How to run a raffle without a licence in the UK

Overview of raffles in the UK and legal requirements

Raffles are a popular way of raising money for charity or other good causes in the UK, but certain legal requirements need to be met. Depending on the raffle and who is taking part, you may have to obtain a licence or contact your council for more information. However, they are a few types of raffles or lotteries that you can hold without a licence or contacting your council. However, there are still rules and guides that must be adhered to by the gambling commission so please make sure to contact them or your local authority if you are unsure.

How to run an incidental lottery or private raffle

The Gambling Commission states that "An incidental lottery can take place alongside a commercial or non-commercial event. The lottery cannot be the main reason for holding the event." A good example would be at a summer or Christmas fayre or event of some kind, a village fete perhaps. You can set up a stall and sell raffle tickets as long as you only sell to the people at the event. The draw must also take place at the event. The proceeds must be for good causes or charity and can not be for private gain.

There are no legal requirements for what needs to be printed on the ticket, however, a physical ticket is a requirement for those who are taking part. You cannot sell tickets online or before the event takes place.

There isn't a minimum or maximum charge required for the tickets and you can also offer deals or discounts for people who want to buy multiple tickets, which isn't the case for a small society raffle.

How to run a customer raffle

Firstly, the raffle can only take place at your physical premises and cannot be done online or sent out by text message or email. This also includes any form of advertising about the raffle which can only be done at one single set of premises.

Secondly, the raffle tickets must have the name and address of the organiser, ticket price, restrictions for purchase and the rights created by the ticket are non-transferable.

Thirdly, you can only sell raffle tickets to people sixteen years or older who are on your premises for business purposes.

Lastly, any physical prizes should be under £50 in value, or you can offer services as a prize. You cannot make a profit from this type of raffle as all proceeds must either be used to pay for prizes or running costs.

For more information please see the Gambling commissions page if you are unsure about any of the details above or have any further questions.

How to run a work raffle

Similarly to the customer raffle, You can’t run a raffle across multiple sites. Tickets cannot be sold online, via email or over the telephone. The draw may only take place on your business's premises and not online.

Every participant must pay the same amount for their ticket and the rights created by it are non-transferable but there are no specific requirements for what needs to be printed on the ticket. You must ensure that all participants are at least sixteen years old and work in the same physical location, such as an office or factory.

Prizes can be distributed up to the value of £50 each, alternatively, services can be offered as prizes instead if they seem more appropriate. All proceeds from the raffle must either go towards running costs or prizes, and you cannot make a profit from the raffle.

For more information on running your work raffle, please see the Gambling Commission’s website for further details.

How to run a private society raffle

A private society raffle is a lottery, tombola or sweepstakes run by a member of the society with people you’re in a club with or guests who visit the society premises. This can be a sports or community club or 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’t sell raffle tickets online, via email or over the telephone and the raffle draw can only take place on your private society's premises and not online. The tickets must be physical but there are no legal requirements for what is to be printed on them as long as they have a unique number.

Prizes can be distributed up to the value of £50 each, alternatively, services can be offered as prizes instead if they seem more appropriate. All proceeds from the raffle can be used to raise money for your club, group or organisation, as long as the money is spent on a relevant cause.

If you require any further details then we suggest you visit the Gambling Commissions website for clarification.

In Conclusion

Running raffles in the UK is a great option for businesses, private societies and workplaces to raise money for their cause or event. It is important to note that you must follow certain rules and regulations when running raffles, but there is plenty of help available if you need it.