally announced its license for the 2026 MLB season, specifying that proceeds from Alberta sales would fund Jays Care programs and community baseball projects within the province, a model that ensures local benefit from local ticket purchases.

Record Jackpots and Notable Winners

The Jays Care 50/50 has generated some of the most substantial prize pools in North American sports charity raffles. Its most famous draw was the World Series 50/50, which set a Major League Baseball record with a staggering $25 million jackpot reserved for the winner. On a single-draw basis, the largest winner to date was a person from Kitchener, Ontario, who won nearly $4 million, marking the biggest 50/50 jackpot in MLB history at that time. Other significant wins include a $2.8 million jackpot, whose winner was located after a week-long search, and the grand prize from the Amazing April 50/50 draw. In total, the raffle has created nine millionaires since its inception, cementing its reputation for offering life-changing prizes to Canadian fans. The search for unclaimed winners is a public process, as seen with the $2.8 million jackpot, ensuring prizes reach their rightful recipients and maintaining transparency in the raffle's operations.

The Jays' 50/50 raffle has crowned nine millionaires so far. A person from Kitchener, Ontario, won nearly $4 million, which was the biggest 50/50 jackpot in Major League Baseball history. The winner of a $2.8 million Jays Care Foundation 50/50 jackpot was found after a week-long search. The team's World Series 50/50 draw set an MLB record with a $25 million jackpot set aside for the winner. These large prizes demonstrate the raffle's significant scale and appeal to fans across the country.

• World Series 50/50 Draw: Generated a record $25 million jackpot pool.
• Kitchener, Ontario Winner: Won nearly $4 million, the largest single MLB 50/50 jackpot.
• $2.8 Million Jackpot: Winner was found after a week-long public search.
• Amazing April 50/50 Draw: A specific grand prize was awarded and claimed.
• Nine Millionaires Created: The total number of winners who have received prizes of $1 million or more.

These major prizes are a direct result of high ticket sales. The raffle builds up over multiple games, and sales increase during popular series and the postseason. This reflects strong fan engagement with both the team and the charitable cause. The ability to generate life-changing prizes is a key part of the raffle's marketing. It appeals to potential ticket buyers who want to support kids in their community while having a chance to win.

Charitable Impact and Programs

The core purpose of the Jays Care 50/50 is to generate funds for the Jays Care Foundation, the team's charitable arm. The foundation reinvests the net proceeds into a wide array of youth and community baseball programs across the participating provinces. A flagship initiative is the Field of Dreams grant program, which provides funding for baseball infrastructure projects. In a recent cycle, 15 organizations across Canada shared $1.5 million in funding, with individual grants typically ranging from $45,000 to $70,000. Recipients have included the Louis Bull Tribe, Elsipogtog First Nation, Hanley Minor Ball in Saskatchewan, and communities from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Peachland, British Columbia, and Dominion, Nova Scotia. The funding model is further bolstered by player-led initiatives, such as pitcher José Berríos's 'El Dream' fundraiser for youth in Canada and Puerto Rico and starting pitcher Chris Bassitt's pledge to donate US $10,000 to Jays Care every time the Blue Jays win a game he starts.

Beyond infrastructure, the foundation supports numerous participatory programs. These include the RBI Summer Edition, which provides access to baseball camps for kids in Toronto, and the Girls At Bat program, which creates inclusive spaces for elementary students to learn the sport. Jays Care also hosts events like the Challenger Baseball All-Star Series Jamboree for athletes with disabilities and runs the annual Play Ball Gala fundraiser at Rogers Centre. The foundation's work extends to formal celebrations of community projects, such as the grand opening of Hawks Dream Field in Dominion, Nova Scotia, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the projects it funds. The variety of programs funded illustrates a comprehensive approach to growing the sport at all levels and ensuring baseball is accessible to diverse groups of young people.

The Jays Care Foundation funds specific projects and grants that illustrate its national reach. Recent examples include a $65,000 Field of Dreams grant to Kingston Thunder and a $50,000 grant for a new baseball diamond north of Thunder Bay. The Louis Bull Tribe and Elsipogtog First Nation are among 15 organizations across Canada that received funding. Turner Park diamond in Peachland was also chosen as one of 15 Canadian cities in the Field of Dreams program. These grants share $1.5 million in baseball infrastructure funding from the foundation.

• Hanley Minor Ball, Saskatchewan: Received $45,000 for diamond upgrades.
• Kingston Thunder: Awarded a $65,000 Field of Dreams grant.
• Community north of Thunder Bay: Granted $50,000 for a new baseball diamond.
• Louis Bull Tribe: One of 15 organizations sharing $1.5 million in infrastructure funding.
• Elsipogtog First Nation: A recipient of the $1.5 million Field of Dreams funding.
• Turner Park, Peachland, British Columbia: Chosen for the Field of Dreams program.
• Hawks Dream Field, Dominion, Nova Scotia: Site of a grand opening celebration.
• Glenwood Public School, Windsor: Hosts the Girls At Bat program.

These investments directly improve local baseball facilities and create opportunities for young players. They fulfill the foundation's mission to use baseball as a tool for community development. Each grant addresses a specific local need, such as building new diamonds or upgrading existing facilities. For example, Hanley Minor Ball in Saskatchewan used a $45,000 grant for upgrades at one of its three ball diamonds. This funding helps communities complete projects that support youth baseball.

Provincial Comparison and Regulations

The availability of the Jays Care 50/50 raffle is entirely dependent on provincial licensing, as each Canadian province and territory regulates charitable gaming independently. The foundation has successfully obtained licenses in four provinces as of the 2026 season. Alberta's government formally announced its license for the 2026 MLB season, specifying that proceeds from Alberta ticket sales would be reinvested into Jays Care programs and community baseball projects within the province. This model mirrors the approach in other licensed regions, ensuring local communities benefit directly from the sales generated within their borders. The situation in Saskatchewan highlights the complexities of this system. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority licenses local 50/50 raffles, bingo, and poker events for Saskatchewan-based charities. The authority has stated that current policies are designed to support the success of these existing local charities, creating a barrier to entry for large interprovincial raffles like the Jays Care draw.

This situation stands in contrast to Saskatchewan's own enthusiasm for 50/50 raffles. The Saskatchewan Roughriders set a Canadian Football League record with a $2 million Grey Cup 50/50 jackpot. However, the Jays Care 50/50 raffle is not available in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority confirmed there are no plans to license the draw in the province. The Alberta government announced it licensed the Jays 50/50 for the 2026 MLB season. Fans can currently buy tickets in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and New Brunswick.

This patchwork of regulations means fans in unlicensed provinces cannot legally purchase tickets online during games. Tickets are sold online, and buyers must be in one of the four approved provinces when purchasing. A spokesperson with the Jays Care Foundation said there is nothing to share from Jays Care at this time regarding plans for Saskatchewan. This indicates the status quo is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. It limits fundraising potential and fan participation from regions like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and British Columbia.

Community and Economic Role

Beyond the direct charitable grants, the Jays Care 50/50 raffle plays a significant role in strengthening the culture of baseball across Canada. For local minor baseball associations, receiving a Field of Dreams grant can cover large capital costs that municipal budgets or local fundraising cannot easily absorb. As noted by Christine Catton, president of Hanley Minor Ball in Saskatchewan, accessing baseball-specific funds from the foundation was crucial for completing a major diamond upgrade project. The raffle's expansion into new provinces is actively promoted as a means to generate more of this targeted funding for local baseball infrastructure and programs. Advocates in non-licensed provinces, like Jordan Draeger of the Going Yard Baseball Academy in Saskatoon, argue that bringing the raffle to Saskatchewan would generate excitement and provide an isolated funding stream for baseball, separate from the competitive general sports funding landscape.

The raffle also fosters a unique connection between the major league team and its national fanbase. It allows fans to participate directly in the team's community outreach, with the added excitement of a potential major financial windfall. The Jays Care Foundation's existing activities, such as its annual summer event that brings players to Saskatchewan, demonstrate a presence that could be expanded if 50/50 proceeds were directed locally. The foundation's funding fills specific gaps, as noted by Draeger, where baseball programs compete with hockey and volleyball for the same general sports funding from organizations like Sask Sport. The economic role of the raffle is therefore dual, providing both prize money to individuals and a dedicated revenue stream for community sports development that might otherwise be underfunded, creating a sustainable model for baseball growth.

The Jays Care Foundation supports a diverse set of programs beyond infrastructure grants. Key initiatives include the RBI Summer Edition program, which gives kids in Toronto access to safe and inclusive camps. The Girls At Bat program in Windsor provides a no-judgement zone for elementary students to learn baseball. Jays Care also hosts dozens of athletes with disabilities from across western Canada. Another initiative is 'El Dream' by José Berríos, which raises funds for youth in Canada and Puerto Rico.

