Government Decision on Charity Lottery Sales Cap Removal Expected by Summer

The government is gearing up to make a big decision that could change the landscape of charity lotteries as we know it. By this summer, they’ll reveal whether they plan to lift the £50 million sales cap that’s been in place—a move that’s gotten plenty of support from major players in the charity sector.

The proposal to get rid of this limit was put on the table by Wendy Chamberlain, a Liberal Democrat MP, who believes this change could be a game-changer for charities across the country. If it goes through, it could open up a world of new opportunities for fundraising efforts.

Charity lotteries are no small beans—they bring in a whopping £420 million each year for a range of organizations that do good. But unlike other forms of gambling or fundraising, charity lotteries face a ceiling on how much they can rake in. Back in 2020, the government bumped up the cap from £10 million to £50 million, along with making some other adjustments. Yet, folks are still pushing for even more changes.

For instance, the People’s Postcode Lottery team has estimated that axing the yearly cap could mean an extra £175 million flowing to the charities they support over five years. Those are some huge numbers that could make a real difference in the work these organizations are doing.

Chamberlain’s bill isn’t just about scrapping the sales cap—it also aims to keep a lid on how much lottery prizes can balloon to. It’s all about making sure that the money raised goes where it’s most needed, rather than bulking up prize pots. The bill would keep the awards in check while giving charity fundraisers more wriggle room to expand their horizons.

The government is all about wanting these lotteries to thrive, which they’ve made clear by commissioning independent research on the topic. They aim to share its findings “by the end of next month” and make a full proclamation on society lotteries by the summer recess. They’re looking at the big picture and thinking deeply about the future before they make any big moves.

The current setup is looking pretty positive, with plenty of evidence showing that society lotteries are on the up and up. However, the government is thinking about the challenges charities might face down the line, especially larger groups with multiple licenses. While there might be a few bumps in the road, they’re committed to helping lotteries raise as much cash as they can for their causes.

So, whether you’re a keen lottery player or just someone who loves helping charities, keep an eye out for the big news coming this summer. It could mean a whole new world for how we raise funds for the causes we care about.