Plans to double jackpot and proceeds limits for charity lotteries were announced by Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe today.
The proposal, announced in a written statement to Parliament, will see the maximum jackpot for individual draws increased from £200,000 to £400,000 and the maximum amount raised for charity from each draw increased from £2m to £4m.
The move, designed to help charities raise more money, will now go to consultation and should come into force early next year.
Mr Sutcliffe said:
"Many people already enter charity lottery draws to support a good cause like local hospices, air ambulances and local sports clubs. Indeed, these kind of lotteries helped raise around £100 million for good causes in the last year alone.
"But even more can be done to raise more money if the lotteries are made more attractive. That's why I have decided to allow this unprecedented increase in overall jackpots and limits on amounts raised.
"This will not only benefit around 630 charity lotteries already licensed to run draws, but I hope will provide some encouragement for other charities to set up lotteries too. "
Garth Caswell, Chairman of the Hospice Lotteries Association (HLA) said:
"All hospice lotteries and particularly the HLA are extremely grateful to both the Minister and the MPs who have supported us in agreeing this increase. This will enable hospice lotteries to combine their skills and raise even more money through lotteries for the hospice movement in the UK."
The Department today launched a three month consultation on the proposals. If Ministers then decide to proceed, necessary Orders will be put forward which will need to be approved by Parliament. This will require a debate, and potentially a vote, in both Houses.
