Organize lottery, contest, bingo

What is it?

A lottery, contest or bingo is a game of chance. A game of chance has the following characteristics:

• The player can win a prize.
• The player has no decisive influence on the outcome.
• The proceeds of the game of chance go to a charity of general interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the musical society or renovation of the church.

If you want to organize a game of chance, you need a permit from the municipality. If you are organizing a bingo or game of chance for promotional purposes, a notification is sufficient.

What to do.

Notification small game of chance

When an association is going to organize a small game of chance, report it to us. A game of chance occurs when a participant cannot (predominantly) influence the outcome. In other words: the lottery ticket determines who wins a prize. Examples of small games of chance are keno, bingo, the bird's-eye game and the wheel of fortune.

Your association (or foundation) may organize a small game of chance only when:

• the association (or foundation) is Dutch and has existed for at least 3 years
• the proceeds of the game of chance benefit a public interest
• the amount of prizes participants can win is a maximum of €400 per round and the combined value does not exceed €1,550 per event.

You must submit your report at least two weeks in advance. At least two weeks after the small game of chance has taken place, you will send us an overview to account for your actions.

Lottery permit

To hold a lottery, you need a permit. Which authority you apply to for the permit depends on the amount of the prizes. Are you organizing an occasional lottery with a prize package of up to €4,500? Then apply for it at least 8 weeks in advance using the online form.

Characteristics of a lottery are:

• the player can win a prize;
• the player has no decisive influence on the outcome; -
• the proceeds of the game of chance go to a charity of general interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the musical society or renovation of the church.

If the prize package of the lottery or contest exceeds €4,500,-- , apply for the license to the Gaming Authority.

How long does it take?

You will be notified within 8 weeks whether you will receive the permit for the lottery or contest.

Additional information.

More information at the gaming authority

How does it work?

You may organize a raffle if:

• at least 50% of the proceeds go to charity;
• you use up to 50% of the proceeds to pay for the prize package and expenses.

You may organize a contest if:

• the participant has to do something for it. For example, making a slogan, writing a story or taking a picture;
• a panel of judges will decide who wins the prizes.

You may host a bingo if:

• an association in existence for at least 3 years organizes the bingo;
• the value of the prizes per game round is a maximum of €400;
• the value of the prizes per meeting is a maximum of €1,550.

You may organize a game of chance for promotional purposes if your sole purpose is to advertise it. For example, for a product, service or organization. However, you must comply with the rules set out in the Code of Conduct on Promotional Games of Chance. This code of conduct can be found on the website of the Games of Chance Authority.