THE WELSH RUGBY UNION LOTTERY
16 September 2011
Since its inception in 1994, the WRU Lottery has raised approximately £1,000,000 for clubs and the development of rugby in Wales at grass roots level. Almost 14,000 tickets are entered into each monthly draw and at least 35% of the monthly income is invested into the game. At the end of 2,007, over £60,000 was distributed amongst the participating clubs in Wales and throughout the year, over £84,000 was allocated in prize money.
There are two ways to purchase tickets. Clubs purchase their own allocation of tickets which are then sold on to individuals. Alternatively, individuals can take out monthly subscriptions, paying by direct debit. Lottery tickets are sold in books of 6 tickets and each book costs £6.00. A club can expect to earn between 35% and 45% of the income from each ticket sold – the percentage increases in accordance with ticket sales. Clubs can generate anything between £500 and £10,000 each year for their efforts and channel this money into the development of the club.
Draws take place on the 15th of each month. Winners are notified in writing the following day. The results are also published in the Western Mail on the 16th of each month and the Liverpool Daily Post on the 17th. In addition to this, local newspapers often include features on draws or specific Lottery funded projects.
Ten prizes can be won at each monthly draw and are announced in reverse order*
- £100 x 8
- £300 x 1
- £4,000 x 1
The prize money can vary depending on ticket sales.
Clubs receive details of the winners, along with a newsletter giving information on ticket sales by club and by district. Aberystwyth RFC have consistently led club sales, selling an average of 280 books of tickets per month and earning between £7,000 - £8,000.
If you have any queries regarding the Lottery, please contact Julie Thomas at the Welsh Rugby Union on 029 20 822408.
*The WRU Clubs Lottery is regulated by Cardiff County Council and is therefore a bona fide fund-raising project which operates strictly within the law. Cardiff County Council stipulates that no more than 55% of the monthly income from the Lottery can be allocated as prize money – which is why the level of prizes can alter slightly from month to month.
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