The UK Gambling Commission has recorded an increase in reports of suspected illegal lotteries and raffles promoted through TikTok. Similar activities were also identified on Facebook and Instagram.
The research surveyed 4,233 UK residents aged 16 and over. Younger TikTok users were the most likely group to encounter or participate in these draws.
Among respondents aged 18–24, 10% said they had participated in an individual-led lottery or raffle on TikTok, while another 34% had encountered one on the platform. Participation fell to 2% among 35–44-year-olds and to less than 1% among people aged 45 and over.
One of the regulator’s main concerns is that users do not always recognise these promotions as gambling. Social media lotteries can be presented as ordinary giveaways, using countdowns, livestreams, previous winners and recommendations to attract participants.
Under the UK Gambling Act 2005, an activity involving paid entry, a prize and a winner selected by chance can generally constitute a lottery and may be subject to gambling regulation.
Participants interviewed for the research were more concerned about potential scams than whether the activity itself was legal. None of the players or lottery hosts interviewed clearly understood when a paid draw could require gambling regulation.
The Commission is now looking at stronger monitoring and intelligence sharing, as well as the role social media platforms can play in identifying potentially unlawful lotteries.
Source: TheLines
