Organize a lottery

Are you planning to organize a lottery? If so, you may need to apply for a license or register the lottery.

On January 1, 2019, the Swedish gambling market was re-regulated, and a new law, the Gambling Act (2018:1138), was introduced. According to the new Gambling Act, municipalities are only responsible for so-called registered lotteries. All other licensing matters are handled by the Swedish Gambling Authority (formerly known as the Lottery Inspectorate).

The Secretariat is responsible for making registration decisions, while the Department of Leisure and Public Health is responsible for overseeing lotteries conducted within the Municipality of Borås. Applications for more extensive lotteries or those conducted across multiple municipalities in the region are handled by the Swedish Gambling Authority.

The Swedish Gambling Authority on Lotteries External link.

What is a lottery, and what is a competition?

If an event is determined by chance, it is a lottery. An event determined by a performance element (e.g., writing a slogan, answering knowledge questions) is considered a competition.

Who can register for a registered lottery?

Registered lotteries are only granted to non-profit organizations or registered religious communities that:

• Primarily engage in public-benefit activities,
• Are open to everyone, and
• Require income from gambling for their operations.

What are the requirements for registered lotteries?

When an organization registers for a registered lottery, it may organize one or more lotteries, with a total sales amount not exceeding 33.3 price base amounts (1,958,040 SEK for 2025)* over a five-year period. The registration is valid for a maximum of five years. After the lottery is conducted, the organization must report it to the lottery controller.

*The price base amount for 2025 is 58,800 SEK.

The value of the prizes in each lottery must correspond to at least 35% and no more than 50% of the stakes in that lottery. Each lottery must be reported to the municipality according to the rules below, and each lottery must be approved by the controller before the organization purchases tickets and prizes.

When is registration not required?

The rules differ for non-profit organizations/religious communities and, for example, private individuals/companies.

Non-profit organizations or religious communities

A non-profit organization or religious community may organize lotteries without registration if:

• The ticket price does not exceed 1/4000 of the price base amount (15 SEK in 2025).
• Prizes consist only of goods.
• The value of the top prize does not exceed 1/6 of the price base amount (9,800 SEK in 2025).
• The lottery is conducted only within a single municipality and:
  • In connection with an event/meeting the organization itself arranges or participates in, such as a club activity or theater performance.
  • In connection with a bingo game organized by the organization.

Note: If you intend to start selling tickets or allow signing on lottery lists before the event itself takes place, registration is required under Chapter 6, Section 9 of the Gambling Act.

Other parties wishing to organize a lottery

If the organizer is not a non-profit organization or a registered religious community (e.g., a private individual or company), the following rules apply for organizing a lottery without registration:

• The ticket price must not exceed 1/4000 of the price base amount (15 SEK in 2025).
• Prizes must consist only of goods.
• The value of the top prize must not exceed 1/60 of the price base amount (980 SEK in 2025).
• Prizes must be distributed immediately upon participation in the lottery (pre-drawn).
• The lottery is conducted only within a single municipality and in connection with:
  • A public entertainment event,
  • A public event benefiting a public-interest purpose, or
  • A public gathering for the performance of an artistic work benefiting a public-interest purpose.

The event/meeting should be of such a scale that it requires permission from the local Police Authority, as outlined in the Public Order Act.

What does registration cost?

Registration costs 300 SEK and is paid via Swish when applying. The Swish number is 123 323 58 35. Be sure to include the organization's name with the payment. Registration is valid for five years.

How is the organization's lottery monitored?

When an organization is registered, Borås Municipality appoints a lottery controller. The controller, along with the lottery's contact person designated by the organization, must agree on all lottery details before it takes place. The controller ensures the lottery is conducted properly and assists the organization with advice and tips. After the lottery, the contact person must report the lottery to the controller and Borås Municipality. The lottery must be reported no later than two months after its conclusion. The Department of Leisure and Public Health is responsible for oversight.

How does the organization report the lottery?

Once the lottery is conducted, the contact person completes the report using Borås Municipality's e-service for lottery reporting at boras.se, found under Self-Service for Municipality and Politics. If the report is approved, the controller submits it to the municipality.

How does an organization apply for a registered lottery?

Applications are submitted through Borås Municipality’s e-service for lottery applications.