Red tape cut for UK ‘good cause’ lotteries
Changes to the UK Gambling Act will mean some lotteries for good causes in the regulated market will now have to deal with less red tape.
The new changes to the legislation, implemented this week, will reduce the requirements for running some low-level lotteries, although the law will still ensure they are run fairly to support their respective good causes.
Private society lotteries can now be promoted by members of a private society for any charitable or non-commercial purpose, with the requirement for tickets to contain certain information having been removed.
Work lotteries can now be used for fundraising for any other purpose other than private or commercial gain, with ticket information requirement also removed.
Meanwhile, residents’ lotteries can also now be used for fundraising for any purpose besides private or commercial gain and a ticket information rule has been cancelled.
In addition, incidental non-commercial lotteries have been renamed incidental lotteries and can be held at both non-commercial and commercial events to raise money for good causes, but cannot be operated for private or commercial gain.
Incidental lottery results can also now be announced during or after the event, but all other existing rules remain the same.
David Evennett, Minister for Gambling and Lotteries, said: “This is welcome news for fundraisers across the country.
“The government’s decision to remove this unnecessary red tape will be of great benefit to charities and good causes, encouraging more people to hold small lotteries and raffles.
“Money raised through lotteries makes a huge difference to local communities and this change in the law will ensure they continue to thrive.”
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