What is a small society lottery?
A small society lottery is a type of fundraising activity run by a non-profit organisation such as:
- charities
- sports clubs
- community groups
- schools or PTAs
Lotteries must be run to support a good cause and not for private or commercial gain.
When you need to register
You need a registration if:
- you plan to sell tickets in advance of the draw, and
- your lottery is open beyond a single event
You do not need a registration if:
- tickets are only sold and drawn at the same event (for example, a raffle at a fete)
Key rules you must follow
To qualify as a small society lottery, you must meet these legal limits:
- Maximum ticket sales per lottery: £20,000
- Maximum ticket sales per year: £250,000
- Maximum prize value: £25,000
- Minimum for good causes: 20% of proceeds
Additional rules:
- All tickets must be the same price
- Tickets must be paid for before entry
- You cannot sell tickets in the street
- You must submit a return form within 3 months of the draw
Who can apply
You can apply if your organisation is:
- established for charitable purposes, or
- supporting sport, culture or community activity, or
- another non-commercial purpose
Your organisation must not be set up purely to run lotteries.
Fees
- Application fee: £40
- Annual renewal fee: £20
Your registration remains valid as long as you pay the yearly fee.
After your lottery
You must send us a lottery return form within 3 months of each draw.
This tells us:
- how much money was raised
- how much was spent on prizes and costs
- how much went to your good cause
What you need to do
To run a small society lottery or raffle, you’ll need to complete a straightforward application process:
- Read the guidance notes
Start by reviewing the Small Society Lottery Applicant Guidance Notes to understand eligibility, requirements, and your responsibilities. - Complete the application form
Fill in the Application form for registration of a non-commercial society with all required details. - Submit your application
Email your completed application form to licensing@norwich.gov.uk - After your lottery or raffle
Once your lottery or raffle has finished, and within 3 months of each draw, you must complete a Lottery Return Form. This provides details of ticket sales, proceeds, and expenses. - Send your returns
Email the completed return form to licensing@norwich.gov.uk
Make sure all forms are fully completed before submitting to avoid delays in processing your application or returns.
