In Great Britain millions of pounds are raised for charities, not even counting the National Lottery, through small scale, local society lotteries offering people both the chance of supporting charity and of winning a modest prize. Yet - according to local councils across the country there are relatively very few registered society lotteries in Northern Ireland - as is required by law for a publicly sold game of chance other than at an exempt entertainment such as a gala dinner or school fete.
And yet - again also contrary to almost every day experience there are lots of opportunities to buy a raffle, ballot or lottery ticket for a sports club or charity prize draw. The further I looked, the more concerned I have become for the state of lottery fundraising in Northern Ireland. This should be a great revenue for charities and sports club and offer a reasonable chance for players to win a prize but when I sought figures for income from almost all our local councils (through a Freedom of Information request) I have been frankly shocked at the responses.
For starters - one local council, who for the moment shall remain nameless, were not aware initially that they were responsible for registering society lotteries in their Council areas. Others have refused initially to give me this information or haven't provided it within the 20 days statutory period for FOI requests - some have asked for more time to respond.
For those who have provided the number of Society raffles registered over the last few years - many do not keep records of the proceeds raised in these games nor the amount distributed in prizes or expenses. For those who did provide amounts raised by societies registered with them, the totals were generally insignificant in terms of amounts raised.
I would pose the question therefore - how many raffles, lotteries and ballots are being run without the required registration? I have been able to find several without looking too far or searching for too long. The Department of Communities is responsible for the legislation governing Raffles, Ballots and Lotteries in Northern Ireland - legislation which primarily dates back to 1985 and the Police Service for NI is responsible for, guess what, policing it.
On the whole, however, I suspect most raffles, ballots and lotteries are run out of total ignorance of the law - and are well meaning mistakes - but nonetheless leaves the organisation open to governance and reputational risks. I have had to phone a few charities to point out some problems with their prize draws. Typically, these are games that exceed the legal maximum ticket prize of £1 for that type of lottery, or games that offer 6 for the prize of 5, or games that do not allow for the purchase of only one ticket for a £1 - all technically illegal. More common though is that the prize draw is not registered at all or does not have the information proving registration on the ticket (which is also the law).
And what about the people playing these games? They are entitled to know the games they are paying to play are run lawfully and where the money is going to. I would also argue they should know what proportion is being provided to charity, prizes and in expenses - although it is not currently a specific requirement. Some games I have seen offer as little as 0.5% in prizes - but maybe the argument is this is fair given the game is primarily in support of charity - but the players should be given a chance to consider that before playing.
[National Lottery funding is dealt with through separate legislation and not administered through local councils. 28p of every pound spent on National Lottery tickets goes to good causes.]
It is clear to me the law is out of date and enforcement appears absent - understandable no doubt given other priorities, but this means charities struggling to raise funds in bona fide and efficient ways are largely held back from using this well accepted and proven fundraising technique as it is practiced elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.
Clearly, charity raffles etc are a not a choice for everyone and must be conducted with an close eye on responsible gambling and ensuring vulnerable people aren't exploited but it is perhaps the most acceptable face of gambling compared to other forms - and should be given an opportunity to realise its potential in Northern Ireland.
It remains the case that if you want to give to charity the best way is to donate to that charity - and better still - add Gift Aid if you are eligible. But for those who fancy a chance at a prize the right charity raffles, ballots or lotteries could still offer a great deal for players and charities.
If you have a concern about a raffle you believe to be unregistered or illegal I recommend you contact the charity in the first instance. If you feel your concerns aren't dealt with you could make an enquiry with the Fundraising Regulator or ultimately ask the PSNI to investigate.
For those working or volunteering for charities, sports clubs or other not-for-profits wanting to run raffles, ballots or lotteries, Good Raffle C.I.C. is running a workshop on the 21st November 2017 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fundraising-through-raffles-lotteries-and-ballots-tickets-38499993517
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