Guidance

Review of society lottery sales and prize limits

Outcome of the government’s review of society lottery sales and prize limits, which were increased in July 2020

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Legislation came into effect in July 2020 to increase the annual sales limit from £10 million to £50 million; increase the per draw sales limit from £4 million to £5 million; and increase the maximum per draw prize limit increased from £400,000 to £500,000. Alongside these increases, the Gambling Commission introduced greater transparency measures, requiring society lotteries to provide more information to consumers about the use of proceeds and the likelihood of winning a prize. The government committed to reviewing these changes 12 months after implementation.

Our overall view is that the increased limits are bedding in well and are beginning to have the intended effect of allowing the society lotteries sector to grow and return more to good causes, whilst also maintaining the unique position of the National Lottery. It is too soon to reach any firm conclusions on the impact of the changes, especially during a period in which the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has made any evaluation more difficult. We do not consider that any further policy changes are necessary at this time, but we will continue to work with the Gambling Commission to keep the sector under review.

Updates to this page

Published 1 March 2022

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