It is recommended that you read the full provisions of this Act before making a licence application. Copies of the Act can be obtained from any of Her Majesty's Stationery Offices (HMSO). Alternatively, a copy of the Act can be viewed at all council offices. If you require further assistance to understand the requirements of the Act please contact us.

Local Councils are the registration authority for society lotteries promoted for the raising of funds for sporting, charitable or benevolent purposes. A typical society lottery would be a local school or a local amateur football club. Lotteries not promoted by societies or where the value of the tickets for sale in a lottery exceeds £25,000 have to register with the gaming Board of Great Britain and not the local authority.

Tickets sold by a registered society must contain the following information:

• The name of the promoting society.
• The price of the ticket (must be the same for all tickets).
• The name and address of the member of the society who is designated as having responsibility at the society for promoting small lotteries, or (if there is one) the external lottery manager; and
• The date of the draw, or enables the date to be determined.

How to apply?

To apply for a Council Licence you must complete an application form and return the form with the appropriate fee (see application form) to the council offices.

Application forms can be obtained by selecting the links below:

Select to download a PDF application form or Select to download a Word application form

Or, an application form can be obtained from the licensing section of Ashfield District Council.

What happens next?

On receipt of your application and fee, the Licensing Section will process it and register.

Once registered and a lottery has been held, societies have to submit returns to the local Council, showing:

• The amount collected
• The amount spent on prizes
• Any expenses connected to the running of the lottery

These returns must be submitted no later than 3 months after the lottery was held, they must be certified by two members of the society who are over 18 years of age and not the promoter of the lottery.

Please contact us if you require any further information.