Raffle Rules Template

Raffle rules — also called terms and conditions — set out how the lottery operates, who is eligible to participate, and what happens in specific situations such as unclaimed prizes or disputes. There is no statutory requirement under the Gambling Act 2005 to publish written rules for a raffle, but having clear terms protects both the organiser and the participants. Written rules provide a reference point if a dispute arises and demonstrate that the lottery is being conducted transparently.

What to Include

The rules should cover the following areas, adapted to the specific raffle type and format.

Identity of the promoter and society

The rules should name the society running the raffle, the named promoter (for small society lotteries), and the society's contact details. This identifies who is legally responsible for the lottery.

Eligibility

State who may participate. For all raffle types, participants must be aged 16 or over. For private lotteries, participation is restricted to members, workers, or residents as applicable. If the raffle is open to the public, state this.

Ticket price and sales

State the ticket price (which must be uniform for small society lotteries), how and where tickets are available, and the dates of the sales period. For incidental lotteries, state that tickets are available at the event only.

The draw

State the date, time, and location of the draw. Describe the draw method (physical draw, tombola drum, random number generator). State that the draw will be supervised by independent witnesses.

Prizes

List the prizes or describe the prize structure (for 50/50 draws, state the split). If prizes are subject to change (for example, if a donated prize is withdrawn), the rules should reserve the right to substitute a prize of equivalent value.

Winner notification and prize collection

State how winners will be notified — announced at the event, contacted by telephone, or published through the society's channels. State the deadline for prize collection (typically 28-30 days from the draw or from notification).

Unclaimed prizes

State what happens if a prize is not claimed within the collection period. Common provisions include: re-draw, prize retained by the society, prize returned to the donor, or prize forfeited.

Liability and disputes

State that the promoter's decision on all matters relating to the raffle is final. Include a reasonable limitation of liability. Note that nothing in the rules affects participants' statutory rights.

Data protection

State how personal data collected from ticket stubs will be used (to contact winners, to comply with record-keeping requirements) and how long it will be retained (three years for small society lotteries, as required by the Gambling Act). Reference the society's privacy notice if one exists.

Template: Small Society Lottery

The following is a template for a raffle operating as a small society lottery. It should be adapted to the specific society, event, and circumstances.

[Society Name] Raffle — Terms and Conditions

1. The raffle is promoted by [Promoter Name], [Promoter Address], on behalf of [Society Name] (registered with [Local Authority Name] as a small society lottery).
2. The raffle is open to all persons aged 16 or over. Proof of age may be requested at the point of sale.
3. Tickets are priced at [£X] each. All tickets are the same price. Tickets are available from [date] to [date] from [sales locations/sellers].
4. The draw will take place on [date] at [time] at [location]. The draw will be conducted by [method — e.g. random selection from a tombola drum] in the presence of independent witnesses.
5. Prizes:
   • First prize: [description]
   • Second prize: [description]
   • Third prize: [description]
   • [Additional prizes as applicable]
6. The promoter reserves the right to substitute any prize with an alternative of equivalent or greater value if the original prize becomes unavailable.
7. Winners will be notified by [telephone/email/post] using the contact details provided on the ticket stub. Winning ticket numbers will also be [announced at the event / published on the society's noticeboard / published on the society's website].
8. Prizes must be collected within 28 days of notification. If a prize is not claimed within this period, the prize will be [re-drawn / retained by the society for its charitable purposes / returned to the donor].
9. The promoter's decision on all matters relating to the raffle is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the draw.
10. Personal data collected on ticket stubs (name, contact details) will be used solely for the purposes of administering the raffle, contacting winners, and complying with the record-keeping requirements of the Gambling Act 2005. Data will be retained for three years from the date of the draw, after which it will be securely destroyed.
11. By purchasing a ticket, participants agree to these terms and conditions.
12. [Society Name] is a [registered charity (number XXXXXX) / non-commercial society] established for [brief statement of purpose]. Proceeds from this raffle will be applied to the society's purposes.

Template: Incidental Lottery

An incidental lottery at an event has fewer regulatory requirements, and the rules can be simpler. The following template covers the essential points.

[Event Name] Raffle — Terms and Conditions

1. This raffle is an incidental lottery held at [Event Name] on [date] at [venue].
2. Tickets are available at the event only. Tickets are [£X each / £X per strip of 5].
3. The raffle is open to all persons aged 16 or over.
4. The draw will take place at [time] during the event. Winning ticket numbers will be announced at the event.
5. Winners must be present to claim their prize, or must arrange collection by [date/time]. Unclaimed prizes will be [re-drawn / retained by the organisers].
6. The organisers' decision on all matters relating to the raffle is final.

Display Requirements

There is no statutory requirement to display raffle rules at an event or on a ticket. However, the rules should be available to any participant who requests them. Common approaches include:

• a printed copy of the rules displayed at the raffle sales point
• a summary of key terms printed on the reverse of the ticket or on an accompanying slip
• a reference on the ticket: "Terms and conditions apply — available from [promoter / website / stall]"
• a page on the society's website with the full rules (referenced on the ticket and in promotional material)

For small society lotteries with advance sales, providing the rules in writing — whether printed, online, or both — is standard practice. The rules should be finalised before tickets go on sale, as they may affect the terms printed on the ticket (particularly the draw date and the unclaimed prize provision).

Adapting the Template

The templates above cover the standard provisions. Specific situations may require additional clauses:

50/50 raffles. Replace the fixed prize list with a description of the prize structure: "The prize is [50%] of the total ticket sales proceeds. The remaining [50%] will be applied to the society's purposes."

Alcohol prizes. Add: "Alcohol prizes will only be awarded to winners aged 18 or over. Winners under 18 will be offered an alternative prize of equivalent value."

Online elements. If the raffle is promoted online but sold in person, state this explicitly: "Tickets are available in person only from [locations]. Tickets cannot be purchased online."

Donated prizes. If prizes are donated by businesses, the rules should note that the donor has no involvement in the conduct of the draw and that the donor's liability for the prize (if any) is limited to the terms of the donation.

For the full legal framework underpinning these provisions, see UK Raffle Law and the Compliance Checklist.

Questions about raffle rules? See our help centre.

Last reviewed: February 2026