Small society lotteries

Registering a small society lottery and what you need to do.

Lotteries that don't need to register

There are three types of lotteries that do not need to be registered or licensed.

Incidental non-commercial lotteries

These are held at non-commercial events where all money raised goes to a good cause.

You must follow the rules which state the maximum sums you may deduct from the proceeds of a lottery. This includes deducting no more than:

  • £500 for prizes awarded in the lottery
  • £100 for organising the lottery

Private society, work or residents lotteries

Tickets can only be sold to members of the society, employees at a workplace, or residents of a premises.

Customer lotteries

These are run by businesses and tickets can only be sold to customers on the premises.