Running a raffle is a great way to raise money, be it for a local charity, a school fundraiser, or just a small community event. But it’s important to know the rules before you start printing those tickets or sharing your event on social media. Third-party platforms like realraffle.com have made it easy to organize and manage raffles so that everything is seamless from start to finish. However, you need to make sure you’re following the law, especially if you plan on running the raffle in-house, that is, on your website, and in Wiltshire. Ignoring any legal requirements or procedures could land you in trouble.
What Counts as a Raffle?
Raffles are legally considered a type of lottery and a form of gambling in the UK. They are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005, as governed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). A raffle is any game where people pay to enter, and the winner is chosen by chance. It doesn’t matter if the raffle is for charity, as long as people are paying to play, then under the law, it is considered gambling.
Different Types of Raffles (And What They Require)
Not all raffles are the same. The rules change depending on how big your raffle is and who’s running it.
Small Society Lotteries
These are common for local clubs, PTAs, or small charities. You’ll need to register with your local council in Wiltshire (not the Gambling Commission), and your ticket sales must stay under £20,000 per draw or £250,000 per year. The money raised must go towards a good cause—no personal profits allowed.
If your raffle falls under the “small society lottery” category in Wiltshire, here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the Non-Commercial Small Society Lottery Application Form.
- Pay the £40 registration fee (with a £20 annual renewal).
- Wait for confirmation before promoting or selling tickets.
- Submit a financial return within 3 months of the draw.
Large Society Lotteries
If you’re planning something bigger, you’ll need a license from the Gambling Commission. This is for raffles with higher ticket sales and bigger prize pools.
Incidental Lotteries
These are mostly held during an event, like a school fair. You sell tickets on the spot and draw the winner just before the event ends. A license isn’t usually required for this, but the proceeds from the raffle must go to a charity or similar cause.
Social Media Raffles
Social media makes it super easy to run raffles and reach more people, but just because it’s online doesn’t mean the law doesn’t apply to it. As long as you’re charging for entries and offering a prize, it’s a lottery; the “location” does not matter.
Raffles by Charities and NGOs
The rules are a bit more flexible, but still strict if you’re running a raffle on behalf of a charity or NGO. Charities often rely on raffles to boost fundraising efforts, but they must still comply with national laws.
Here’s what applies:
If you’re a charity planning to sell tickets to the general public and expect to raise over £20,000 in a single draw (or £250,000 over a year), you need a Gambling Commission license. Smaller raffles still require registration with your local council.
All profits must go towards the charity’s official mission. You can cover reasonable costs (like printing tickets or paying a designer), but you must be transparent about where the money goes because you’ll have to report these to Wiltshire Council for small society lotteries.
Key Rules You Should Know
To avoid getting into trouble, here are a few legal musts:
- Fixed Price Tickets: The same amount for a ticket applies to everyone. No discounts, bundles, or “buy one, get one free” deals.
- Clear Information: Each ticket must include the name and address of the raffle organiser, the name of the society running it, and the draw date.
- Minimum Age: You should not sell raffle tickets to 16-year-olds.
There are also rules to follow when advertising your raffle. You should be open and honest about the raffle’s details, including the prizes to be won, ticket prices, and the date of the final draw. It’s important to refrain from using words that can mislead or coerce people into joining. To make sure your promotion is fair and legal, you should abide by the gambling advertising guidelines as established by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
You could face fines or even legal action for breaking raffle laws or if you’re running an unlicensed or non-compliant lottery. That applies whether you’re doing it in person or on social media.
Even beyond fines, running a shady raffle could damage your organisation’s reputation.
Raffles can be a fun, community-driven way to raise funds and give back, but they’re still considered gambling under UK law. If you’re in Wiltshire and planning a raffle, take a few extra minutes to register, review the guidelines, and ensure your event is above board. It protects your participants, your organisation, and your cause.
