New rules for society lotteries

The Department for Communities has made an amendment (via a Statutory Rule) to The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to allow for the sale of a lottery ticket or chance by means of the internet. 

This is great news for many charities and societies who have been frustrated with the antiquated gambling rules in N.Ireland which prohibited the sale of societies lottery tickets online.  From 7 September charities and other societies will be able to promote and sell their tickets over the internet. 

NICVA is really pleased with this outcome and would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Minister for Communities for listening to our concerns and ensuring that positive action was taken to bring about this change in the regulations.    

We have raised other issues regarding gambling which affects fundraising by charities and other societies, such as the need to remove the £1 cap on the price of a ticket.  It is our understanding that this and other changes are to be included in a forthcoming Gambling Bill.