Organize a lottery, competition, bingo

A lottery, contest, 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 game of chance go to a good cause of general interest. For example, a new clubhouse, instruments for the music association or renovation of the church.

DigiDApply for a gambling permit

How does it work?

  • If the prize package of the lottery or competition is less than € 4,500, apply for the permit from the municipality. Do this at least 4 weeks in advance.
  • If the prize package of the lottery or competition is more than € 4,500, apply for the permit from the Gaming Authority.
  • Please note! If you are organizing a competition and the prize package is less than € 2,300, you do not need to apply for a permit.

Register for Bingo

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

Gambling tax

If you organize a lottery, competition, bingo or other game of chance, you must pay gambling tax. This is even the case if you do not need a permit.

Rules for organizing a lottery

You are allowed to organise a lottery if you adhere to these rules:

  • At least 50% of the proceeds go to charity.
  • You can use a maximum of 50% of the proceeds to pay for the prize package and costs.

Rules for organizing a competition

You are allowed to organise a competition if you adhere to these rules:

  • The participant makes an active contribution, for example, creating a slogan, writing a story, or taking a photo.
  • A jury determines who wins the prizes.

Rules for organizing bingo

You are allowed to organise the bingo if you adhere to these rules:

  • An association that has existed for at least 3 years organizes the bingo.
  • The value of the prizes per round is a maximum of € 400.
  • The value of the prizes per meeting is a maximum of € 1,550.

Rules for organizing a promotional game of chance

You are allowed to organise a promotional game of chance if the purpose is: to advertise. For example, for a product, service or organisation. You must adhere to the conditions in the Code of Conduct for Promotional Games of Chance. You can find this code of conduct on the website of the Gaming Authority.

How much does it cost?

A permit application for a lottery and prize competition costs €22.85. There are no fees associated with organizing a bingo.

What do I need to bring?

Provide the following information with your permit application or bingo notification:

  • the structure of the game of chance
  • the day and time you are organizing the game of chance
  • the total value of the prizes
  • Chamber of Commerce registration number (of your company or association)
  • copy of the association's articles of association