A new online community lottery to raise cash for good causes is to be set up early next year by South Oxfordshire District Council.
It will give residents the chance to enter a £1 weekly online draw with the chance of winning prizes ranging from free prize draw tickets to a £25,000 jackpot. Each ticket bought has a 1 in 56 chance of winning a prize. From each £1 ticket bought, nearly 60p will go to local good causes.
Eligible community groups and charities will be able to apply to become beneficiaries. Players will be able to choose which cause they support, or opt to pay into a general fund which will be allocated by the council to local good causes.
There are more than 30 community lotteries run by councils across the country including neighbouring Cherwell District in North Oxfordshire and Aylesbury Vale.
Elizabeth Gillespie, SODC’s cabinet member for grants, said: “The council already gives around £1.5 million through grants to voluntary and community groups and there is great demand for financial support.”
“While we’re proud to continue giving these grants, we believe the online lottery will be a great way of raising money within the community for the community. Residents will have the chance to get involved in supporting local causes and to see their money being put to good use.”