Public Backs Changes to Charity Lotteries, Opening Doors to Millions in Funding

People across Northern Ireland (NI) overwhelmingly support charity lotteries as a trusted and effective way to fund good causes, according to new polling released today. The research, undertaken by More in Common for Postcode Lottery, highlights strong public backing for legislative reform to allow large Great Britain-based charity lotteries to operate in Northern Ireland. 

The findings point to a clear appetite for change, with widespread support for measures that would expand access to charity lottery funding. Notably, eight in ten (79%) people say that the Postcode Lottery should be allowed to operate in Northern Ireland, underlining the scale of public demand for reform. 

Support is both deep and broad, cutting across political affiliation, age groups and communities in every part of NI. Nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents agree that charity lotteries are a good way to raise money for charities, with clear backing from voters of all major parties.  
 
There is also a decisive call for change: 69% support updating the law to allow large Great Britain-based charity lotteries to operate in NI – more than four times the number who favour maintaining the status quo – while 64% believe the government should make it easier for such lotteries to operate. Together, these findings point to a rare cross-party consensus and a clear mandate for action. 

The findings come at a critical time for the voluntary and community sector, which is facing unprecedented financial pressures following significant reductions in public funding2. Many believe charity lotteries could help address this funding crisis and form part of a practical solution. The sector faces a financial crisis unprecedented in modern times. 

With strong public support now clearly evidenced through this research, campaigners are calling on the Communities Minister within the Northern Ireland Executive to support progress of the necessary legislative changes. 

Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland, Claire Hogarth, said: “As Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland, I am delighted to see the Northern Ireland public support for legislative reform to allow large Great Britian-based charity lotteries to operate in Northern Ireland. Charites across Northern Ireland continue to face financial pressure, increased demand for services whilst funding continues to fall or in some cases, disappear altogether. By allowing these GB lotteries to operate in Northern Ireland, charities will be able to access millions of pounds in additional revenue, at no cost to the taxpayer, providing a much-needed lifeline for organisations facing an uncertain future.” 

Clara Govier, Managing Director of Postcode Lottery, added:  

“There is an overwhelmingly positive public attitude towards allowing charity lotteries to operate in Northern Ireland and the potential they bring. At a time when charities are facing a cost-of-operating crisis, this represents a significant and largely untapped opportunity to help close the funding gap. 

“We have long been approached by people who want to participate in Postcode Lottery, as well as by charities big and small in Northern Ireland keen to benefit from a new funding stream. These changes could make a real difference to good causes in local communities across Northern Ireland.” 

In Great Britain, charity lotteries raise hundreds of millions of pounds annually for good causes, providing vital funding to charities and community groups. However, legislative reform is needed to allow operators such as Postcode Lottery to extend their existing lotteries into Northern Ireland, potentially unlocking millions of pounds in additional funding for charities.  

Estimates suggest reform could allow Postcode Lottery players in Northern Ireland to generate more than £25 million for the sector in the first five years. The unique, trust-based and unrestricted funding model offered by charity lotteries has been shown to complement project-based funding offers, meaning extending large charity lotteries to Northern Ireland is a “win win” for hard-pressed good causes doing such outstanding work.  

The campaign has received broad backing from across civic society, including leading charity bodies and representatives from the sports sector such as Ulster GAA, Irish Football Association and Ulster Rugby, highlighting widespread recognition of the opportunity.