Gambling sectors

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 regarding customer lotteries, including  specific rules that must be complied with, is available in our leaflet Running a lottery - November 2009, and in our detailed advice  Organising small lotteries - November 2009.

Page last reviewed: January 2013