Charity Lotteries (Raffles and Other Lotteries)

Changes to the law on raffles and other lotteries will take place on 6 April 2016.

New documents

We have therefore taken the opportunity of adding a “Lotteries” subfolder to our “Charity and Non-Profit Governance” group. This provides an overview and practical guidance for anyone wishing to run or be involved in organising a raffle or other type of lottery for a charity or other good cause.

Background to the new law

The Gambling Act 2005 sets out criteria for lawful lotteries (including raffles). A Government review concluded that the law on lotteries was too restrictive and should be partly deregulated. Until 6 April 2016 the law limited the places at which lottery organisers could hold fundraising events and the causes for which they could fundraise. The Government therefore introduced the Legislative Reform (Exempt Lotteries) Order 2016. It became law on 3 February 2016 and it comes into effect on 6 April 2016.

Effect of change in law

This new law partly deregulates lotteries with the result that there is now greater scope for carrying out fundraising for the benefit of charities or other good causes.