Charity lottery for Gloucester?

Gloucester City Council is looking to introduce a lottery for local residents in an aim to raise money for charities and good causes.

The £1 game could also see winners receive up to £25,000 as part of the weekly held draw.

The city council would be the third council to start hosting a local lottery, after Portsmouth was recently given approval to launch their own version, and Aylesbury, who have been hosting a lottery since November 2015.

The council wants to make sure that good causes and local charities can continue to receive support, even in continued economically difficult times, and by setting up the lottery, it will help continue to fund these projects.

Aylesbury Vale District Council raised £60,000 for good causes after six months, which depending on sales, Gloucester City Council also hopes to make.

Of the money raised, 60 per cent will go good causes. The rest of the money will go towards the prize money, an external lottery manager who will run the game, and VAT.

Those wanting to play will be able to set up a monthly payment in advance with the option to do a three, six, or 12 month recurring payment, equivalent to £3, £6, or £12. Residents can do this either by setting up a direct debit or payment card.

Winners will be informed via email and will have the money transferred automatically to their chosen bank account.

Cllr Jennie Dallimore, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “The Gloucester lottery is a really exciting proposal and I hope that people get on board with the idea. It will support local voluntary organisations and charities and has the potential to help good causes address any funding pressures they may be facing.

“Whilst this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, the city council wants to remind everyone to gamble responsibly.”

The report will be presented at cabinet to Gloucester City Council on Wedensday.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk