RaffleX Not on UKGC Licence Register

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UKGC Confirms No Licence Held for RaffleX

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the online platform RaffleX is not registered with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The disclosure follows a public enquiry into the legal status of the platform, which runs high-value car raffles via its website and social media channels.

The request, dated 2 April 2025, was submitted by a member of the public concerned that RaffleX was not operating within UK gambling laws. The UKGC’s official response was “Information not held,” a standard reply confirming that the entity in question does not appear on its register of licensed operators.

What the Data Reveals

The individual who filed the request raised specific concerns about the structure of the platform's promotions. Key allegations included:

• No Skill Element: The raffles are allegedly not question-based, a critical component for a promotion to be classified as a legal prize competition rather than a lottery, which requires a licence.
• High Revenue: One recent raffle was cited as having issued 230,000 tickets at £2.99 each, potentially generating revenue between £230,000 and £460,000.
• Unlimited Tickets: The request also noted that ticket sales for the raffles are unlimited.

Under the Gambling Act 2005, a lottery is defined by participants paying to enter for a chance to win a prize. To operate legally without a gambling licence, a promotion must be structured as a prize competition, which requires a skill-based element (such as a question) that is sufficient to deter a significant number of people from entering.

Why This Matters for Consumers

The UKGC’s response confirms that RaffleX does not hold a licence from the regulator. This means any consumer participating in its raffles is not protected by the legal framework that licensed operators must adhere to. These protections include:

• Fairness and Transparency: Rules on how draws are conducted and prizes are awarded.
• Dispute Resolution: Access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service if a consumer has a complaint.
• Social Responsibility: Measures to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent underage gambling.

In its response, the Commission stated: “Any consumers who gamble with unlicensed operators are unlikely to receive the protections the Commission requires from its licensees.”

Commission Takes Action

While the UKGC confirmed it does not hold a licence for RaffleX, it also noted that the concerns raised have been passed on internally. The response stated: “Your concerns have therefore been shared with the relevant team within the Commission.”

This indicates the report has been escalated to the Commission’s enforcement or intelligence departments, which investigate potentially illegal gambling activities. The UKGC encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through its confidential reporting service to help maintain a gambling environment that is “safe and free of crime.” Consumers are always advised to check the UKGC’s public register before participating in any gambling or raffle-style promotion.