A public lottery is a game of chance where a person chooses or is allocated numbers drawn at random. The aim is to correctly match the prize-winning numbers.
Public lotteries include Lotto, OzLotto, Powerball, Lucky Lotteries, Set for Life, Lotto Strike, and Keno.
An instant scratch lottery is also a public lottery, however in the absence of a draw, certain numbers are designated as prize winning numbers or tickets.
Lottery operators
A public lottery may only be conducted in NSW by a licensed lottery operator.
There are 2 exclusive licensed lottery operators in NSW:
- NSW Lotteries Corporation Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of The Lottery Corporation): conducting Lotto, Lotto Strike, Oz Lotto, Powerball, Lucky Lotteries, Set for Life, and Instant Scratch Lotteries.
- Keno (NSW) Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of The Lottery Corporation) and Club Keno Holdings Pty Ltd as joint licensees conducting the game of Keno.
Minors are not allowed to enter lotteries
Only members of the public who are over the age of 18 years may enter a public lottery.
It is an offence for a:
- minor to enter or subscribe to a public lottery
- licensee or agent to accept entry or payment from a minor
- person to enter or subscribe to a public lottery on behalf of a minor
- person to purchase an entry on another's behalf for a fee.
Regulating public lotteries
The Minister for Gaming and Racing is responsible for public lotteries in NSW under the Public Lotteries Act 1996. Regulation of public lotteries in NSW rests with L&GNSW.
Compliance Strategy for Public Lotteries
Our compliance approach is built on 3 key pillars to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in the conduct of public lotteries:
1. Monitoring & evaluation
We actively monitor licensee compliance with all regulatory requirements, including:
- lottery equipment checks to ensure operational integrity
- integrity reviews of individuals and businesses involved or closely associated with public lottery operations.
2. Revenue assurance
We conduct assurance activities to verify that:
- all revenue generated through public lotteries is accurately recorded
- financial practices align with regulatory and ethical standards.
3. Complaint review and investigation
We are committed to:
- reviewing and investigating public complaints alleging non-compliance by lottery operators
- ensuring that all concerns are addressed fairly, promptly, and transparently.
Get more information on the rules of conduct for public lotteries.