Gambling commission to Regulate online raffles with paid & free to enter option
These online raffles mimic gambling but avoid regulation by offering free entry routes. This loophole puts vulnerable people at risk. Without oversight, there’s no protection from harm, no transparency, and no accountability. Regulation is needed to ensure fairness and consumer safety.
Signatures
7
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000
- 04 SEPT 2025Petition rejectedalready-happening
The Gambling Commission already regulates lotteries. You can find more information here: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/free-draws-and-prize-competitions
- 06 AUG 2025Petition created
Background
may appear harmless, but they closely resemble gambling and can be harmful to vulnerable people. Although they include a free entry route to avoid regulation, in reality, most people enter through paid methods — often repeatedly — with low chances of winning. This setup exploits a legal grey area that allows gambling-like behaviour to go unchecked.
The lack of regulation means these websites can:
• Encourage excessive spending without affordability checks.
• Avoid safer gambling obligations.