Organize lottery, contest, bingo

A lottery, contest or bingo is a game of chance. A game of chance has the following characteristics:

The player can win a prize.
The player has no decisive influence on the outcome.
The proceeds of the game of chance go to a charity of general interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the musical society or renovation of the church.

If you want to organize a game of chance, you need a permit from the municipality. If you are organizing a bingo or game of chance for promotional purposes, a notification is sufficient.

How does it work?

You may organize a raffle if:

at least 50% of the proceeds go to charity
you use up to 50% of the proceeds to pay for the prize package and expenses

You may organize a contest if:

the participant has to do something for it. For example, create a slogan, write a story or take a picture
a jury decides who wins the prizes

You may host a bingo if:

an association in existence for at least 3 years organizes the bingo
the value of the prizes per game round is a maximum of €400
the value of the prizes per meeting is a maximum of €1,550

You may organize a game of chance for promotional purposes if your sole purpose is to advertise it. For example, for a product, service or organization. However, you must comply with the rules set out in the Code of Conduct on Promotional Games of Chance. This code of conduct can be found on the website of the Games of Chance Authority.

What to do

If the prize package of the lottery or contest is less than €4,500, apply for the permit to the municipality. Do this at least 4 weeks in advance.
If the prize package of the lottery or contest exceeds €4,500, apply for the license to the Gaming Authority.
Note! If you are organizing a contest and the prize package is less than €2,300, you do not need to apply for the permit.