The Conference of 1992 gave guidance as to the forms of gambling which may permitted on Methodist premises under Standing Order 924. The Church Council in June, and reiterated in October, agreed that such raffles and games of chance may be held at Fulwood. The rules are strict as to the conduct of such amusements and follow the Law which makes provision for minor forms of gambling in the Lotteries & Amusements Act 1976 & the Gaming Act 1968.

Minor forms of gambling may take place at exempt and non-commercial entertainments of the following sort: ‘A bazaar, sale of work, fete, dinner dance, sporting or athletic event or other entertainment of similar character whether limited to one day or extending over two or more days’.

Forms of Gambling Permitted at Exempt and Non-Commercial Entertainments

The law allows at such events small lotteries, amusements with prizes, and the use of gaming machines, as follows.

Raffles may be held at fundraising functions, usually for donated prizes, and subject to the following rules:

a. The only expenses that can be deducted in connection with lottery are those of printing the tickets, and of purchasing prizes.

b. The sum expended on prizes must not exceed £50.

c. None of the prizes may be cash prizes (nor alcohol).

d. The sale of tickets or chances in the lottery and the announcement of the results must take place during the course of the event (thus it is not permitted to sell tickets door to door).

e. The lottery must not be a substantial inducement for persons to attend the event.

Provision is made under section 15 of the 1976 Act to allow activities like rolling a penny, wheel of fortune, bingo etc. at exempt or non-commercial entertainments. The rules are as those for small lotteries, but prizes may be in cash or kind, and there is no limit to the stakes or the prizes. In practice, the stakes and prizes are limited in value by the modest scale of the event. Nonetheless, the award of cash prizes in connection with Amusements with Prizes is prohibited on Methodist premises by Standing Order 924(3).

It is now therefore the policy of the church that minor gambling such as raffles, small lotteries, and amusement with prizes, may be held at fundraising functions, usually for donated prizes, and subject to the above rules:

These rules shall apply to all church events and be published with the Booking Form for those renting our premises.