Lottery Licence

What is a Lottery Licence?

Secretary 11 of the Gambling Act controls the conduct of small lotteries, raffles etc. by societies raising money for charitable, sports and other similar purposes, otherwise than for personal gain.

The society on whose behalf the lottery is promoted must first be registered with us if their Principal Office is within the Borough of Poole.


How do I apply?

There is a registration fee link will open in new windowwhich must be paid at the time the application is made. The Application link will open in new windowform is available for you to download. You can also contact us for a copy of the Application form.


Registering a Society

We may register a society, which is established for one of the following purposes:

charitable purposes;

participation in or support of athletic sports or games or cultural activities;

purposes which, not being described above, are neither purposes of private gain nor commercial undertaking.

If the total amount of chances sold for any one lottery is less than £20,000 or the total for all lotteries held in a calendar year is less than £250,000 then the society must register with us.

If a society wishes to run lotteries which exceed these amounts they must register with the Gambling Commission  link will open in new window.


Lottery Statements

When a lottery has been held, the promoter must complete and send a statement form to us, not later than three months after the date of the lottery.

The statement must be certified by two members of the society, (other than the promoter) being persons 18 years old or over appointed in writing by the society's governing body.

The statement form is available for you to download and there are some supporting notes to help you. You can also contact us for a copy of the statement form.


Further Information

Copies of the Gambling Act 2005 and other legislation mentioned here can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information link will open in new window.

This information is only a brief guide, for further information please contact us.

Guidance on the legislation and further requirements in relation to lotteries is available on the website of the Gambling Commission link will open in new window.



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