Thinking about hosting a raffle in Wales? It’s a fantastic way to bring people together, spark some excitement, and maybe raise a bit of cash for a good cause. But before you start printing tickets and collecting prizes, there are a few important things you’ll want to get straight. Raffles are considered a form of gambling in Wales, and if you don’t follow the rules, you could find yourself in a bit of hot water.
First, it’s important to know what kind of raffle you’re running. If it’s something simple, like selling tickets at a local pub quiz and drawing a winner that same night, you’re probably looking at what’s called an “incidental lottery.” No fancy paperwork needed. All you need to do is show up, sell your tickets, and have a good time. But if you’re thinking bigger, like selling tickets online or promoting across different events, you’ll need to tread more carefully. That’s where sites like real raffle come in handy, as you can find useful information on how online raffles work and what sort of licensing hoops you might need to jump through. Taking a little time to get familiar with the rules can save a lot of trouble later.
Now, if you plan to sell tickets online; maybe through Facebook, during a livestream, or on your own website; you’re entering a whole different ball game. If this is the case, you’ll definitely need a Gambling Commission license. It’s not just a “nice to have”; it’s a must. The good news? The process is not as intense as it sounds. Still, you’ll want to get started early so there’s no last-minute panic when your event goes live.
Another thing people sometimes overlook is how long they’re planning to run the raffle. If you’re selling tickets over several days or weeks, not just during one event, you might also need to register with your local council. Every council is slightly different, so it’s worth making a quick call or checking their website. It’s one of those things that feels like a hassle at first, but trust me — you’ll be glad you handled it properly when everything’s running smoothly.
And don’t forget about the tickets themselves. For in-person raffles, you’ll need to hand out real, physical tickets — no “we’ll email you later” shortcuts. Luckily, you can pick up a stack of cloakroom tickets at any stationery shop or order some online without breaking the bank. You can also get creative: colourful, branded tickets can actually make people more excited to take part.
Last but not least, think about your prizes and costs. If you’re hosting an incidental lottery, you can’t spend more than £500 on prizes or more than £100 on admin expenses like printing tickets. It’s best to try and get prizes donated if you can. Not only does that stretch your budget, but it also makes your raffle feel more like a community effort — which, let’s be honest, is half the charm.
At the end of the day, a little preparation goes a long way. Once you’ve got the legal bits sorted, you’re free to focus on what really matters: Creating a raffle that’s fun, memorable, and maybe even a little life-changing for the lucky winner.
