Hold a raffle

Who doesn’t love to win a prize? Raffles can be a simple and fun addition to your fundraising event and boost your target. This type of raffle is called a small lottery and we recommend this to supporters as a great fundraising idea.

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Did you know that certain raffles are deemed a form of lottery and gambling by the Gambling Commission. It’s important to be aware of the laws and restrictions that apply to this kind of fundraising activity. We’ve included basic details below. For more information you can contact your local authority and read through the Gambling Commission guidelines.

If you hold a raffle as part of an event, but not the focus of your event, you can run it without a licence.
With this type of lottery, there cannot be any cash prizes.
Tickets can only be sold at one location and while the event is taking place.
The announcement of the results must take place during the event.
You can’t sell tickets online or in advance

If you hold a raffle at your workplace or club, there’s no need to obtain a licence.
Make sure that the raffle is only offered on the premises.
You must make it clear who is running the raffle.

If you hold a larger raffle that’s open to members of the public and promoted in advance, it must be registered with the local council and may require a licence.
You cannot run a raffle or prize draw through the National Autistic Society’s licence.
If you are considering a public lottery/raffle, then please email fundraising@nas.org.uk for further assistance.

Step-by-step guide to organising a simple raffle

: Don’t buy prizes – persuade people to donate them instead. Offer something in return, such as publicity, advertising, event presence or a special thanks in person. Sourcing prizes for your raffle could take a few weeks, so be sure to start the process early! Many local businesses are happy to donate prizes for charity raffles. This could be anything from a product, a voucher or tickets to an event. You could get in touch via email or by popping into stores in person and asking to speak to the manager. If you must purchase any prizes yourself, you can withdraw up to a maximum of £500 from proceeds to pay for prizes. Please contact fundraising@nas.org.uk for a letter of authority as many businesses may ask to see one before donating prizes.

: You must provide physical tickets for those taking part. There are no set requirements for what must be printed on the tickets if you can easily identify the winner. There is no limit on how much you can charge for a ticket and you can give a discount for multiple purchases, such as buy one get one free. Arrange a cash float for raffle ticket sales. Please refer to our Keeping safe and legal guide to cash handling.

: You can draw your raffle during or after the event where you sold tickets. Make it clear to participants when you’ll be announcing the result. It’s also important to make sure all the prizes are won as you can’t roll over prizes from one event to another.

: Be sure to say a big thank you to anyone who has supported your fundraising raffle. Let them know how much was raised overall and how their support has made a difference.

Other things to note

The National Autistic Society is unable to supply prizes for lotteries and raffles. Make sure your prizes are safe, reputable and fit comfortably with our charity’s vision.

Charitable donations that are given in return for something are not eligible for Gift Aid. This means that money paid for raffle tickets is NOT eligible for Gift Aid.

Tell us what you're doing

We’d love to hear how you're raising money to support us. Please tell us by using our fundraising form and we can provide you with extra support along the way.

Fundraise your way

However you plan to fundraise, we’ve created resources, essential information about fundraising and us as well as frequently asked questions to help you get started.

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

Contact community.fundraising@nas.org.uk

Hold a raffle

Simple raffle/small lotteries

Private lotteries

Public lotteries

Step-by-step guide to organising a simple raffle

1. Source your prizes

2. Selling tickets

3. Drawing your raffle

4. Thanking your supporters

Other things to note

Tell us what you're doing

Fundraise your way

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

Hold a raffle

Simple raffle/small lotteries

Private lotteries

Public lotteries

Step-by-step guide to organising a simple raffle

1. Source your prizes

2. Selling tickets

3. Drawing your raffle

4. Thanking your supporters

Other things to note

Tell us what you're doing

Fundraise your way

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

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