The League has received a communication from the Gambling Commission which they recommended should be published on the League website.

The statement has been issued by Derek Bebbington, Compliance Manager,
Gambling Commission North West Region and reads as follows:

The Gambling Commission (the Commission) has become aware that some Football Clubs within the “Northern Premier League Evo-Stik League” have been raising funds for their respective clubs by promoting what they think is a lottery under the name “Lucky Seven Lottery.”

However, the Commission’s view is that this type of promotion is not a lottery at all, as it falls outside Section 14 of the Gambling Act 2005. It is in fact a form of Pool Betting, which is an activity that must be licensed and can therefore only be provided by a licensed Betting Operator.

Unless football clubs who are promoting the “Lucky Seven Lottery” have an appropriate betting licence from the Gambling Commission, they cannot promote this type of gambling. If they continue to do so they are breaking the law and risk prosecution under the Gambling Act.

The Commission recommends that any football clubs that are unsure of their position should seek appropriate and independent legal advice before offering any form of gambling facility.

Information on operating lawful lotteries is available on the Commission’s website:

Click on this link for more details.