Frequently Asked Questions
If you any questions that aren't answered here please click here to contact us and we will be happy to help.
General |
- Do I need to register with anybody?
You will need to be registered with either your Local Authority or the Gambling Commission. This depends on the size of your lottery. We will advise and assist you when registering with one of the above.
- How much money could I expect to raise each year?
Obviously this depends on the number of members and the prize level. A £1 weekly lottery with an average prize fund 10,000 players can expect to make approx. £6,881 profit per week, which equates to £357,825 per year using our Lottery Admin Service.
- How will winners find out if they have won?
Winners don't need to claim a prize as they will be notified, winning cheques are sent out in the post on the day of the draw..
- What kind of support will I get once my lottery is up and running?
Once you have signed up to one of our lottery services you receive full promotional, and technical and legal support from our team and your own dedicated account manager throughout the life of your contract.
- What are the most popular methods of payment?
Standing orders and direct debits are the most popular methods of payments, but our system is capable of accepting most common payment types.
- Can I monitor where new members are coming from?
Yes you can, any leaflets or application forms can be tagged with a tracking code which can be related to either a place, particular campaign mailing or sales person.
- Who owns the lottery and the members data?
The lottery and all of the data regarding the members is owned by you, we just store and process the information on your behalf.
Promoting my lottery |
- What kind of help will I get when planning lottery promotion?
We offer a full support and advice service, sharing best practices, and sharing over 25 years experience.
- What is the most important part of my promotion?
To get the most out of any lottery promotion, planning and variety are the key. Planning your promotion campaign is vital to ensure that you reach as many people as possible while keeping the cost down.
- Are there any agencies that can help me promote my lottery?
We have a very good relationship with a number of companies who provide a variety of different fundraising services that we can introduce you to.
Vanguard - Lottery Administration Service |
- What tasks will I need to carry out each week?
The Promotion and sales. We handle all of the routine administration, so you can concentrate your time and man power on going out and canvassing, meeting people and spreading the word about your organisation and the vital work it does.
- Will I need to hire more staff?
No, because as above we take care of all the routine administration. You need to handle the promotion of the lottery usually incorporated into existing activities.
- How can I monitor how successful my lottery is?
We send you a full comprehensive management report per draw.
- Can I see our members data when I want?
Yes, via our Sterling Members software, which allows you to access and analyze your data.
Pathway - Lottery Software |
- Is there a required I.T specification needed to run Pathway?
To run Pathway you need a modern office PC with broadband connection.
- What level of support do I get?
We provide user and technical support to help solve any Pathway related issues, during office hours.
Vanguard Payroll |
- What tasks will I need to carry out each week?
All we need is for your payroll department to send us an up to date payroll deductions file for each payroll run.
- Will I need to hire more staff?
No because we take care of all the routine administration.
- Do the members have to be currently employed by the company?
No, your lottery can be open to previous employees or family members, it's up to you.
Legal Issues |
- How much does it cost to register my Local Authority?
You will have to pay an initial set up fee of £40 with an annual fee of £20 payable in advance.
- How much does it cost to register with the Gambling Commission?
The Gambling Commissions fees are banded depending on the predicted turnover and the type of licence required. The registration fee starts at £172 with an annual fee of £261 for the lowest band. We can advise you further on this.
- How will I know when to go and register with the Gambling Commission from my Local Authority?
If your lottery exceeds £20,000 in any one draw or £250,000 in any one calendar year you will have to be registered with the Gambling Commission. If we are undertaking your Accounts as part of our Vanguard service we will advise you when this figure is approaching but if you are using Pathway you will need to keep track yourself, but we are on hand to answer any queries you may have.
- Do I have to fill in any forms once after I have registered?
Lottery returns have to be submitted to the Local Authority or Gambling Commission within 3 months of each draw being run. Again as part of the Vanguard service we will assist with this process but with Pathway it will be your sole responsibility to ensure they are submitted in time.
- Are the draws fair and independently checked?
Sterling’s draw mechanism has been tested and certified by a Gambling Commission approved test house. As a registered External Lottery Manager we are audited by the Gambling Commission on a regular basis to ensure we meet all the legal requirements for operating lotteries in Great Britain
If you any questions that aren't answered here please click here to contact us and we will be happy to help.
