Ballymena event taking place for charity lottery law consultation backed by Hillary Clinton

Malcolm Fleming, Director of Public Affairs, People’s Postcode Lottery, who support the Bill, Sian Mulholland MLA (centre), and Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive, Young Lives vs Cancer.

Ballymena will host a key public consultation tomorrow, Friday 6 June, on proposed reforms to Northern Ireland’s charity lottery laws – legislation that could open the door for the People’s Postcode Lottery to operate in the region for the first time.

The event, which is part of a wider consultation on the Lotteries for Communities Bill, has received a major boost with public backing from former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Organised by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland, the consultation will take place on Friday at the Slemish Room, All Saints Parish Centre, Ballymena, from 10am to 12 noon, and is open to the public with no registration required.

The proposed bill seeks to modernise Northern Ireland’s outdated charity lottery laws and enable trusted operators such as the People’s Postcode Lottery to provide new funding streams for local community and voluntary organisations.

“This is about fairness and parity for our community and voluntary sector,” said Mulholland. “In England, Scotland and Wales, charities have raised hundreds of millions of pounds for grassroots initiatives, from mental health groups to environmental projects. Northern Ireland should not be left behind.”

The proposal comes amid increasing calls for Northern Ireland to align with other UK regions in enabling sustainable, low-risk fundraising options for charities.

Current laws restrict the size and reach of society lotteries, which campaigners argue has left the third sector underfunded and under-supported.

In a significant endorsement of the bill, Hillary Clinton sent a video message to a Stormont reception this week, voicing strong support for the initiative:

“Through our visits to Northern Ireland over the years, we know how vital the charity sector and civil society are,” said Clinton. “When we heard that People’s Postcode Lottery might come to Northern Ireland, we wanted to lend our voices in support.”

The North Antrim MLA, Sian Mulholland, has been clear in addressing concerns around gambling, noting the distinct nature of society lotteries compared to commercial betting:

“Society lotteries operate very differently from high-stakes betting. There are no instant wins, no addictive products, and no chasing that dopamine hit. These are subscription-based, low-stakes, and highly regulated models, and research shows they are at the lowest end of the scale when it comes to gambling risk,” she explained.

“What this bill does is empower local charities with new, sustainable funding streams.”

Organisations ranging from churches to sports clubs and frontline charities are encouraged to attend and contribute their views, whether in support of or opposed to the bill.

“I encourage everyone – especially those working tirelessly on the frontlines of our communities – to have their say,” said Mulholland. “If you disagree with the bill, please attend and let me know that too! This consultation is about getting it right for everyone. Together we can build a fairer system for Northern Ireland.”

Consultation event details

Venue: Slemish Room, All Saints Parish Centre, Ballymena

Date: Friday 6 June

Time: 10am – 12 noon

Admission: Free, open to all, no registration required

This event represents a significant moment for charity funding reform in Northern Ireland and offers a unique opportunity for local voices to shape future legislation.