I would like to know if I can legally create a lottery in the UK. I
need to know what is required by law and which bodies or government
agencies to contact in order to register. Also I would like to know
any limitations applied to the amount of jackpot prize money offered
and also to the amount/value of tickets to be sold. I would also like
to sell tickets via the internet, phone, post and email to the general
public so please let me know if there are rules and regulations
regarding this.

The scenario I would ideally like to create is a weekly lottery draw
(£1million pound jackpots and above) with tickets  priced at £1 per
chance. The proceeds would be split 45%winner, 50% chairty, 5% admin.

I have looked at the two links below and found them useful you may
want to start there.

http://www.culture.gov.uk/gambling_and_racing/fact_sheets/fact_internet_gambling.htm

http://www.gbgb.org.uk/lotlaw_main.html
Thanks

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Request for Question Clarification by leli-ga on 03 Jun 2004 01:25 PDT

Hello yan75

It all depends on the purpose of your intended lottery.

UK law does not permit lotteries which will result in private gain. 

Lotteries may be organised by clubs or organisations which already
exist for some other reason. They sometimes run lotteries for
fund-raising purposes, and then they must be registered with the local
authority or Gaming Board. This is called a "society lottery". Certain
kinds of small private lotteries are also possible. In normal
conversation, these will probably be called "raffles", but legally
they are considered lotteries.

"Any lottery, other than the National Lottery, which results in an
element of commercial or private gain is illegal."
http://www.wyrebc.gov.uk/licensingcharitablelotteries.htm

English gambling law is in the process of change, but the general
intention is still to prevent "commercial" lotteries.

"The Gambling Bill preserves the non-commercial status of lotteries "
http://www.ateonline.co.uk/default.asp?showid=13&pageid=2721

After reading this message you may decide you don't want to proceed
with your question, but if you are interested in an answer which goes
into more detail, just let us know.

Thanks - Leli

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Clarification of Question by yan75-ga on 03 Jun 2004 04:51 PDT

I think we cn leave it there as that pretty much means it cant be done
the way I would like so thanks for your help. $10 tip

Forget the UK: it's a State Monopoly.

Richard Branson (he of Virgin fame) spent Millions trying to win the
franchise the last time it came up for grabs.

Yes the national lottery, but there are million of lottery draws
conducted everday some online although not necessarily based in the
UK, I dont want to take over the national lottery.

Sorry, Yan

But the answer is No - You cannot create a Lottery in the UK.

What you might be able to do offshore is an entirely different matter
but that wasn't the Question that you asked.

Hello yan75 and probonopublico

I think you MIGHT be able to do it, but it looks like a legal
minefield I don't want to walk in to!

Have a look about 3/4 the way down this document
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1993/Ukpga_19930039_en_1.htm
and you swill see:

"Private lotteries  
47.  Private lotteries.  
  
Societies' lotteries and local lotteries  

48.  Registration of societies.  
49.  Registration of lottery schemes.  
50.  Lottery managers.  
51.  Frequency of lotteries.  
52.  Rules for lotteries.  
53.  Offences.  
54.  Powers of the Secretary of State to vary monetary limits and to
prescribe or vary fees.
55.  Interpretation of the 1976 Act."  
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1993/Ukpga_19930039_en_1.htm

Good luck!

You might find this question worth reading
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=298507

Owain