Define the Project: Objectives and Legal Framework
Before starting the organization, it is essential to clearly define the objectives of the loto:
- Raise funds for an association project (equipment purchase, trip financing, supporting a cause, etc.).
- Energize the community and strengthen member engagement.
- Offer a friendly moment to participants.
Since law n° 2024-344 of April 15, 2024, the framework has been relaxed. To organize a traditional loto without prior authorization, you must meet these 4 conditions:
- Social or cultural purpose: The event must serve to finance association activities (sports, educational, etc.).
- Low stake: The maximum stake per player must be less than €20.
- Restricted circle: Advertising must remain local (municipality and surroundings).
- Prizes in kind: No cash (non-refundable gift vouchers are allowed). Note: the €150 prize value cap has been removed.
What about online lotos?
A loto that is exclusively online and open to the general public does not fall under the “traditional loto” exemption. Digital tools (paperless cards, draw tracking, online booking) remain a complement to a real in-hall event, within a restricted circle. Read the legal FAQ
Prepare the Event: Key Steps
📅 Choose the Date and Venue
- Select a suitable venue (community hall, gymnasium, etc.).
- Check the equipment (tables, chairs, sound system, screen).
- Book the venue with the town hall.
🎁 Define the Prizes
Prizes are essential to attract people. They should be varied: High-tech, appliances, trips, gift baskets...
Tip: Ask local merchants for donations in exchange for advertising.
🎟 Set Card Prices
Offer tiered pricing to encourage purchases, for example:
- 1 card: €3
- 4 cards: €10
- Family package: €20 for 10 cards
💳 Optimize Your Sales: Accept Card Payments!
More and more people don't carry cash. By accepting card payments, you make it easier to buy cards and increase your sales by 20 to 30% on average.
For bookings before the event, LotoAsso supports online card payments (Stripe): players buy their cards in advance, funds go to the association’s account, and the loto remains an in-hall event. On the day, a terminal such as SumUp is still useful for on-site purchases.
SumUp offers simple payment terminals, without monthly subscription, perfect for associations:
- No commitment: No fixed fees, you only pay a commission per transaction (1.69%).
- Easy to use: Portable terminal that connects to your smartphone.
- Fast: Receive your funds within 2-3 business days.
- Accepts all payment methods: Bank card, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
Promote the Event
Good communication is the key to success:
- Local Distribution: Posters, flyers, local press.
- Online: Website, social media (Facebook, Instagram), and the LotoAsso loto calendar.
- Word of Mouth: Mobilize your members!
Administrative and Insurance
🛡 Insurance
Your civil liability may be engaged. Check that your “Multi-risk Association” policy covers occasional events. Remember to declare the event to your insurer to cover volunteers and participants (food poisoning, falls, etc.).
🎵 Music Rights and Refreshments
- Music: If you play music, a prior SACEM declaration is mandatory (often a flat rate for lotos and small events). Not required if you only play royalty-free or public-domain works.
- Refreshments: A temporary beverage license declaration must be made at the town hall at least 15 days before (limited to 5 per year per association).
The Big Day and After
Manage Logistics
- Plan for a dynamic host.
- Check the drawing equipment (cage or software).
- Manage a refreshment stand for additional revenue.
For the draw and the players, two LotoAsso tools make the difference on the day:
Draw software for the host, projected on the big screen in the hall.
- In the hall: Latest number, history and prizes displayed live.
- Peace of mind: Automatic winning card verification.
The free app for players, in the hall or remotely.
- Auto-dabbing: Cards are marked automatically as numbers are drawn.
- Alerts: Players are notified when a line or full house is close.
Review
After the event, debrief with volunteers and communicate about the funds raised and their use.
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