- Hillary Clinton supports the Lotteries for Communities Bill, introduced by MLA Sian Mulholland, to expand charity lotteries like the People’s Postcode Lottery in Northern Ireland.
- The reform could unlock £25 million for local charities in five years, but Allwyn and CARE NI raise concerns about funding losses and the need for stronger gambling protections.
- If passed, the bill will allow you to support community causes through lotteries, though lawmakers must weigh its impact on existing funding and regulations.
If you’re interested in how lotteries can support good causes, you’ll want to hear about a surprising new advocate in Northern Ireland’s gaming scene.
Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, is lending her voice to a campaign to overhaul the region’s outdated lottery laws. Here’s the deal and why it matters to you.
A Call for Change
On May 20, 2025, Clinton released a video urging Northern Ireland’s lawmakers to pass the Lotteries for Communities Bill, introduced by Alliance Party MLA Sian Mulholland.
The bill aims to loosen strict rules that limit charity lotteries, like the People’s Postcode Lottery in Northern Ireland, from operating fully in the region.
Clinton called the Postcode Lottery a “terrific model” that has raised millions for charities elsewhere in the UK, and she sees it as a way to boost funding for Northern Ireland’s communities.
Why This Matters to You
If you live in Northern Ireland or care about community causes, this reform could bring big benefits. Current laws cap how much charity lotteries can raise and who can participate, blocking popular formats like the Postcode Lottery.
By playing, you could help fund local organizations—potentially £25 million in the first five years, according to estimates. Clinton emphasized that a simple game can change your community for the better, making it a win for both players and charities.
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Opposition and Concerns
Not everyone’s on board. Allwyn, which runs the UK National Lottery, warns that expanding charity lotteries could cut £5.4 million annually from its funding for good causes within five years.
Meanwhile, Christian charity CARE NI argues for stronger gambling protections instead of loosening lottery rules, citing the region’s outdated 1985 gambling laws. Despite these concerns, Mulholland insists charity lotteries won’t hurt National Lottery participation, based on research from Great Britain.
What’s Next for Northern Ireland
This bill could reshape how lotteries work in Northern Ireland, opening doors for more community funding. If it passes, you might soon join lotteries that support local causes while enjoying a fun game.
Clinton’s support, alongside her role as Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, adds weight to the push, but lawmakers at Stormont will need to balance opportunity with caution as they debate. Keep an eye on this—it’s a chance to make a difference in your community.
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