Alliance lottery law would fuel gambling harm and drain charity donations

The Christian Institute has condemned the ‘Lotteries for Communities Bill’, proposed by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, warning that it would fuel addiction while diverting money away from the charitable sector.

More than half of society lottery participants are “at high risk” of gambling harm, according to new UK Government research. That rises to 87% for those who also use other gambling products.¹

The Bill’s backers have claimed that society lotteries boost funding for good causes. But The CI explains that gambling on society lotteries instead of giving money direct to charity means £95 less reaches the charitable sector for every £100 spent.

The People’s Postcode Lottery (the main operator in the sector and a strong supporter of the Alliance proposal) says for every £100 spent on tickets, £30 will go to charity. But donating £100 directly results in £125 going to the charity after tax is reclaimed. So giving via the lottery deprives the charitable sector of more than 75% of the potential value of the gift.

An Alliance Party consultation on the proposed Private Member’s Bill closed this week (Thursday 31 July).

In its formal response, The CI criticised the plan as “entirely inappropriate”, pointing out that unlike GB, Northern Ireland currently has no gambling regulator, and gathers less data on gambling harm.

The Institute also warns that expanded advertising from large lottery operators would fuel harmful gambling behaviours. The People’s Postcode Lottery alone spent more than £84 million on ‘promotion’ last year.

The CI is urging MLAs to reject the proposal and instead prioritise protections for those at risk of gambling harm.

James Kennedy, NI Policy Officer for The Christian Institute, said:

“The last thing Northern Ireland needs is more gambling. This Bill would put vulnerable people at greater risk while delivering a net loss to the charitable sector.

“Many charities help those affected by gambling harm. Many community groups, churches and others provide support to individuals affected. For this reason, many refuse to take funding from sources linked to gambling, such as the lottery.

“The new research from Westminster offers a stark picture of how harmful these lotteries really are. I just can’t see how Alliance can press ahead with these plans.”

¹ UK Government research published in June 2025 found that, whereas 4% of those who exclusively participate in the National Lottery were ‘at risk’, this rose to 28% of those who participate in both, and a staggering 52% of those who only participate in society lotteries. Worse still, for those who take part in society lotteries and other gambling products, 87% were found to be “at high risk of harm”.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

• Full consultation response available on request.
• Link to UK Government study referenced: https://shorturl.at/wSlmy
• People’s Postcode Lottery charitable return data: https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/support/faq/charities