A Calcutta is a form of competition that involves a sweep or draw for participants in a particular event followed by an auction for the race participants (usually horses). Players who were successful in the draw may choose between selling the participant (or in some cases a share in the participant) and receiving half the proceeds of the sale, or retaining the participant by making the highest bid. The prizes are distributed to the players who hold the successful participants in the event. Variations to this form of competition may be approved by the Commission if it considers that the principles of the competition are upheld.
Generally, Calcuttas must be approved by the Commission before the lottery can be advertised or conducted in the ACT.
A permit is not required where the total prize value of the Calcutta does not exceed $1,000, however, certain conditions must be met when conducting an Exempt Lottery. These conditions are detailed in the Exempt Lotteries Information and Conditions sheet on this website.
Calcutta Information and Conditions (PDF 494KB), Word Version (66KB).
Calcutta Rules (PDF 89KB).