Legality of Raffles
Some raffles need to be registered – please contact your local council to find out if your raffle needs to be registered, or not.
Take a look at our handy FAQ’s below for more information on the law regarding raffles.
Do I need to register my raffle?
All tickets intended for sale to the general public in advance of a ‘Draw‘ may need to be registered with your local Council; it very much depends on the circumstances surrounding your raffle, the profit margins and the organisations involved. Please contact your local Council for guidance on whether your Draw needs to be registered or not and if it should comply with The Lotteries & Amusements Act 1976 or the Gambling Act 2005.
It is an offence to order, print or distribute tickets that do not comply. This is the sole responsibility
of the organisation running the raffle, so make sure you double check.
What details need to be displayed?
If the Organisation running the Draw is a registered charity the registered number is required to be shown on the ticket, along with the place, date and time of the draw. The promotor’s name and contact information should also be found on the ticket.
What about the ticket price?
You are welcome to set the price but ticket prices must be displayed clearly and every ticket must be the same price as all its fellows. It is an offence to sell tickets below the printed price. A book of tickets must be sold for the full value of the tickets it contains within it.
Do I need to keep copies?
The Counterfoil – the part of the raffle book that is kept or retained- is required to contain contact
information and a date for the return of unsold tickets.
Where can I learn more?
There are several handy resources available for you to learn more about the law surrounding raffles.
Check out the Gambling Commission website or The Lotteries Council for more information.
Alternatively, Gamcare and The Fundraising Standards Board can also give you a clear insight into the process needed to run a raffle. Should you need to find out how to contact your local council go to direct.gov.uk.
1. The Body that is organising the draw.
This must state the name of the fundraising group, school or other organisation who are hosting and organising the draw.
2. Counterfoil Information
Supply information on where and when the unsold tickets and counterfoils should be returned.
3. The name of your fundraising event
Aim to include a year here to distinguish between events e.g. Faith Technical School Fundraiser 2020.
4. Prize Information
This area can provide any information you wish on prizes; we recommend advertising your top prize here to promote your fundraiser.
5. Draw date and location
This section must include when and where the draw will take place.
6. The promoters charity number
Your registered charity number (if you have one).
7. Charity Registration Address
Also ensure to include any registration details, including the council that your event is registered with as well as the licence number (if needed).
8. Ticket Price
The price of your individual tickets / price per ticket.
9. Image or Logo
This should be the logo of your company, or the one you are raising funds for.
10. Ticket number
Ensure you have no duplicates for numbers.
