How to run raffles and lotteries
Raffles, lotteries, sweepstakes and competitions can all be a great way to make fundraising fun!
You are viewing: Legal regulations
If you’ve decided to organise a raffle or lottery, it’s very important that you review the relevant legal requirements before you get started to ensure that your activity is legal and compliant. Then let us know what you have planned.
We’ve set out the basic details of the legal requirements below, but for in depth information contact your local authority and/or the Gambling Commission.
Legal regulations How to run a raffle legally
Lotteries and raffles have important legal regulations which you must abide by:
- Lotteries, raffles and some prize draws are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005.
- Tickets can only be sold to people who are 16 and over.
- All tickets must be sold for the same price e.g. you cannot discount 10 tickets for the price of 8).
- Every ticket sold for a lottery should have the same chance of winning the prize.
- If you think your activity will require a licence, you must inform your local authority who will be able to provide detailed information on the legal requirements of running a raffle and obtaining licences.
- If your raffle required a licence from your local authority, you must submit a return to them within the time limit required. The details required will depend on the council and you should check this when you are requesting your licence.
- Gift Aid cannot be claimed on money raised through a raffle, lottery, sweepstake or competition.
Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes can be a fun way to help raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust and can be run against many major competitions such as horse races, TV talent shows and sporting events. Sweepstakes do not require a licence from the Gambling Commission, however they must follow some rules to ensure they are legal:
- Entry price must be the same for everyone taking part.
- If running a sweepstake at work, employees must all be employed to work from the same location.
Prize Competitions
You do not require a licence to run a prize competition that people pay to enter as long as the outcome is determined by the participants skill, judgement or knowledge. This would be the inclusion of a question or puzzle to be in with a chance of winning. This is unlike lotteries, which rely wholly on chance.
For further information on prize competitions please have a look on the Gambling Commission website.
Work Lottery
You can run a lottery, raffle, tombola or sweepstake with people you work with without needing a licence.
Tickets can only be sold to colleagues who work at the same single set of premises.
Tickets cannot be sold online, via email or over the telephone; this must be done in person.
A physical ticket must be provided to those who purchase one.
For more information on how to run a lottery at your workplace legally, please see the following information provided by the Gambling Commission.
Securing prizes How to ask for raffle donations
- If you need one, we can provide you with a letter to confirm you’re fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust
- Don’t be afraid to ask local businesses for prizes - they’re often eager to support fundraising and might surprise you with a free meal for two, a free haircut …
- Speak to local sports teams – a signed t-shirt or football can go a long way and really generate interest in your activity.
- When asking companies for support, write a letter first and then follow up with a visit or a call – if you don’t hear back don’t assume it’s a no
- Don’t be afraid to offer to use the company’s logo on your advertising materials – if a company is willing to give you a very large prize, it may be a deal clincher
- If you have an event coming up for the draw – think about inviting the business to have a stall to promote their business.
If you have a newsworthy prize, speak to the local press to see if you can get it in the local paper!