How to Obtain a Lottery Licence in New South Wales (NSW)

If you're planning to run a raffle, art union, or promotional game in New South Wales, there are specific rules, thresholds, and forms to follow. In NSW, these activities are regulated by NSW Fair Trading under the Community Gaming Act 2018 and related legislation.

Do You Need a Permit?

Whether or not you need a permit-referred to in NSW as an Gaming Authority. -depends on the type of game and the total prize value:

Gaming authority is issued for 1, 3 or 5 years. 

Note: If under the threshold, no permit is required, but the event must still comply with community gaming rules.

Application Process for a NSW Gaming Authority

If your prize pool exceeds the thresholds, you must apply for an Authority to Conduct Community Gaming.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Determine the Game Type & Prize Value

   • This identifies whether you need an authority

2. Download and Complete the Application Form

   • Community Gaming Authority Application Form (PDF)

   • Attach the relevant documents

3. Pay the Fee

   • Fees vary depending on the type and duration of authority (1, 3, or 5 years)

   • Refer to the NSW Fair Trading fee schedule

4. Submit the Form

   • Email completed forms to: CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

5. Issue of NSW Authority Number
   • The organisation will be issued with a GOCAU number this is your license number/permit number for NSW and needs to be used in relation to all activities that fall under the authority

Commencement of your Lottery (Art Unions)

Notify the Start of your Activity

Since permits are issued for extended periods typically 1, 3, or 5 years it is a requirement to notify the NSW authority prior to each draw by submitting a 'Notification of Commencement of Gaming Activity' form.

1. Prepare your Terms and Conditions of the lottery ( Gaming Rules)
2. Prepare the Notification of Commencement of Gaming Activity Form
3. Submit at least 10 days before the start of the lottery with a copy of your terms and conditions
   

   • Email the prepared form with T&Cs to CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

   • The form must be submitted for every lottery
4. NSW will send an email acknowledgement and nothing else.
   1. • No individual license/permit is issued for the individual lottery by NSW

Amendments to your Lottery(Art Unions)

Notify the change of your lottery

1. Update Terms and Conditions of the lottery ( Gaming Rules)
2. Prepare the changes to a gaming activity notification form
3. Submit as soon as possible
   

   • Email the prepared form with updated T&Cs to CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

   • The form must be submitted for any and all changes to a lottery that impacts the rules of a game
4. NSW will send an email acknowledgement and nothing else.

Ongoing Requirements

• Changes to Contact or Authority Holder?

  • Submit the Changes to Gaming Authority Notification Form

• Recordkeeping & Reporting

  • Maintain full records for 7 years

  • Reports may be requested by NSW Fair Trading

• Audited returns
  • NSW does not require the submission of audited return for every lottery
  • If the annual gross proceeds exceeds $250,000 accounts must be audited by a qualified auditor
  • The holder of the gaming authority must be ready to submit audited reports if requested by NSW Fair Trading

Trade Promotion Lotteries

If you're conducting a trade promotion (free entry to win a prize when purchasing a product/service):

• If total prize value is ≤ $10,000: No permit required

• If total prize value is > $10,000:

  • Apply online via the NSW Trade Promotions Portal for a Trade Promotion Gaming Authority to conduct trade promotions in NSW.
  • TP Authorities are issued for 1, 3, or 5 years.
  • You will be issued with a TP authority number

• Submit at least 10 days before the start of the lottery with a copy of your terms and conditions
  
  • Notify of upcoming gaming activities online via the NSW Trade Promotions Portal.
  • Use the form as a guide to the information needed to submit for every trade promotion requiring licences.
  • NSW Fair Trading community rules template for Trade Promotion
• Notify of gaming activity-https://tponline.onegov.nsw.gov.au/ntp-form

Eligibility Requirements

Only non-profit organisations may apply for a Community Gaming Authority. This includes:

• Charities

• Sporting clubs

• Educational or community groups

• Religious organisations

The applicant must be an incorporated association or other recognised not-for-profit entity.

Key Conduct & Financial Rules

• Ticket sales must be fair and transparent

• Prizes must be:

  • Delivered within 3 months

  • Clearly described in all promotional materials

• No alcohol prizes valued over $1,000

• A public draw is required, with a fair and secure method

• Where an authority collects >$250,000 in ticket sales in a fiscal year, audited reports must be prepared and made available to NSW Fair Trading if requested.

Helpful Resources & Forms

Contact NSW Fair Trading

CElottery@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
13 32 20
nsw.gov.au/community-gaming

Note on Interstate Sales

If your lottery is advertised nationally or open to residents in other states, you must also comply with the licensing requirements in those jurisdictions. Reach out to our Support team if you need guidance across states.