• RBI Summer Edition: Provides baseball camps for kids in Toronto.
• Challenger Baseball All-Star Series Jamboree: Hosts athletes with disabilities from across western Canada.
• Play Ball Gala: Annual fundraising gala held at Rogers Centre.
• Girls At Bat: Program in schools like Glenwood Public School in Windsor.
• José Berríos's 'El Dream': Initiative to raise funds for youth in Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Chris Bassitt's Per-Win Donation: Pledge of US $10,000 to Jays Care per win when he starts.
• Summer Event: An event that brings Jays players to provinces like Saskatchewan.

These programs ensure the raffle's proceeds have a broad impact on youth participation and accessibility in baseball. They address different aspects of the sport, from introductory programs to elite training. The foundation also hosts events like the Challenger Baseball All-Star Series Jamboree and the annual Play Ball Gala. Proceeds from ticket sales in licensed provinces support these Jays Care programs and community baseball projects. This creates a comprehensive development pathway for young players supported by fan contributions.

Questions about Blue Jays 50/50

What is the Blue Jays 50/50 draw?

The Blue Jays 50/50 draw is a charitable raffle operated by the Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays. It is conducted during Blue Jays games, both at Rogers Centre and online, where fans purchase tickets for a chance to win a cash prize. Half of the total pot from ticket sales is awarded to one winner, while the other half supports the foundation's youth baseball and community programs across Canada. The raffle has created nine millionaires and holds the record for the largest 50/50 jackpot in Major League Baseball history.

How do I buy Blue Jays 50/50 tickets?

Tickets for the Jays Care 50/50 are sold online during Blue Jays games. A critical requirement is that the purchaser must be physically located within a province where the raffle is licensed at the time of purchase. As of the 2026 season, these provinces are Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and New Brunswick. There is also a separate Florida 50/50 raffle where tickets can be obtained at the stadium during a specified entry period. Tickets cannot be purchased in provinces where the foundation does not hold a license, such as Saskatchewan.

Who won the biggest Blue Jays 50/50 jackpot?

The largest single jackpot won from a Jays Care 50/50 draw was nearly $4 million, awarded to a person from Kitchener, Ontario. This prize is the biggest 50/50 jackpot in Major League Baseball history for a single draw. The overall record for a prize pool was set by the World Series 50/50 draw, which allocated a $25 million jackpot for the winner, setting an MLB record. Other notable wins include a $2.8 million jackpot and the grand prize from the Amazing April 50/50 draw.

Why is the Blue Jays 50/50 not available in Saskatchewan?

The Jays Care 50/50 is not available in Saskatchewan because the provincial gaming regulator, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, has not licensed it. The regulator has stated there are no plans to do so, as current policies are designed to support the success of existing Saskatchewan charities that rely on proceeds from their own local raffles. The government must balance the interests of these local groups when considering large interprovincial raffles. Neither the Jays Care Foundation nor the SLGA has clarified if a formal application was ever submitted or denied.

What does the Jays Care Foundation do with the 50/50 money?

The Jays Care Foundation uses the net proceeds from the 50/50 raffle to fund a wide range of youth baseball and community development programs. A major initiative is the Field of Dreams grant program, which provides funding for baseball diamond upgrades and infrastructure projects across Canada, with recent grants totalling $1.5 million shared among 15 organizations. The foundation also funds programs like RBI Summer Edition camps, Girls At Bat, Challenger Baseball for athletes with disabilities, and other community-based initiatives. Funds are reinvested into the provinces where ticket sales occur.

What are the odds of winning the Blue Jays 50/50?

The odds of winning the Jays Care 50/50 are not fixed and depend entirely on the total number of tickets sold for each specific draw. Since the jackpot is half of the total ticket sales pool, larger prize pots indicate more tickets have been sold, which correspondingly lowers an individual ticket's chance of winning. The foundation runs multiple draws throughout the season, some building over several games, so the odds fluctuate significantly from one draw to another based on fan participation and the size of the accumulating jackpot. For example, a record jackpot like the World Series 50/50 draw, which reached $25 million, would involve odds based on an enormous number of tickets sold.

Sources and further reading

• Jays Care | In The News | Toronto Blue Jays (mlb.com)
• Jays Care | In The News | Toronto Blue Jays (mlb.com)
• No plans to allow Toronto Blue Jays 50/50 raffle tickets to be sold in ... (cbc.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-10.