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Read Full BioHillary Clinton, the former US presidential candidate, has endorsed a new legislative proposal to widen the scope of charity lotteries that can operate in Northern Ireland.
In a video released this week, the former US Secretary of State urged Northern Irish lawmakers to adapt their laws to incorporate the popular lottery format that has helped raise millions for good causes in other parts of the UK.
The Private Members Bill, introduced by the Alliance Party’s MLA Sian Mulholland, aims to lift restrictions that have so far prevented large-scale charity lotteries from operating in the region.
To date, Northern Ireland’s legislation limits fundraising totals and participation levels, preventing operators such as the People’s Postcode Lottery from having a viable entry point into the market.
Clinton also went on to commend the People’s Postcode Lottery as a “terrific model,” which has proven to help empower local communities and generate vital funding for countless local organizations.
In her video, which aired on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster, Clinton stated, “By playing a simple game, you’re helping to change your community and the world for the better.” She added: “This is a chance to bring vital new funding into Northern Ireland’s civil society.”
Hilary Clinton Joins Northern Ireland Policy Debate
Supporting the bill, Malcolm Fleming, Director of Public Affairs for the People’s Postcode Lottery, said approving the measure would unlock “millions of pounds” annually for charities across Northern Ireland.
By way of illustration, the People’s Postcode Lottery, which already operates successfully in England, Scotland, and Wales, currently commits a minimum of 30% of ticket revenue to charitable causes.
Allwyn, which acquired the UK National Lottery license in February 2024, has voiced opposition.
The company, which purchased a 51% stake in Novibet in October, warned that if the new legislation was to succeed, Northern Ireland could see an annual shortfall of £5.4 million in its funding to its existing good causes within just five years.
They argue that large social lotteries, such as the People’s Postcode Lottery, have the potential to cannibalize the industry and lead to a decline in revenue levels.
MLA Mulholland responded to the criticism, stating that charity lotteries and the National Lottery offer distinctly different products. She also indicated that research previously conducted in Great Britain has shown that they do not significantly impact National Lottery participation.
External Concerns Over Gambling Sector Growth
Despite Clinton’s vocal support, the proposal at Stormont has raised concerns from CARE NI.
The Christian charity has sought more gambling regulation, contending that Northern Irish lawmakers must instead prioritize gambling protections over any further extension of the lottery sector.
Northern Ireland’s gambling laws, rooted in a historic 1985 order, are considered to be some of the most outdated legislation in the UK.
With the lack of an independent regulator and limited online provisions, the region may have scope to broaden its gambling ecosystem, but it still faces several statutory challenges.
