The long awaited and much anticipated changes to society lotteries appear to finally be making some movement. On 19 December 2019, the Gambling Commission opened a consultation on society lottery reform, following the Government announcement in July 2019 confirming that it intends to amend Section 99(3) of the Gambling Act 2005.
The intended amendments are to raise the current lottery proceeds limits, meaning that a maximum individual prize will raise from £400,000 to £500,000.
In addition, the annual aggregate proceeds limit will rise from £10 million to £50 million once the order has been implemented.
The order will make changes to the limits in legislation however, these changes also need to be reflected by the Gambling Commission in order that they are changed on the Licensing Condition and Codes of Practice (LCCP). For the changes that are to be made to the LCCP, the Gambling Commission have to consult on any proposed changes and this is what they are now doing in anticipation of the change to the law.
The current consultation closes on 12 March 2020 and all lottery operators and those in the industry are encouraged to provide submissions on this consultation.
The lottery sector is a form of fund raising for good causes, and the increase in limits is a welcome changed to lottery operators in the wider fund raising projects.
We will certainly be keeping an eye on any further changes and will be on the lookout for the consultation response in or around March 2020.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of lottery law and/or compliance with the Gambling Act 2005, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Frow or Andy Woods at Woods Whur.