Key points:
- Wendy Chamberlain MP introduces a Bill to remove the £50m ($62m) annual cap on charity lottery ticket sales
- Removing the cap could unlock an estimated £175m in additional funds over five years for non-profits
- Charity leaders highlight the need for reform to meet rising demand amid economic challenges
Wendy Chamberlain MP has introduced a Private Members Bill to the UK Parliament aimed at removing the annual sales cap on charity lotteries, with the second reading scheduled for 24 January 2025.
Currently, charity lotteries are restricted to selling £50m ($62m) in tickets per year, which Chamberlain argues limits their ability to generate funds for good causes. The proposed legislation therefore seeks to eliminate this cap, allowing charities to maximise their fundraising potential.
Charity lotteries, regulated under the 2005 Gambling Act, have operated since the 1960s and are unique in providing long-term, unrestricted funding to non-profit organisations. For this reason, advocates argue that these restrictions are unnecessary and hinder charities’ effectiveness.
Good to know: Despite raising over £420m annually for charities, charity lotteries remain the only gambling product subject to these kinds of sale limits
The People’s Postcode Lottery, a charity lottery fundraiser, estimates that lifting the cap could generate an additional £175m for charities over the next five years, without any cost to the public purse.
Clara Govier, Managing Director of People's Postcode Lottery, highlighted the increasing challenges these limits pose for charity fundraising, stating: “The charity lottery sales limits are causing increasing difficulties for charity lottery fundraising at a time when charities need these vital funds to respond to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We welcome Wendy Chamberlain bringing forward this Bill and urge MPs across Parliament to support it.”
Supporters, including charity leaders from Magic Breakfast, Maggie’s and the Royal Voluntary Service, have echoed this call, highlighting how current restrictions limit their ability to meet increased demand for their services.
The Bill has garnered cross-party interest, with its proponents urging the government to support it and streamline charity fundraising efforts during a challenging economic period.
