Apply for a small lottery licence

A Small Society Lottery is promoted on behalf of a non-commercial society: 

• for charitable purposes;
• or for the purpose of enabling participating or supporting sport, athletics or cultural activity;
• for any other non-commercial purpose other than private gain.

The total value of tickets for sale in a single lottery cannot exceed £20,000 and the aggregate value of tickets on sale in a calendar year cannot exceed £250,000. If you plan to exceed either of these values, you must be licensed with the Gambling Commission.

Making an application

A registration fee of £40 is required with your application.  

Renewal of Small Society Lottery

To maintain registration, you will need to pay an annual fee of £20. 

Further advice on running a lottery including raffles, tombolas and sweepstakes is available from the Gambling Commission.

Apply for Small Society Lottery licence - Apply or renew

(Fees as at April 2026)