Gambling for Good Causes

Those involved in fundraising for good causes often organise events involving types of gambling as a means to raise money. Typical fundraising activities that involve gambling include:

• Lotteries (such as raffles and tombolas).
• Race nights.
• Casino nights.
• Bingo.

Gambling laws allows most such gambling activities to be provided on a non-commercial basis, without the need for permission from the local authority or the Gambling Commission, provided that relevant rules are followed.

Lotteries

A simple advice leaflet on running a lottery, including raffles, tombolas and sweepstakes has been produced by the Gambling Commission.  pdf Read leaflet from the Gambling Commission (258 KB) .

pdf Download a more detailed guide on running small lotteries (238 KB) .

If your lottery cannot be run in such a way as to fall within the definition of an exempt lottery you may decide to register with us to provide small society lotteries. Read about small society lotteries

Race Nights, Casino Nights etc.

A simple advice leaflet on running a race night, casino night or similar event for a good cause has been produced by the Gambling Commission. pdf Read leaflet. (405 KB)

Bingo

pdf Read the 'Organising Bingo for a good cause' leaflet. (506 KB)

Further Information

pdf Visit the Gambling Commission guide (88 KB) for more detailed information on organising non-commercial prize gaming and non-commercial equal chance gaming, including any conditions that must be complied with.