The Ballot (the draw) for Wimbledon: how it works
The Ballot is the public draw run each year by the AELTC: it's the historic and most affordable route to get Wimbledon tickets at their official value. The principle is simple: you register in advance, then a random draw decides who is offered tickets — for a given day and court, with no choice. This guide explains how the Ballot works, how to enter and what to anticipate, drawing only on public facts. For opening dates and exact prices, always refer to the official site.
What is the Ballot?
The Ballot is a lottery system: it rewards neither speed nor seniority, but chance. Anyone registered within the deadline has the same probability of being drawn. If your name comes out, you're offered the chance to buy a limited number of tickets for a specific day and court, allocated by the organiser — you don't choose the date or the seat. That's what makes the Ballot both the most democratic and the least predictable way to attend the tournament.
The main stages of the Ballot
- 1
Register within the set window
Registration for the draw opens well before the tournament, over a limited period announced by the AELTC. You have to create an account or register via the official channel and submit your application before the closing date. One registration per person.
- 2
Wait for the draw
Once registration closes, the AELTC carries out the random draw. Not everyone registered will be selected: demand far exceeds supply. There's nothing to do during this phase but wait.
- 3
Receive (or not) an offer
Those drawn are told they're being offered tickets for a given day and court. The offer is in your name and time-limited: you have to confirm and pay before the deadline, or the seat is lost.
- 4
Pay and receive your tickets
If you accept the offer, payment is made by the official methods. The tickets are then delivered per that year's terms. The exact delivery format and timing are specified by the organiser.
What to keep in mind
- The Ballot allocates tickets randomly: being registered doesn't guarantee being drawn.
- You don't choose the date or the court: the organiser allocates the day and the seat.
- Offers are in your name and time-limited: you have to respond and pay quickly.
- Only one registration per person is allowed for the draw.
- The opening and closing dates and the prices are set each year: check the official site.
Ballot, Queue or Debentures: which to choose?
The Ballot is the cheapest route, but also the most uncertain. If you want near-certainty of getting in, The Queue lets you get same-day tickets at the cost of a long wait, and the Debentures guarantee access to the best courts for a much higher budget. Many spectators combine approaches: try the Ballot each year while keeping the Queue as a plan B.
FAQ
- How do I enter the Wimbledon Ballot?
- Registration is via the AELTC's official channel, during a limited window that opens well before the tournament. You have to register and submit your application before the closing date. Check the official site for that year's exact registration period.
- Is the Ballot free?
- Registration for the draw is in principle free: you only pay if you're drawn and accept the ticket offer, at the official price. Be wary of any third-party service that demands a fee to "guarantee" a place in the draw.
- Can you choose the date or court with the Ballot?
- No. If you're drawn, the AELTC offers you tickets for a day and court it determines. You don't choose the date or the seat: you accept or decline the offer as made.
- What are my chances of being drawn?
- Demand far exceeds supply, so being registered doesn't guarantee getting tickets. As the draw is random, no method increases the probability of being selected: you just need to be registered within the deadline.