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How to run a lottery with people you’re in a club with

You can run a lottery, raffle, tombola or sweepstake with people you’re in a club without a licence. This is known as a private society lottery.

How to run a private society lottery

You must be a member of the society and have permission in order to run this type of lottery.

Those taking part must be members of the society or guests who visit the society premises.

A private society can be:

  • a sports club
  • a community group
  • any other type of organisation, as long as they have not been created or run for a reason that is connected to gambling. 

You can raise money with a private society lottery

A private lottery can be used to raise money for your club, group or organisation, as long as the money is spent on a relevant cause.

Example

A tennis club could run a lottery to raise money for new equipment.

You can also use a private society lottery as a fundraiser for charity or other good causes.

Example

A private members club could run a lottery to raise money to buy kit for a local football club.

Who can I sell tickets to?

You can sell tickets to members of your private society and to people who aren't members of your society. However, non-members can only buy tickets on your society's physical premises, for example, at a club house.

Ticket requirements

You must provide physical tickets to the people playing. However, there are no specific requirements for what needs to be printed on the tickets.

You must make sure that:

  • people pay the same price for each ticket
  • the rights created by the ticket are non-transferable
  • you only sell physical tickets, you can’t sell tickets online.

Where can the draw take place?

You can only do the draw at your private society’s physical location. It can’t be done online.

Can I claim my costs?

Yes, you can claim money for prizes and reasonable running costs using the money you raise.

Prizes

Prizes can’t rollover to another lottery.

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How to run a lottery with people you live with

Last updated: 18 June 2021

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