UKGC to Strengthen Measures Against Illegal Lotteries
Rise of Society Lotteries and Regulatory Challenges
In the UK, society lotteries have seen remarkable growth, hitting over £1 billion in Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) for the second consecutive year. Despite this success, Ian Angus, the Policy Director of the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission (UKGC), has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by illegal lotteries and the commission’s intent to increase enforcement against them.
The Expansion of Illegal Lotteries Alongside Legal Ones
Data from the UKGC’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain reveals that society lotteries rank as the second most popular gambling activity in the country. Between July and October last year, approximately 17% of adults—around 9 million individuals—participated in society lotteries. This participation rate surpasses that of general betting, which attracted 10% of adults, while only lagging behind the National Lottery’s 32% reach.
Despite the sector’s healthy growth, illegal lottery operators continue to pose significant risks to consumers and threaten the integrity of legitimate charitable organizations. To combat these challenges, the UKGC is stepping up its enforcement capabilities, backed by a £26 million fund from the Treasury allocated over three years.
This additional funding will help the commission automate critical processes such as mapping the structure and activities of the illegal gambling market and developing Great Britain’s first comprehensive national risk assessment of unlawful gambling practices. This support is especially timely considering the costly reforms the UKGC undertook in 2025.
Maintaining a Focus on Consumer Protection
Consumer safety remains a top priority for the UKGC. According to the latest annual report from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, 2.7% of adults scored 8 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, indicating potential gambling problems. While society lotteries generally carry lower risks compared to other gambling forms, operators are urged not to become complacent. Vulnerable individuals often engage with multiple gambling types, heightening their risk of harm.
To support operators in adhering to regulatory standards, the UKGC has introduced a “Licence Support” service, officially launched after a successful pilot in 2024. This service offers operators a direct contact point for advice on regulations, technical support, and faster handling of inquiries.
Additionally, the UK High Court recently ruled in favor of the UKGC in a high-profile £1.3 billion case related to the awarding of the National Lottery license to Allwyn, reinforcing the commission’s authoritative position.
