🎲 Action Medical Research

Action Medical Research: Company Overview and History

Action Medical Research is a long-established UK charity dedicated to funding medical research to save and improve the lives of babies and children. Incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 00549089) and operating with charitable status, the organisation has been active for decades, supporting pioneering projects across paediatrics, rare diseases, pregnancy, and neonatal care. Its fundraising mix includes donations, events, and regulated society lotteries, which provide an important, compliant way for supporters to contribute to vital medical breakthroughs.

The charity’s registered office is listed as 5th Floor, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PF. Over time, Action Medical Research has built a reputation for rigorous grant-making and transparent reporting, while ensuring all lottery activity aligns with UK gambling law and the standards set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The lottery initiative is positioned as a responsible and enjoyable way for adults to support good causes while having the chance to win prizes, and proceeds help fund research that makes a tangible difference to families across the UK.

UK Gambling Commission Licensing

Licence Types and Scope

Action Medical Research holds licences issued by the UK Gambling Commission under account number 4773. According to the UKGC public register, the charity is authorised to operate society lotteries through both Non-Remote and Ancillary Remote permissions. In practice, this means:

- Society Lottery Non-Remote: Allows the charity to run physical (land-based) lottery activity, such as ticket sales via post or in person, in line with society lottery rules.

- Society Lottery Ancillary Remote: Permits remote communication linked to the lottery, where any remote gambling equipment is situated entirely on the licensed non-remote premises. This supports functions like online entry forms or remote communications associated with the lottery, within the defined scope of an ancillary remote permission.

These licences have been in place since 25 May 2017 and enable the charity to conduct its lottery fundraising lawfully and transparently, ensuring participants benefit from consumer protections.

Licence Status and Account Details

- UKGC Account Number: 4773

- Licence Status: Active

- Licence Types: Society Lottery Non-Remote and Society Lottery Ancillary Remote (players and stakeholders should consult the UKGC register for the most current licence configuration and any updates).

Operated Websites and Brands

Action Medical Research’s society lottery activities are branded under the charity’s name. The UKGC register records two domains associated with the licence. While the specific domain names can change over time, the register reflects the most current list of approved domains for the business. As an online component exists through the ancillary remote permission, supporters can typically find information about lottery draws, how to enter, eligibility, and responsible play resources through the charity’s official online channels recorded with the regulator.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance

As a UKGC-licensed society lottery operator, Action Medical Research is required to comply with the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), the Gambling Act 2005, and relevant regulations. Key compliance expectations include fair and open conduct of lotteries, robust age-verification to prevent underage play, clear terms and conditions, and responsible marketing. The charity’s gambling activities are limited to society lotteries; it does not operate casinos, betting, or gaming machines.

Funds to Good Causes and Draw Integrity

Society lotteries must apply a minimum of 20% of proceeds to the purposes of the society. In this context, net funds raised contribute to Action Medical Research’s mission to fund medical research that benefits babies and children. Draws must be conducted fairly and transparently, with appropriate record-keeping and audit trails. Where technology supports entries or number allocation, the underlying processes—such as random number generation or secure ticket selection—should be suitably controlled, tested, and documented to evidence fairness.

Advertising and Consumer Protection

Marketing for society lotteries must be socially responsible and comply with advertising codes. Communications should be clear, avoid targeting under-18s, provide necessary information about the odds or nature of the prize draw where appropriate, and signpost responsible play guidance. The charity must also operate a complaints process and cooperate with the regulator if concerns are raised.

Player Safety and Responsible Gambling Measures

Action Medical Research’s lottery is designed for adults aged 18 and over, reflecting UK law. In keeping with the LCCP and good practice for society lotteries, the following protections are typically implemented:

- Age verification: Preventing underage participation through checks on sign-up and, where necessary, verification prompts before prize fulfilment.

- Clear information: Displaying terms and conditions, prize information, costs, and how proceeds support the charity’s mission.

- Self-exclusion and cooling-off: Providing mechanisms for individuals to self-exclude from lottery participation or take a break if they feel at risk.

- Support signposting: Directing players to independent help and advice if gambling is causing harm.

- Data and payment security: Using secure payment methods and strong data protection practices in line with UK GDPR and industry standards such as PCI DSS for card handling.

Because this is a society lottery rather than a high-intensity gambling product, the overall risk profile is lower than for casinos or betting; however, the charity still implements proportionate controls to support safe play.

Technology and Software Used for Online Lottery Participation

Where Action Medical Research provides online entry or subscription options under its ancillary remote permission, the digital experience typically focuses on security, clarity, and ease of use. Common features used by society lotteries include:

- Secure entry and payment flows with encryption and fraud prevention checks.

- Age-verification workflows to ensure only eligible adults take part.

- Transparent draw procedures, sometimes supported by independently tested randomisation methods, with audit trails.

- Account or subscription management for regular lottery entries (for example, weekly lotteries), including the ability to update details, pause, or cancel.

- Responsible play tools, including self-exclusion and customer service support for queries or concerns.

These elements contribute to a compliant and user-friendly lottery experience that aligns with the UKGC’s expectations for fairness and consumer protection.

Summary

Action Medical Research is an active UK charity using regulated society lotteries to raise funds for medical research that benefits babies and children. Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission under account number 4773, the charity holds Society Lottery Non-Remote and Ancillary Remote permissions (active since 25 May 2017), enabling both land-based and certain remote communications related to its lottery. Two domains are registered with the UKGC for its lottery operations, and the organisation follows the LCCP and wider regulatory framework governing society lotteries. With a focus on fair draws, transparent information, secure technology, and responsible play, Action Medical Research’s lottery provides supporters with a safe, compliant way to contribute to life-changing research.