At first glance, running a raffle seems pretty simple, right? You sell some tickets, raise a bit of money, someone wins a prize, and everyone's happy. But in Northern Ireland, it's not quite that straightforward. There's a web of rules sitting quietly behind every "just a little fundraiser" — and if you don't pay attention to them, you could accidentally step over a legal line without even realising.

The main law you need to know about is the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Sounds formal, because it is. Whether it's a small local raffle or a flashier competition with big prizes, if you're raising money, you need to follow the rule book. This is even more so if you're doing raffles online.

Now, in the world of online raffles, you want to make sure the platform you're using is legit if you're planning on joining one. Trustworthy sites should clearly show who's running the raffle, how the winners are chosen, and exactly where your money's going. Look for clear terms and conditions, proper ticket pricing, and any refund policies. (source: realraffle.com)

Now, back to the rules. If you're running a raffle locally, you need to register with your District Council before you even think about selling a ticket. You also have to explain exactly why you're raising money. Is it for a charity? A sports team? A community project? Be clear, because guessing won't cut it if anyone asks questions later.

Every ticket needs to cost the same (maximum £1 each) and no "buy five, get one free" deals are allowed. And if you're under 16? Sorry, no buying or selling tickets either. Fairness is the name of the game. There's a cap too: you can't sell more than £80,000 worth of tickets in one go, and only half of that total can be spent on prizes. The rest has to go to whatever good cause you promised it would support. Oh, and good record-keeping? That's a non-negotiable. Keep track of everything as someone will double-check your records.

And what if you're thinking of taking your raffle online (maybe on Facebook, or even through a live-streamed event)? That's a whole other level of rules you need to follow. Online lotteries include things like selling tickets through social media, auction sites, fundraising platforms, or even letting people buy a chance by texting you. And here's the kicker: if you're doing any of that, you'll probably need a Gambling Commission licence. No licence, no legal raffle. It's that simple.

If you don't fancy going through all that licensing hassle, there are other options too — smaller events like charity bingo nights, casino-themed fundraisers, or "100, 200, 500 Clubs" that often don't need a licence if you follow certain rules.

Bottom line? Whether you're setting up a neighbourhood fundraiser or just entering a competition online, knowing the rules is the difference between a good time and a legal headache. Stick with trustworthy platforms, double-check the small print, and if in doubt — read up first. It might take a little more effort, but it keeps everything above board, and makes winning that prize feel even sweeter.