Common questions about UK raffle regulations
Direct answers to the questions organisers most often ask before ordering printed raffle tickets.
Do I need to register my raffle with the council in the UK?
All raffle tickets intended for sale to the general public in advance of a draw must be registered with your local council to comply with the law. Contact your local council for guidance on whether your draw needs to be registered.
Which UK law applies to my raffle — the Lotteries & Amusements Act 1976 or the Gambling Act 2005?
Your local council can advise whether your draw should comply with the Lotteries & Amusements Act 1976 or the Gambling Act 2005. The rules that apply depend on the type and scale of your raffle or lottery.
What information must be printed on UK raffle tickets?
UK raffle tickets must show the promoter's name and contact details, the place, date and time of the draw, and the ticket price. If the organisation is a registered charity, the charity registration number must also be shown. The counterfoil must include contact information and a date for returning unsold tickets.
What must charities show on their raffle tickets?
Registered charities must display their charity registration number on raffle tickets, along with the promoter's name and contact information, the draw date, time and location, the ticket price, and the required counterfoil details.
Can I sell raffle tickets below the printed price?
No. All tickets for each draw must be sold at the same printed price. It is illegal to offer tickets below the printed price, and a book of tickets must be sold for the full value of the tickets it contains.
Is it illegal to print raffle tickets that do not comply with UK law?
Yes. It is an offence to order, print or distribute raffle tickets that do not comply with UK lottery and raffle regulations. The organisation running the draw is responsible for ensuring tickets meet legal requirements before printing.
Who is responsible for making sure raffle tickets comply with the law?
The organisation running the draw is responsible for ensuring it is registered with the local authority where required and that all printed tickets include the legally required information before they are sold.