Licences for lotteries

What is a Small Society Lottery?

A Small Society Lottery is a lottery that is promoted on behalf of a non-commercial society (such a charity or similar non-profit making organisation) to raise funds for any of the purposes for which the society or organisation is set up.

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How do I register?

An application to register a Small Society Lottery must be made to the council in the area where the society's principal premises is situated.

Once an application has been received and processed we will issue a Small Society Lotteries Registration Certificate. We will also notify the Gambling Commission of the registration.

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What do we do after we're registered?

Within three months of the last day of any lottery draw taking place, the registered society must send to the Licensing Team a statement/return showing such particulars as arrangements for the lottery, the proceeds of the lottery and amounts deducted by the promoters.The return must be signed by two adults who are members of the society and have been appointed in writing by the society (or its Governing Body) for that purpose. A copy of the appointment must be lodged with the Licensing Team. Once received the return is retained for at least 18 months and is available to be viewed by members of the public during this time.

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What is the Maximum Prize we can offer?

The maximum prize per ticket in either money or monies worth is £25,000.

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What information must the tickets display?

The following information must appear on all the tickets printed for the lottery:

  • The identity of the promoting society/charity etc
  • The price of the ticket (all tickets must be the same price)
  • The name and address of the member of the society who is designated as having responsibility for the promotion of the lottery or;
  • The name and address of the external organisation that is promoting the lottery on behalf of the society
  • The date of the draw

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What are the restrictions on the proceeds?

The proceeds of an individual small society lottery must not exceed £20,000 and the aggregate proceeds of several individual lotteries in one calendar year (Jan - Dec) must not exceed £250,000. If the proceeds are likely to exceed these amounts then a different registration/licence is required from the Gambling Commission. A minimum of 20% of the proceeds of a Small Society Lottery must be applied to a purpose for which the society is conducted.

Which lotteries are exempt?

An incidental lottery may be exempt as long as:

  • The event is non-commercial (there may be no element of private gain)

  • It is incidental to the main event

  • The tickets are sold on the premises on which the connected event takes place and while the event is taking place

  • The results of the lottery are made public while the connected event is taking place

There are limits with regard to the amount of deductions that may be made from the proceeds of the lottery. No more than £500 may be deducted in respect of the cost of the prizes and no more than £100 may be deducted in respect of the costs incurred in organising the lottery.