A north-east MSP is concerned that vulnerable people are being pressurised into gambling by cold callers working for the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Mark McDonald, who represents Aberdeen Donside, has raised the issue with Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Philip Graf, chairman of the Gambling Commission.
The subscription-based organisation has been operating in the UK since 2005 and claims playing it is “easy and fun”.
Tickets are based on post-codes and cost £10 per month and people have the chance to win a share of a £25,000 street prize.
Payment is made in advance by monthly direct debit or credit card and 50p from every £2 ticket goes to good causes, with £51.4million raised for charities so far.
But Mr McDonald has concerns about the organisation’s approach to sales.
In a letter to Mr Graf, the SNP MSP said: “I am writing to enquire about the rules and regulations regarding cold calling to promote the People’s Postcode Lottery.
“With an estimated 30,500 problem gamblers in Scotland, there are concerns that have been expressed regarding aspects of gambling activity.
“I believe that if a person wants to gamble they should make a proactive effort to, rather than be pressured by a call from a company.
“I am especially concerned for my vulnerable, low income constituents who may feel pressure from these companies to spend money they do not have available.”
A spokeswoman for the People’s Postcode Lottery said it was licensed by the Gambling Commission and complied with regulatory objectives to keep gambling crime free, fair and open and to protect children and vulnerable people.
“Acting in a socially responsible manner is at the centre of everything we do as an organisation,” she added.
“Based on our experience, people play our lottery to make a positive contribution to good causes and enjoy a chance to win.”
The spokeswoman said new players sign up a month in advance to be entered in draws for the following month and policies are in place to ensure potentially vulnerable members of society are not targeted.
“With no chance of instant gratification twinned with the ability to cancel at any point, it is widely recognised that society lotteries are one of the safest forms of gambling,” she added.