Organising a lottery, competition or bingo

A lottery, competition, 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 from the raffle will go to a charity that serves the public interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the music association, or the renovation of the church.

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

How does it work?

You are allowed to organise a lottery if:

at least 40% of the proceeds go to charity
you use a maximum of 60% of the proceeds to pay for the prize package and expenses

You are allowed to organise a competition if:

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

You are allowed to organise a bingo if:

an association that has existed for at least 3 years organises the bingo
the value of the prizes per game round does not exceed € 400,-
the value of the prizes per gathering does not exceed € 1,550,-

You may organise a promotional game of chance if your sole purpose is to advertise. For example, for a product, service or organisation. However, you must comply with the rules set out in the DE behavioural code for promotional games of chance. You can find this behavioural code on DE website of the Netherlands Gaming Authority.

What to do?

If the total value of the prizes in the lottery or contest is less than €4,500, you must apply for a “ licence ” (Permit for Organizing a Lottery or Contest) from the municipality. Do this at least 4 weeks in advance.
If the total value of the prizes in the lottery or contest exceeds €4,500, you must apply for a “ licence ” (prize permit) from the Gaming Authority.
Please note! If you are organizing a contest and the prize package is worth less than €2,300, you do not need to apply for a “ licence ” permit.

Register bingo

You must notify the municipality of the bingo at least 14 days in advance.

Gaming tax

If you organize a lottery, contest, bingo, or other game of chance, you must pay gambling tax. This applies even if you do not need a gambling license ( licence ).