All lotteries conducted for fundraising purposes in South Australia are regulated by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) under the Lotteries Act 2019 and Lotteries Regulations 2021.
Application process
What you'll need
To apply for a Major lottery license you'll need:
- Constitution
- Management committee details
- Financial statements from the previous year
- 3rd party agreements
- Reseller agreements ( surge calling etc)
- Sample ticket
- Lottery information document
- Terms and conditions
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South Australia requires proof that the association will secure the prize(s) before ticket sales begin.
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For physical prizes (e.g. vehicles):
- Include a proforma invoice from the supplier
- Invoice must show value, payment status, and supplier contact
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For cash prizes:
- Attach a bank statement or screenshot showing:
- Account balance before ticket sales
- Balance is sufficient to cover the prize
- Opening and closing balance details are visible
- Attach a bank statement or screenshot showing:
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For physical prizes (e.g. vehicles):
Key Forms & Applications
| Form / Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Major Lottery Licence Application Form | Required for lotteries with prize value over $5,000 | Apply Online |
| Rules for Minor Lotteries (≤ $5,000) | Minor lotteries do not require a licence but must follow set rules | View Minor Lottery Rules |
| Terms & Conditions Template | CBS requires clear terms & conditions for major lotteries | Create Your Own – Guidelines |
| Checklist: Major Lottery Application | Helps prepare all required documents for your application | Download Checklist |
| Financial Reporting Guide | Explains financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements | View Guide |
Fees & Payment
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Application Fee: $10.70 (as of 2024)
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Payable at time of submission via credit card or bank transfer (see form for payment instructions) Note: The fee is for a single lottery licence. A new application must be submitted for each major lottery conducted.
What happens next
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) will contact you when your licence is approved.
An application can be refused if:
- the prizes include banned goods or services
- any gift, reward or benefit related to the lottery includes banned goods or services
- the applicant has conducted a major lottery that was not financially viable
- there are reasonable grounds to deny the application.
Financial Disclosure Requirements (Returns)- After the draw
Organisations must submit audited financial documentation for each major lottery conducted. These financial reports must be lodged with Consumer and Business Services South Australia no later than two months after the draw date.
Each financial return must include:
- A breakdown of revenue and expenditure related to the lottery
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Prize distribution details, including whether all prizes were awarded as advertised
- The full name, address, and email of the appointed scrutineer who oversaw the draw
- Any relevant commentary from the auditor on the conduct of the lottery
Failure to submit complete and timely financial disclosures may impact future licence approvals. Always confirm that scrutineer details are documented during the draw and retained for inclusion in the post-lottery financial report.
Change a Licence ( Amendments)
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) must approve any changes to a lottery licence. A written request must be made to CBS with the reasons for the change.
In special circumstances, you can ask to have a lottery rule left out. It will only be allowed if it's fair to all participants. Extra conditions may need to be added to your licence.
Trade Promotions
A trade promotion is a lottery to promote the sale of goods or services. The winners must be determined by a drawing or by chance. A trade promotion can't run for longer than 12 months from the start date to the final closing date for entries into the lottery.
For prizes over $5,000
If the total prize amount is over $5,000 and you're not using instant scratch or break open tickets, it's a major trade promotion.
Entry must be free but:
- participants may have to buy goods or services, which are the subject of the promotion
- winners must be determined by lot, drawing or chance
- the cost of entry by phone can't be more than 50 cents (plus GST and any mobile charges).
Winners can be drawn or win instantly depending on the type of promotion.
You must apply for a major trade promotions licence .
Standard applications will take 10 business days to assess from when CBS receive your application.
Applications lodged within 5 business days of the planned trade promotion date require you to pay a premium fee. This will deliver an assessment 5 business days after CBS receives the application.
If the total prize amount is under $5,000 and you're not using instant scratch or break open tickets, it's a minor trade promotion.You don’t need a licence for minor trade promotions.
What you'll need
Your major trade promotion application (Apply online here) must include:
- the title of the lottery, which must be unique
- your contact details
- the traders contact details
- a copy of the terms and conditions of entry (PDF 222KB)
- the proposed entry form
- any proposed advertisement
- details of any incentive to enter or participate in the lottery
- the licence fee.
Standard applications will take at least 14 business days from when CBS receive your application.
CBS will contact you if further information is required or when your licence is approved. Lodging an application does not mean it is, or will be, granted.
Application Fee
| Value of Prize | Standard fee |
Premium fee (5 day processing time) |
| Major trade promotion only - $5,001 to $10,000 |
$245.00
|
$491.00 |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | $1,575.00 | $3,144.00 |
| $100,001 to $200,000 | $2,701.00 | $5,399.00 |
| More than $200,001 | $4,952.00 | $9,906.00 |
| Application for amendment of a major or instant prize trade promotion |
$81.00 |
Advertising
Anyone can enter a trade promotion lottery, subject to the terms and conditions unless the product or prize isn't available to a person because of their age.
All advertisements of a major trade promotion lottery must contain:
- the licence number
- how to enter
- the nature and value of the prizes
- how to get a copy of the full terms and conditions.
Draws
The draws must take place:
- on the day, time and place stated
- under the supervision of the promoter or trader
- in front of any ticket holders who want to be there
- in front of an independent scrutineer ( auditor), if the total prize value is over $30,000.
Participants don't have to be present when the lottery is drawn to win a prize. A prize can't 'jackpot' or a new ticket drawn if the winner isn't there.
If the winner isn't present when the lottery is drawn, notify them in writing within seven days and tell them how the prize can be delivered or collected.
Record keeping
Ticket butts, entry forms and other records relating to the lottery must be kept for at least three months after the draw.
Submission Instructions
- Application can be submitted online or
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Email your completed form and attachments to: licensing@sa.gov.au
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Or mail to:
Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
GPO Box 1719, Adelaide SA 5001
Guidelines & Legislation
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Lotteries Act 2019 (SA) | View Act |
| Lotteries Regulations 2021 | View Regulations |
| CBS – Lotteries Information Page | Visit CBS Lotteries |
Contact Details
Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Attorney-General’s Department – South Australia
91 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000
licensing@sa.gov.au
131 882 (option 6)
www.cbs.sa.gov.au