Do we need a lottery licence to run a raffle at our event?

If running a raffle where tickets are not sold before the event, this falls under the terms of an 'incidental non-commercial lottery'. As such, you will not require a licence or any specific permissions. However, you must adhere to the following rules:

• All tickets must be sold at the location during the event and the result made public while the event takes place.
• The promoters of the lottery cannot deduct more than £100 from the proceeds in expenses incurred, such as for the cost of printing tickets and the hire of equipment.
• No more than £500 can be spent on prizes (but other prizes may be donated) and the raffle cannot involve a rollover of prizes.

If selling tickets prior to the event, this falls under the terms of a 'small society lottery' and a licence is required.Read more on how to apply for a Small Society Lottery registration.