Society lotteries are promoted for the benefit of a non-commercial society. A society is non-commercial if it is established and conducted for:
- charitable purposes
- enabling participation in sport or a cultural activity (for example theatre)
- any non-commercial purpose other than that of private gain.
A small society lottery:
- does not have proceeds that exceed £20,000 for a single draw
- does not have aggregated proceeds in excess of £250,000 in a calendar year.
Small society lotteries do not require a licence but must be registered with the local licensing authority in the area where the principal office of the society is located.
Registrations run for an unlimited period unless a cancellation is requested.
Permit costs and payments
The application and first year’s permit fee is £40. This must be paid online at the time of the application.
An annual permit renewal fee is £20. An invoice will be sent to the registered promoter for the annual fee and must be paid in the two months prior to the anniversary. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the registration. All cancellations will be notified to the Gambling Commission.
View our licensing fees and charges
How to apply
Statement of returns
A statement of returns form is issued with small society lottery permit. Within three months of the last day of any lottery draw taking place, the registered society must send our licensing team the statement of returns showing:
- details of the lottery’s arrangements
- the proceeds
- amounts deducted by the promoters.
The statement 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 their appointment must also be supplied to our licensing team.
Once received the statement of returns is retained for at least 18 months and is available to be viewed by members of the public during this time.
More information
Contact our licensing team if you wish to view a particular statement of returns.
Email: licensing@woking.gov.uk
Phone: 01483 755 855