Date: 31.01.2025

by Adam Dworak

UK Government to Decide on Society Lottery Sales Cap Before Summer

The UK government is considering whether to lift the £50 million sales cap on society lotteries, following long-standing calls from charities to remove fundraising restrictions. A decision is expected before the summer recess, with a parliamentary debate set for July 11.

Government Reviews Lottery Sales Cap

The UK government is considering removing the £50 million sales cap for society lotteries.

Stephanie Peacock, undersecretary for Sports and Media at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), confirmed that officials will reach a decision before the summer recess. Parliament will debate the matter on July 11.

Charities Push for Unlimited Fundraising

During the second reading of a private members’ bill, Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain called for lifting the sales cap.

She argues that removing restrictions would allow unlimited charitable fundraising. Charities have long pushed for this change, saying the current cap limits their ability to support social causes.

In 2021, the government considered doubling the cap, but the proposal stalled. The People’s Postcode Lottery, which manages multiple postcode trusts funding charities, estimates that removing the limit could generate an extra £175 million over five years.

Government Remains Cautious

Despite the push for reform, DCMS has not yet backed the proposal. Peacock noted that while some large lotteries are close to the cap, most operate well below it.

The department commissioned independent research to assess the impact of lifting the limit.

Some findings suggest higher ticket sales do not always result in proportional increases in charitable funding. The study should conclude by the end of February.

Broader Gambling Policy Developments

The government is also reviewing the progress of its gambling white paper, published in April 2023. Lawmakers began hearings this week to assess its implementation.

Meanwhile, the UK Gambling Commission has launched a consultation on new gaming machine regulations.

The changes would affect the Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS), the Gaming Machine Testing Strategy, and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).

Regulators are seeking feedback from consumers, gambling operators, and testing agencies.