If you’ve ever bought a ticket to win a prize for charity, at a school event, or even online, you may have wondered: is this a raffle or a lottery?
At first glance, they look almost the same. You pay a small amount of money, your entry goes into a draw, and a winner is picked at random. Simple, right?
But under UK law, raffles and lotteries are not exactly the same, even though they are closely related. The differences matter, especially if you are:
- Thinking of entering one
- Planning to run one for charity, school, or business
- Curious about what is legal and regulated in the UK
This guide explains everything clearly. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how raffles and lotteries differ, how they are treated under UK law, and which one you are actually playing.
Why People Often Confuse Raffles and Lotteries
You’re not alone if you find this confusing. Most people use the words raffle and lottery interchangeably in everyday conversation. That’s because:
- Both involve paying for a chance to win
- Both rely on luck, not skill
- Both pick winners at random
- Both are often used to raise money, especially for charities
Even the UK Gambling Commission treats raffles as a type of lottery, which adds to the confusion. However, there are still practical differences that affect how they work.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Is a Lottery?
A lottery is a form of gambling where you buy a ticket and select (or are given) numbers. If your numbers match the numbers drawn, you win a prize.
Key Features of a Lottery
When you play a lottery in the UK, you will usually notice these things:
- You buy a ticket for a fixed price
- The ticket contains numbers
- Numbers are drawn at random
- Your prize depends on how many numbers you match
- Prizes are usually cash
The most well-known example is the National Lottery, but there are also many charity lotteries in the UK.
How Lottery Prizes Work
In a lottery:
- Matching some numbers may win you a small prize
- Matching more numbers wins you a bigger prize
- Matching all the numbers can win you the jackpot
This tiered prize structure is one of the defining features of a lottery.
Rollovers in Lotteries
Another common feature of lotteries is a rollover.
If nobody wins the jackpot in one draw, the prize money:
- Rolls over to the next draw
- Gets bigger until someone wins
Not all lotteries have rollovers, but many large national ones do.
What Is a Raffle?
A raffle is also a game of chance, but it usually works in a much simpler way.
Instead of choosing several numbers, you normally:
- Buy a ticket
- Get one unique number
- Wait for that number to be drawn
If your number is picked, you win a prize.
Key Features of a Raffle
Most raffles have the following characteristics:
- Each ticket has one number
- Winners are chosen by drawing tickets or numbers
- There is no matching system
- Each winning ticket gets one specific prize
- Prizes are often physical items
You’ll often see raffles at:
- Charity events
- School fairs
- Workplace fundraisers
- Community events
Are Raffles and Lotteries the Same Under UK Law?
This is where things get interesting.
Under the Gambling Act 2005, the UK Gambling Commission classifies raffles as a type of lottery. Legally speaking, a raffle is not a completely separate category.
However, UK law recognises that:
- Some lotteries are large and complex
- Some lotteries (like raffles) are small and simple
Because of this, different rules apply depending on:
- The size of the lottery or raffle
- Who is running it
- How often it takes place
- What the prizes are
So while raffles are technically lotteries in law, not all lotteries are raffles.
The Main Differences Between a Raffle and a Lottery
Let’s look at the key differences in a clear, practical way.
Type of Prizes: Physical vs Cash
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is the type of prizes.
Raffle Prizes
Raffles usually offer physical prizes, such as:
- Hampers
- Wine or food
- Gift vouchers
- Electronics
- Holidays
- Cars
This is especially common at in-person events.
Lottery Prizes
Lotteries usually offer cash prizes.
The amount you win depends on:
- How many numbers you match
- Whether you hit the jackpot
That said, some charity lotteries and raffles offer both cash and physical prizes, which can blur the line.
Number Selection: One Number vs Multiple Numbers
This is another major difference.
In a Lottery
- You choose or are given multiple numbers
- Several numbers are drawn
- Your prize depends on how many match
This system allows for:
- Multiple prize levels
- Many winners in a single draw
In a Raffle
- Each ticket has one number
- That number either wins or it doesn’t
- There is no partial matching
It’s very straightforward.
How Winners Are Chosen
Lottery Draws
In a lottery:
- A set of numbers is drawn
- Different combinations win different prizes
- Some players may win smaller prizes even if they don’t hit the jackpot
Raffle Draws
In a raffle:
- Tickets or numbers are drawn one by one
- Each drawn ticket wins a specific prize
- Once a prize is won, it’s gone
There’s no concept of “almost winning” in a raffle.
Rollovers: Can the Prize Increase?
Lotteries and Rollovers
Many lotteries allow jackpots to roll over if nobody wins.
This can result in very large prizes over time.
Raffles and No Rollovers
Raffles usually do not roll over.
- All prizes are allocated
- If tickets are not sold, prizes are still awarded
- Winners are guaranteed
This makes raffles more predictable.
Frequency: How Often They Run
Lotteries
Lotteries are often:
- Weekly
- Fortnightly
- Monthly
- Ongoing throughout the year
They are designed for regular play.
Raffles
Raffles are often:
- One-off events
- Seasonal (for example, Christmas or summer raffles)
- Linked to specific fundraising campaigns
They are usually limited in time.
Entry Cost and Age Restrictions
In the UK:
- Both raffles and lotteries usually cost £1 per ticket
- You must be 18 or over to enter
This applies whether the event is online or in person.
Are Charity Raffles and Lotteries Different?
Yes, and this matters if you are entering or organising one.
Charity Lotteries
Charity lotteries:
- Run regularly
- Raise funds for specific causes
- Often require registration with local authorities
- Must follow strict rules about prize limits and transparency
Charity Raffles
Charity raffles:
- Are usually small-scale
- Often classed as incidental or small society lotteries
- Have fewer regulatory requirements
- Are easier to run legally
This is why many charities choose raffles for events.
Which One Is Better for You?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
You May Prefer a Lottery If:
- You enjoy number-based games
- You want a chance at a large cash prize
- You like regular draws
You May Prefer a Raffle If:
- You want a simple, clear chance to win
- You like physical prizes
- You are supporting a local or charitable cause
Neither is better or worse. They just suit different preferences.
Common Misunderstandings Explained
“Raffles Are Not Gambling”
This is false.
Raffles are considered gambling under UK law because they involve:
- Payment
- Chance
- A prize
“Lotteries Are Only Run by the Government”
This is also false.
Many lotteries are run by:
- Charities
- Societies
- Non-profit organisations
“You Have Better Odds in a Raffle”
Not always.
Odds depend on:
- Number of tickets sold
- Number of prizes available
Sometimes raffles do offer better odds, but not always.
Final Thoughts: The Real Difference Explained Simply
To put it simply:
- A raffle is usually a simple draw where one ticket equals one chance to win a specific prize.
- A lottery is usually number-based, offers cash prizes, and may include rollovers and multiple prize levels.
Under UK law, a raffle is technically a type of lottery, but in everyday use, they are treated differently because of how they operate.
Now that you understand the difference, you can confidently decide:
- What you are entering
- How it works
- And what your chances really are
Knowing the rules helps you make informed choices—and enjoy the experience for what it is.