Our response to Gambling Act Call For Evidence

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising responded to the Review of the Gambling Act in order to represent the views of our members as well as the wider fundraising sector. We want to see a safe and proportionate approach to Gambling legislation and regulation which enable society lotteries to continue to grow through responsible promotion.  

Our key messages in this submission are:

• Regulatory reforms need to acknowledge the differences between high-risk forms of commercial gambling – such as machine games or sports betting - and society lotteries.
• While raising the age restrictions for society lotteries to 18 will limit fundraising, feedback from our members indicates that this would result in a relatively small decline in income, and that the benefits to charities in playing their part to reduce harm from gambling outweighs any loss to income.
• Society lotteries are a significant and growing income source for charities. Lotteries are not just about ‘quick wins’, they can often lead to other forms of donation and support and are an important part of the fundraising mix for charities.  
• Charity fundraising, including selling of society lottery tickets, already is bound by the Code of Fundraising Practice which sets standards above legal or statutory requirements. Therefore, any additional restrictions to tackle high risk gambling activities, must be mindful of the standards already set and not place any unnecessary burdens or restrictions on charities.