Lottery games are legal in the Isle of Man and regulated under the National Lottery Act 1999 and the Gaming, Betting and Lotteries Act 1988. The UK National Lottery is available on the Isle of Man and, apart from small society lotteries, is the only legal land-based lottery operating on the Island. All lottery activities are overseen by the Gambling Supervision Commission, an independent statutory board established in 1962 (1).
A license from the Gambling Supervision Commission is required to operate a lottery, except for certain exemptions like small lotteries at entertainment events. Lottery activity for private gain is only possible by obtaining a full gambling license, while charitable organizations can register as society lotteries. Society lottery registrations allow charities and good causes to organize raffles and tombolas, including online ticket sales (2).
"The UK National Lottery is available on the Isle of Man and, apart from any small society lotteries, is the only legal land-based lottery operating on the Island."
The regulatory framework ensures that lotteries operate transparently with strict anti-money laundering requirements and responsible gambling measures. Residents of the Isle of Man can participate in both the UK National Lottery and authorized society lotteries, with all activities monitored by the Commission to ensure compliance with gambling legislation and protect player interests (1).
Source:
https://www.applebyglobal.com/publications/guide-to-gambling-law-in-the-isle-of-man/
https://www.isleofmangsc.com/media/ub4l1l2s/faqs-for-fundraising-and-lotteries.pdf
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
