Consultation on draft code of practice affecting Societies Lotteries

A copy of the draft Code of Practice is attached which includes a particular section for Society Lotteries. On page 15 it outlines how Societies Lotteries may use the 'Think 18'  principle when selling lottery tickets in person however it says that the 'Think 18' principle is not acceptable for on-line lottery ticket sales.  The draft Code states:

"Lotteries must always operate age verification procedures for all persons paying to participate through any on-line platforms. Such procedures should require proof of identity and age for all persons prior to being permitted to participate in the lottery."

This could prove difficult for charities and other societies that are running online raffles as having to provide proof of identity to purchase a ticket introduces a layer of admin that takes away the ease of selling the ticket online in the first place.   

Make your views known to the Department 

The Department is happy to receive any comments you may wish to offer on the content of the proposed Code of Practice.  Comments should be sent in writing to the Department at [email protected]  no later than Friday 25th February 2022.

NICVA's response is available at the following link NICVA response on the draft gambling codes of practice | NICVA

When would the Code be implemented?

The Department is bringing forward this Code in accordance with a power proposed under Clause 15 of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill which was introduced for consideration in the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, in September 2021.  Assuming the Bill, including Clause 15, is approved by the Assembly and en-acted it would be the Department’s current intention to bring this Code of Practice into effect on the date the Bill receives Royal Assent. 

Links to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as introduced in the Assembly, together with an Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Bill, is provided below.

Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill (niassembly.gov.uk)

Explanatory and Financial Memorandum - As Introduced (niassembly.gov.uk)