Charity lotteries in the Netherlands
The Charity Lotteries are three large lotteries in Holland that want to make a contribution to a better world for everyone. More than ten billion euros has been donated in the countries where these lotteries are active.
This makes the Charity Lotteries the second largest charity organization in the world after the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Dutch Postcode Lottery
All three lotteries work in a different way and have a different purpose. Since 1989, the Dutch Postcode Lottery has been committed to charity organizations in the field of people and nature, at home and abroad. The zip code of the participants is their lottery number. With this number they can win Street Prizes. The Postcode Lottery concept is also active in England, Germany and Sweden.
The Friends Lottery
The Friends Lottery raises money on social initiatives in the field of health and welfare. Participants can win cash prizes with their cell phone number. BankGiro Lottery players support cultural organizations dedicated to heritage conservation and play along with the last five digits of their account number.
Percentage to charities
All lotteries must donate at least 40 percent of their income from lottery sales to charities. Previously, this was at least half. However, in 2020 the remittance rate will be reduced to remain competitive in the changing lottery system.
Money gala
Every year the charities organize Money Gala's, in Dutch known as the ‘Goed Geld Gala’s’. On three evenings affiliated charities can receive their annual contribution. Besides that, during these gala evenings extra donations are often made for special projects or initiatives.
