It’s important to note that The National Lottery Community Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund don’t run The National Lottery itself. This separation means that some faith groups are able to accept funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund even if they object to gambling.

A summary is presented below but please remember that individual groups, communities and congregations will be guided by varying principles and may have different opinions. Conversation is encouraged – do talk to people and listen to their concerns – but remember that we are not here to persuade anyone.

Islam

Many Muslim groups will refuse funding from The National Lottery. However, this is not a blanket ban, and there is room for negotiation. A group might wish to consult their local Iman. 

This is what the Alqalam Institute, a provider of classical Islamic education, says:

"The Lottery distributers operate on behalf of governmental departments and once the funds are received by the distributers they become the property of the state, albeit with prescribed avenues of expenditure. Whilst, the National Lottery is a form of gambling and without doubt prohibited in Islam, according to the principles of Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Mohammed, non-Muslim are not obligated by Shariah in their own lands. Therefore, the appropriation by the state of the 28 pence from every £1 spent in the purchase of Lottery tickets is not subject to the dictates of Shariah. When this is then distributed in what are referred to as ‘good causes’ the prohibitive nature of the Lottery is not carried through to the award of Lottery funding. Therefore, it is not prohibited in principle for an Islamic institution to apply for Lottery funding." 

Other opinions on the matter are: 

The Society of Friends (Quakers)

Friends do not have a set of binding universal rules, and it is up to each group (or "meeting") to decide each cause on its merits. They gave a briefing in 2004 here. They remain opposed in principle to gambling and will seek to argue against it wherever possible. There is an example of one of the first Quaker groups to accept funding here, and their arguments and reasons for and against.

Methodism

Methodist Churches have been allowed to apply for money from the National Lottery since 1999. Further information is here.

Baptist Churches

In principle, Baptists are opposed to receiving money from the National Lottery. However, there might be some local acceptance, depending on the purposes of the money.

They say: "Please note that the Baptist Union of Great Britain is opposed to the National Lottery and therefore does not recommend that church groups apply for funds from this source and is unable to offer advice on how to do so. However it is important to note that Lottery proceeds are often applied to a number of locally administered grant bodies such as community chests / children’s fund etc."

Find out more here.

Other Christian Denominations

The matter tends to be one for individual Churches and congregations. See here.

Judaism

There are no specific prohibitions against gambling. Therefore, there are no discussions for or against using money from the National Lottery, and faith groups are free to apply for this funding. The Talmud states that gambling does not "contribute to the community" and therefore it can be assumed it should be avoided, but it is not prohibited.

"Lotteries, raffles and the like, when undertaken for charitable purposes, are not considered forbidden and there are many examples, both historic and current, of Jewish communities running lotteries for fundraising purposes." See here.

Buddhism

There are no specific prohibitions against gambling, although Buddhists are urged to avoid addictions and the Buddha recommended against it. However, there are no discussions for or against using money from the National Lottery, and faith groups are free to apply for this funding.

Hinduism

There are no specific prohibitions against gambling although it is seen as wrong to take money from another in this way. There are no discussions for or against using money from the National Lottery, and faith groups are free to apply for this funding.

Sikhism

Gambling is generally prohibited in the Sikh faith, as per the Sikh Reyat Maryada (the Code of Conduct and Conventions for Sikhism which states 'A Sikh shall not steal, form dubious associations or engage in gambling'). However, there is no prohibition against the use of funds from the National Lottery and many projects have benefited from Lottery funding across the UK.