Customer lotteries (raffles)
Customer lotteries (also known as raffles) can
only be run by a business, at its own premises, and for its own
customers. This type of lottery cannot make a profit, and so is
unsuitable for fundraising.
If you run a business and would like to run a
lottery by selling tickets to customers on your business premises
you can do so without an operating licence from the Gambling
Commission, unless your business is subject to a gambling premises
licence. The position is different in Scotland where customer
lotteries can be promoted on licensed gambling premises, without an
operating licence from the Gambling Commission.
All of the proceeds (ticket sales) must be spent on prizes and
expenses, there can be no profit.
More information is available in our leaflet
Running a lottery - November 2009, and in our detailed
advice
Organising
small lotteries - November 2009.
Page last reviewed: January 2012