Increased number of applications at the Gambling Administration at the National Police Board

The number of applications for money collection permits has increased by more than 10% compared to last year. Many people are planning to raise money for the first time and so the application process is new to many.

The situation can be seen in the increased number of matters, for example, in the general advice provided by the Gambling Administration and in the processing of annual reports. The increased number of money collection permit applications also affects the processing times of other permits, which is why in future it will take around 2–3 months to process permits for non-money lotteries and bingo games The plan is to try to keep the processing time for new money collection permits unchanged, i.e. approximately 5–7 months.

Money collection campaigns, bingo games and non-money lotteries may not go ahead until the relevant permit has been issued. It is not possible to apply in arrears for a collection campaign or lottery that is already underway.

“It’s advisable to study the application in-depth well in advance and to fill in the required information accurately. Before submitting the application, the applicant should consider the nature of their activities and provide information on what makes the activities non-profit and on the purpose of the funds exclusively for the non-profit activities already stated in the application,” says Niina Långström, Team Leader at the National Police Board.

Notify the local police department of small-scale collections

The Gambling Administration reminds people of the possibility of small-scale collection campaigns, i.e. collection campaigns seeking to raise a maximum amount of €10,000 and having a maximum duration of three months. To organise a small-scale collection campaign, you must submit a written notification to the police. The campaign organiser will receive a small-scale collection campaign number from the police department. This number must be quoted when requesting donations. This allows the donor to verify that the collection campaign has been notified to the police and is bona fide.

Fundraising does not always require a permit

Small-scale lotteries can be organised without a permit and are suitable for school classes or hobby communities, for example. Even though no permit is required, there are certain restrictions applying to the activity. Both the sale of lottery tickets and the distribution of prizes must take place at the same event organised by the lottery organiser and not, for example, in the lobby areas of shops. In addition, the aggregate selling price of the tickets may not exceed €3,000.

Read more about money collection campaigns: Money collections - Police