Agenda item

(A report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director – Housing and Communities)

The Committee received a detailed report from the Group Manager for Community Leadership on the performance of the Community Lottery Scheme since its inception in November 2022. The report confirmed that the scheme continues to support local good causes, community groups and clubs by enabling them to raise funds through ticket sales. Each ticket costs £1, with 50% of the ticket price going directly to the nominated good cause, 10% to the central fund, 20% to the prize fund and 20% to running costs.

Members were advised that the scheme had raised £91,000 across the Partnership to date, with 22 good causes registered in Boston. The annual cost to Boston Borough Council is £295, which is met from the central fund. The remainder of the central fund has been used to support community initiatives, including the Boston Heroes campaign.

The report also highlighted measures in place to mitigate the risk of problem gambling, including:

·         A maximum purchase limit of 20 tickets per transaction.

·         No instant reward or gratification (tickets cannot be purchased for the same day’s draw).

·         Self-exclusion options for players.

·         Monitoring processes by Gatherwell Ltd to identify and support vulnerable players.
Quarterly returns are submitted to the Gambling Commission to ensure compliance.

During debate, Members noted that ticket sales had remained steady following an initial drop-off, with approximately 1,000 players per week. Marketing has primarily been through social media, supplemented by printed leaflets, which were circulated to Members and placed in the Members’ Lounge.

Members discussed the need for a stronger communications plan to increase awareness and attract additional good causes, recognising that greater participation could boost ticket sales. It was agreed that this should be a priority for the new year.

Questions were raised regarding prize distribution. Officers confirmed that while 3,272 winners had been recorded, most received small prizes or additional tickets. No £25,000 or £2,000 prizes had been won locally, although such prizes have been awarded nationally. The odds of winning the top prize were reported as 1 in 1,000,000, and the odds for the £2,000 prize as 1 in 55,000.

Concerns were expressed about whether the advertising of large prizes could be perceived as misleading. Officers clarified that the scheme operates under gambling commission standards and that all prize structures are transparent.

Further discussion focused on the distribution of funds and whether good causes could request specific amounts. Officers confirmed that each good cause retains 50% of ticket sales, meaning income varies according to their own promotional efforts. Some causes earn over £100 per month, while others generate minimal income. The Council does not monitor how funds are spent once allocated, but eligibility checks are carried out when groups register.

Members queried whether there was any monitoring of promotional practices by good causes. Officers confirmed that while the Council does not regulate individual marketing, annual checks are undertaken to ensure continued participation and compliance.

The Committee requested comparative ticket sales data year-on-year and a breakdown of sales by good cause. Officers agreed to provide this information and confirmed that geographic data is not currently available, although performance by individual groups can be reported.

The Committee acknowledged that the scheme remains a positive initiative for supporting local voluntary and community organisations but emphasised the importance of renewed promotional activity in the new year to maintain momentum and increase engagement.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

[Councillor Alison Austin entered the meeting at 6.40pm, during consideration of the above item.]