Run a small lottery for charity with my club or group
You can run a small society lottery to raise money for good causes but not for commercial purposes.
You don't need a licence, however you must register your lottery with your local licensing authority.
Small society lottery
Find out how to run a small society lottery.
It can include things like charities, sport or community groups. Proceeds must be less than £20,000 for a single draw or less than £250,000 over a calendar year.
Example
A community group wants to hold a raffle to raise money for a local meals on wheels scheme.
Run a fundraiser at an event
An incidental lottery can take place alongside a commercial or non-commercial event. The lottery cannot be the main reason for holding the event.
Incidental lottery
Find out how to run an incidental lottery. Any money raised must go to charity or other good causes. It cannot be run for private or commercial gain.
Example
A community theatre group wants to hold a tombola during the interval at their Christmas panto.
I want to run a small lottery for charity, or to raise money for my club or group
A private society lottery can be run for members of your private society. This could be a sports club, community group or other type of organisation.
Private society lotteries
Find out how to run a private society lottery.
A private society can be any group or society as long as it is not set up for gambling purposes.
You can sell tickets to members of the society, and people who aren't members of your society. However, anyone who is not a member must buy the tickets on the society's premises.
A private society lottery can only be used to raise money for good causes, it cannot be for profit or just for fun. It can be used to raise money for something relevant to your club, group or organisation or to raise money for another good cause.
Example
A local, non-league football club want to run a summer raffle. It could either raise money for a good cause, or use the proceeds to raise money to buy new equipment for the club.
You must follow the rules for the type of lottery you plan to run. Otherwise you could break the law and face a fine or imprisonment.
This information comes from the Gambling Commission - https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/types-of-lottery-you-can-run-without-a-licence
To contact Links for free advice on this matter please complete the following questionnaire: Advice Questionnaire. This service is for groups operating in Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire only.
