Small society lotteries

Overview

A small society lottery is promoted on behalf of a non-commercial society. A society is non-commercial if it is established and conducted:

• for charitable purposes
• for the purpose of enabling participation in, or of supporting, sport, athletics or cultural activity, or
• for any other non-commercial purpose other than that of private gain.

Restrictions

The total value of tickets put on sale in a single lottery cannot exceed £20,000 and the aggregate value of tickets put on sale in a calendar year cannot exceed £250,000. If these limits are exceeded the lottery will be a large society lottery and a licence will be required from the Gambling Commission.

How to apply

You can apply below for a small society lottery licence. Please make sure you read our guidance first.

Small Society Lotteries Guidance (PDF, 8 KB) (opens new window)

Every Society registered with a local Licensing Authority to run Small Society Lotteries must submit a returns form following each draw.

Financial return form (Word doc, 261 KB) (opens new window)

Renewing your application

If you need to renew your application please complete the following form.