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How we regulate the National Lottery

We are responsible for regulating the National Lottery, including the company which runs the National Lottery.

Our legal responsibilities are:

  • ensuring that the interests of all players are protected
  • ensuring the Lottery is run with due propriety
  • that returns to good causes are maximised.

How the lottery is regulated is set out in legislation, which you can find in our statutory framework. Under Section 11 of the National Lottery Act etc. 1993 the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport issues Directions to us in relation to the exercise of our licensing functions, which we must comply with. You can view the latest National Lottery DCMS Directions on our website.

We award the licence to run the National Lottery

The current UK National Lottery licence is due to expire in 2024. The Gambling Commission is running the competition to award the next licence (opens in new tab)

We also grant licences for each game, or class of games, promoted as part of the National Lottery.

Next page
Who runs the National Lottery?

Last updated: 13 January 2023

Show updates to this content

Following an audit we have updated the 'Gambling Commission is running the competition to award the next licence (opens in new tab)' link.

Updated guide navigation and related content links as per user feedback.

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