Legal requirements

Gambling Act 2005: Small Society Lottery Requirements (Summary)

• It is an offence to sell tickets that do not comply with the legal requirements.
• When tickets are sold to the general public the organisation running the draw must be registered with the relevant Local Authority in who’s area its principal office is situated.
• The total value of tickets on sale per single lottery must not be more than £20,000 or the total value of tickets on sale for a calendar year must not exceed £250,000, if these limits are to be exceeded the organisation must be licensed by the Gambling Commission as a large lottery.
• Every ticket must cost the same, it is illegal to offer ‘free’ tickets.
• Tickets can only be sold by persons over the age for 16 to persons over the age of 16.
• Tickets should not be sold in the street, but may be sold from a kiosk, in a shop or door to door.
• Registered charities are legally required to state they are "A Registered Charity" or include their Charity Registration Number on the ticket.
• Each ticket must specify:
  • The name of the organisation running the draw
  • Price of the ticket (which must be the same for all tickets)
  • Name and address of the promoter
  • The date of the draw, or information which enables the date to be determined

For more information on how to register etc. please contact your local authority.