HOW IT WORKS

Maryland Firefighter 50/50 is a weekly online drawing operated by the IAFF Local 1605 Foundation, Inc.

One winner takes half the jackpot every Thursday at 8PM ET.

The program runs year-round.

1️⃣ The Jackpot Starts at $10,000

Every Thursday night after the winner is paid, a new drawing opens.

Each new week begins at a $10,000 starting jackpot.

From there, it grows as tickets are purchased across all participating departments.

The more people who participate, the larger the total becomes.

2️⃣ It Grows All Week

Departments across Maryland rally their supporters.

As tickets are purchased, the jackpot increases in real time.

All departments participate in one shared weekly drawing.

This pooled system allows the jackpot to grow larger than individual department raffles could on their own.

3️⃣ One Winner Takes Half

Every Thursday at 8PM ET:

• The system randomly selects one ticket

• The winner receives 50% of the total jackpot

• The remaining portion supports participating departments and program expenses

The drawing is digitally generated through a secure, verified platform and is not selected manually.

Winners are contacted immediately by phone and email, and are publicly confirmed.

4️⃣ You Choose the Department

At checkout, you select the fire or EMS department you want to support.

Your purchase helps grow the shared jackpot while directing support to the department you choose.

Departments work together — but your impact stays local.

5️⃣ Share-To-Win Bonus Drawing

After checkout, you’ll receive a personal referral link.

If someone purchases through your link, you’re automatically entered into an additional $500 weekly bonus drawing.

Why It Works

When departments fundraise together instead of separately:

• The jackpot grows faster

• More people participate

• Trust increases through visibility and scale

This structure creates larger weekly payouts for players and steady, year-round support for fire and EMS departments across Maryland.

About the Foundation

Maryland Firefighter 50/50 is powered by the IAFF Local 1605 Foundation, Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the Bonanza Extravaganza.

Since 2005, the foundation has directed over $2.3 million to local charities and first-responder initiatives.

This weekly drawing extends that impact beyond a single event and provides continuous support throughout the year.

Quick Facts

• Secure and transparent platform

• Digitally generated drawing every Thursday at 8PM ET

• Anyone 18+ may participate (subject to local laws)

• All major credit cards accepted

• Tickets open Thursday 8:05PM ET

• Sales close Thursday 8:00PM ET

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