Small society lotteries do not require a licence but must be registered with us if the principal office of the society is located here.
Society lotteries are promoted for the benefit of a non-commercial society. A society is non-commercial if it is established and conducted for:
- charitable purposes
- enabling participation in sport or a cultural activity (for example theatre)
- any non-commercial purpose other than that of private gain
A small society lottery:
- does not have proceeds that exceed £20,000 for a single draw
- does not have aggregated proceeds in excess of £250,000 in a calendar year
You can find out more about small society lotteries from the Gambling Commission's website.
If your lottery doesn't fit the definition of a small society lottery, or if the proceeds exceed the amounts of a small society lottery, then you will need to apply to the Gambling Commission for a licence.
Exempt lotteries
There are three types of exempt lottery.
Incidental non-commercial lotteries
These are lotteries held at non-commercial events, where all money raised at the event goes entirely to purposes that are not for private or commercial gain.
They must be run in accordance with the relevant regulations which state the maximum sums that promoters of incidental non-commercial lotteries may deduct from the proceeds of a lottery.
The limits are, in respect of the cost:
- of the prizes awarded in the lottery, the promoters may deduct no more than £500.00
- incurred in organizing the lottery, the promoters may deduct no more than £100.00
Private society, work or residents lotteries
These are lotteries where tickets can only be sold to society members, workers in or residents of a premises.
Customer lotteries
These are lotteries run by occupiers or business premises selling tickets only to customers on the premises itself.
Apply for a small society lottery licence
To apply or renew your licence, you will need to complete the small society lottery application form.
Send your application to:
The Land Charges and Licensing Team
Cumberland Council
Allerdale House
Workington
Cumbria
CA14 3YJ
We will contact you to confirm everything has been accepted, or if we need further information.
Costs and fees
Visit the Cumberland Council fees and charges webpage.
You can pay by debit or credit card by calling 0300 373 3730.
Pay the relevant fee before you send us a completed application form.
Lottery returns
Once your lottery has finished, you will need to complete and submit the lotteries and raffle return form.
This must be within 3 months of the day of the draw or last draw.
Your return form:
- must be signed by 2 members of the society appointed in writing for that purpose
- should include a copy of the appointment
- must be signed by those aged 18 years or over