How to Run a Charity Raffle Legally in the UK
In Great Britain, a paid raffle is usually treated as a type of lottery. Some raffles held at events can operate under an exemption, while a stand-alone charity raffle may need to be registered as a small society lottery with the relevant local licensing authority.
If you’re searching for how to run a raffle legally in the UK, this guide explains the main raffle categories and points you towards the official guidance to check before getting started. A raffle can be a rewarding way to bring people together and raise money for a cause
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Rules differ in Northern Ireland and may change, so check the latest official guidance from the Gambling Commission before organising your raffle.
Is a raffle a lottery? What UK law says
In Great Britain, a raffle or tombola will usually be treated as a lottery when people pay to enter and prizes are allocated by chance. Free draws and prize competitions follow different rules, so the name used for an activity does not determine how it is regulated.
The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in Great Britain and publishes guidance for organisers. If you’re unsure which category applies, check the latest official guidance before advertising your event or accepting payment.
The four types of raffle and when you need to register
Different raffle categories have different requirements. The right category depends on who is organising the raffle, where tickets are sold, who can enter and how the draw takes place. The four examples below provide a starting point, but you should check the relevant official guidance before deciding which one applies.
Incidental lotteries
An incidental lottery runs alongside a one-off event, such as a school fair, quiz night or charity dinner, and cannot be the main reason for holding it. Tickets must be sold at the event while it is taking place. The draw may take place during or after the event.
The Gambling Commission currently allows up to £100 from the proceeds for running costs and up to £500 for prizes. Donated prizes are treated separately. Check the latest guidance before setting your budget.
Private society lotteries
A private society lottery can be run by an existing club, society or organisation that was not created for gambling. Tickets may be sold to members and to non-members visiting the society’s physical premises.
Tickets must be physical and cannot be sold online. The lottery may raise money for the society’s work or another good cause, but it cannot be run for private profit.
Customer lotteries
A customer lottery is run by a business for customers visiting its physical premises. Tickets may only be sold to customers while they are there for business purposes. The lottery cannot make a profit, and ticket income must be used for prizes and reasonable organising costs.
Customer lotteries cannot be used to raise money for charity. If fundraising is your aim, check the official guidance before deciding which category may apply.
Small society lotteries
A small society lottery is a common option for eligible charities, sports clubs and community groups running a stand-alone raffle. The society must register with the relevant local licensing authority before selling tickets.
Ticket sales must remain below £20,000 for a single lottery, and aggregate proceeds must remain below £250,000 in a calendar year. Organisations expecting to exceed either threshold should check the Gambling Commission’s licensing guidance before proceeding.
Running your raffle by the rules
The requirements vary depending on the type of raffle you’re running, so it’s important to identify the relevant category before advertising your raffle or selling tickets. Use this checklist as a starting point, then check the official guidance for your plans.
Register with your local authority (not the Gambling Commission), give at least 20% of proceeds to your cause, and stay within the limits of a £25,000 top prize, £20,000 per draw, and £250,000 a year. The checklist below covers the details.
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Check the age rule: Small society lottery tickets may only be sold to people aged 16 or over. Different rules apply to some exempt lotteries.
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Use the right ticket information: Small society lottery tickets must include the society’s name, ticket price, organiser details and information about the draw date.
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Use a clear draw process: Explain when and how the draw will take place, then keep suitable records.
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Account for the proceeds: For a small society lottery, at least 20% of the proceeds must be applied to the society’s stated good cause.
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Check how tickets may be sold: Online, advance and premises-based sales are treated differently across the lottery categories.
Looking for more fundraising ideas? Explore our guide to more fundraising ideas for inspiration. If you’ve already got an idea, you can start a fundraising page today.
Raffle prize ideas
Looking for raffle prizes ideas? Choose prizes that suit your audience, cause and event. Local businesses may be willing to donate items or experiences, helping you keep costs down while involving more of the community. Confirm each prize and any restrictions before promoting it.
Here are some options to consider:
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Local experiences: Tickets for attractions, workshops, performances or activity days.
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Themed hampers: Books, food, crafts or wellbeing products, with dietary and age restrictions clearly stated.
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Vouchers and short breaks: Include expiry dates, availability and booking conditions.
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Signed or original items: Books, artwork or sporting memorabilia, with authenticity confirmed where relevant.
Thinking bigger: charity auctions
If you’re exploring charity auction ideas, an auction can be another engaging way to bring supporters and local partners together around your cause. Before promoting it, decide who will run the auction, what terms will apply and how bidding, payment and collection will work.
If you’re researching how to run a charity auction, check current official guidance before planning your auction.
The requirements can vary depending on the auction format, the seller and how bids are accepted.
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Source suitable lots: Get written confirmation of each donated item or experience, its value and any restrictions.
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Choose your format: Consider whether a live, silent or online auction best suits your audience and resources.
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Publish clear terms: Explain how bids are accepted, when the winning bid is confirmed and what happens if a lot becomes unavailable.
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Plan payment and collection: Tell winning bidders when and how to pay, collect or receive their lot.
Charity raffles: your questions answered
We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions to help you run a successful raffle that brings your local community together for your cause.
Do you need a licence to run a raffle in the UK?
Not always. In Great Britain, some raffles can operate without a Gambling Commission licence when they meet the conditions for an exempt lottery. For example, an incidental lottery can run alongside another one-off event. A society running a stand-alone charity raffle may instead need to register it as a small society lottery with its local licensing authority.
What is the difference between a raffle and a lottery in UK law?
A raffle is commonly a type of lottery because people pay to enter and prizes are allocated by chance. The requirements depend on how the raffle is organised, where tickets are sold and who can enter. Check the relevant category rather than relying on the name used for the activity.
How much can you raise from a small society lottery without a Gambling Commission licence?
For a small society lottery, ticket sales must remain below £20,000 for a single lottery, and aggregate proceeds must remain below £250,000 in a calendar year. The society must also register with its local licensing authority and follow the relevant ticket, proceeds and reporting requirements.
Who regulates raffles and lotteries in the UK?
The Gambling Commission regulates commercial gambling in Great Britain, covering England, Scotland and Wales. Local licensing authorities register small society lotteries. Northern Ireland has separate gambling law, so organisers there should check the relevant Northern Ireland guidance.
Can I run a raffle at a small charity event without registering it?
Often, but only if the raffle meets the conditions for an incidental lottery. It must run alongside another one-off event and cannot be the main reason for holding it. Tickets may only be sold at the event while it is taking place, not online or in advance. The draw may take place during or after the event.
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