Society lotteries raised £175m in the year to March 2014, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year, according to figures published today by the Gambling Commission.

In the previous year £153m was raised for good causes.

According to the annual Gambling Commission Industry Statistics, the amount raised for charities by society lotteries has increased year on year across all reporting periods. However, the increase has slowed since a peak in the year 2011 to 2012. 

Clive Mollett, chair of the Lotteries Council, the representative body for over 350 society lotteries in the UK, said: “I’m delighted the new figures show that once again society lotteries have increased the amount of money going to good causes. This highlights what a fantastic vehicle for fundraising they are.
 
“Even more could be raised for good causes by simplifying some of the regulations holding society lotteries back. We are hopeful these latest results will reinforce the message to decision-makers that a vibrant and growing society lottery sector represents no threat to Camelot’s monopoly and is firmly in the national interest.”

Earlier this year, the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) reported that society lotteries were doing 'everything within their power' to generate increasing support for good causes, but were limited by existing regulation.

The Lotteries Council is calling on the government to take steps to cut some of the red tape that Cebr evidence highlights is restricting the amount of money society lotteries can raise for good causes.

Proposals include a relaxation of the monetary limits on prizes, draws and annual turnover to increase the amount raised for good causes by society lotteries. The Lotteries Council also called on the government to take measures to make it easier for new society lotteries to enter the market. One proposal includes allowing society lotteries to achieve the minimum 20 per cent contribution over the course of a financial year rather than per draw.