Can I run a traditional offline raffle?

Modified on Mon, 15 Dec at 5:06 PM

Yes, you can use the PTA Events platform to sell tickets to your raffle prior to the event.  


What legal rules apply to running a raffle?

Raffles are regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. Guidance from the Gambling Commission on small society lotteries and offline tickets can be found here:
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/licences-for-small-society-lotteries


You are responsible for ensuring your raffle complies with all legal requirements.


Do I need to issue physical raffle tickets?

Yes. If you are selling raffle tickets in advance, customers must receive a physical raffle ticket containing all information required by law.


What information must be shown on raffle tickets?

All raffle tickets must clearly display:

  • The name of your society

  • The ticket price (the same for all tickets)

  • The name and address of the organiser, or the name of the External Lottery Manager (if applicable)

  • The date of the draw, or information that allows the date to be determined


Example:

Raffle Tickets



Do I need to provide ticket examples to PTA Events?

Yes. To complete our compliance checks, you must email a photo or screenshot of your offline raffle tickets (showing all legally required information under the Gambling Act 2005) to: support@pta-events.co.uk


Can I issue digital raffle tickets instead of physical ones?

You may issue physical or digital tickets, but this must be done outside of the PTA Events platform and without using our automated tools.


You are responsible for issuing tickets that include all legally required information via another method.


Why doesn’t PTA Events distribute raffle tickets or run the draw?

PTA Events has specific obligations under the Gambling Act 2005. Our legal advice confirms that we are permitted to facilitate the sale of raffle tickets only.

We cannot take part in distributing tickets or running the draw. Doing so would require us to register as a Remote Gambling Operator, which is not feasible.


Our aim is to help organisations raise as much money as possible, while also ensuring that all fundraising activities are conducted in a fully compliant manner.

 

What support is available if I have questions? 

If you have any questions, please email support@pta-events.co.uk or log a support ticket via our support portal.


Please note that we are unable to provide legal advice. If you require legal guidance, we recommend contacting a law firm or your local council’s licensing department.


Is there a simpler alternative to running a raffle? 

Yes. Prize Draws (Online Raffles) are a fully automated, online, and legally compliant option available on all PTA Events websites. 


What is included with Prize Draws (Online Raffles)?

The Prize Draw service offers a fully integrated, end-to-end solution, including:

  • Easy setup of prizes with images

  • Customisable blocks of tickets for online purchase

  • Automatic emailing of tickets to customers

  • Auto-generated QR codes unique to your event for easy promotion


Are Prize Draws regulated by the Gambling Commission?

No. Prize Draws are not regulated by the Gambling Commission because a free entry route is available for all draws.


Please click here for further information on Prize Draws.

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