Running small fundraisers through social media has become a common way for local charities and community groups to raise money. One question that comes up often is whether a charity can legally run a lucky numbers square competition on Facebook. The short answer is yes, but only if the group follows the rules that apply to lotteries, raffles and prize competitions within the United Kingdom.
This guide breaks down the key points so that charities can stay safe, compliant and transparent while fundraising online.
What Counts as a Lucky Numbers Square Competition?
A lucky numbers square competition is a simple game where supporters pick a numbered square from a grid. Once all squares are sold or the draw date arrives, a winning square is selected. If the participants pay money to enter, and the winner is chosen at random, the competition is treated as a form of lottery under UK law.
This matters because lotteries are regulated activities. Even if the intention is purely charitable, the group must follow the correct category of lottery permitted for non profit organisations.
Can a Charity Run This Type of Competition?
Yes. A charity or community group can run this type of fundraiser as a Small Society Lottery as long as it follows these key conditions:
1. The organisation must be non commercial
Only charities, non profit groups and societies set up for good causes can run this type of lottery.
2. The group must be registered with the local authority
Small Society Lotteries require registration with the council where the society is based. This is a simple notification rather than a complex licence.
3. There are limits on ticket sales
A Small Society Lottery cannot exceed the legal limits on proceeds and prizes. At present these include:
- A maximum of £20,000 in tickets per single lottery.
- A maximum of £250,000 in tickets sold across the year.
- A prize fund that does not exceed the legal cap.
- At least 20 percent of the proceeds must go to the charity or good cause.
4. Clear rules must be provided
Participants must know:
- The price per square.
- The name of the promoting charity.
- The date of the draw.
- How the winner is selected.
- Any restrictions on who can enter.
5. The fundraiser must not target under 16s
All advertising and entry routes should be aimed at adults only.
Facebook Rules for Competitions and Promotions
Running the competition on Facebook also means the group must follow the platform’s own requirements for promotions. Facebook does allow competitions, but it has strict rules, including:
- The charity must run the promotion at its own risk and accept responsibility for compliance.
- Sharing to enter, tagging friends or using personal timelines as a condition of entry is not allowed.
- The promotion must include a clear release stating that Facebook is not associated with the competition.
- Any required disclaimers must be visible within the post.
- The charity must comply with all other Facebook competition policies, including restrictions on misleading content, prohibited incentives, or anything that could be interpreted as gambling promotion outside the allowed boundaries.
This means the fundraiser must be structured in a way that does not breach any of Facebook’s wider competition rules. Keeping the entry method simple, transparent and compliant is important for maintaining a safe and valid promotion.
Should a Charity Use Facebook for This Type of Lottery?
Facebook can be useful because the group already has access to supporters, volunteers and local community members. However, the charity must be confident that it can meet all legal requirements and maintain clear records of payments and entries.
For small charities, a lucky numbers grid can be a simple and fun way to raise money, but only when handled in a responsible and compliant way.
Conclusion
A charity group can run a lucky numbers square competition on Facebook, but it must follow the rules for Small Society Lotteries, adhere to Facebook’s competition policies, and avoid any actions that breach platform rules. Transparency is key. As long as the group keeps the fundraiser clear, fair and properly recorded, it can be an effective way to raise support for a good cause.
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