Camelot generated £863.7m for good causes through sales, a year-on-year decrease of 1.5%. The National Lottery has contributed over £800m to support the UK during the pandemic. Despite facing challenges due to the virus, Camelot’s sales numbers remained steady. Nigel Railton, the CEO of Camelot, expressed pride in these results, considering the upheaval and uncertainty faced by businesses this year.
The impact of Covid-19 led to a 39.1% increase in digital lottery sales, mainly driven by mobile play, which saw a growth of 50.7% and exceeded £1bn for the first time. Additionally, 1.3 million new digital players registered. However, the retail sector experienced a decline with sales decreasing by 30.5% (£2.23bn). National Lottery retailers earned £126.5m in commission. In the second quarter of 2020-21, Camelot achieved sales of £2.02bn.
Instant win games generated the highest revenue at £882.7m, followed by Lotto (£475.8m), EuroMillions (£444.6m), Thunderball (£75.4m), Lotto HotPicks (£39.0m), EuroMillions HotPicks (£23.4m), and Set for Life Draw (£83.2m). As Covid-19 restrictions eased, retail sales experienced an improvement in the second quarter, reaching £1.20bn compared to £1.04bn in the first quarter. Digital sales amounted to £827.7m. Since the launch of the National Lottery in 1994, Camelot has generated over £42bn for charitable causes.
Railton credited the success of Camelot’s sales to the strategic review conducted in 2017, which led to the adoption of a new digital strategy. Looking forward, the CEO acknowledged uncertainty due to Covid-19 and potential recessionary challenges that may impact sales in the second half of the year and beyond. Despite this, Camelot remains focused on responsible, long-term growth and intends to continue contributing to the well-being of people and communities across the UK through collaborations with the government, regulators, and the wider National Lottery family.
Camelot, Sazka Group (a Czech gaming giant), and Sugal & Damani (an Indian lottery operator and technology provider) have completed the Gambling Commission’s Selection Questionnaire for the forthcoming National Lottery tender, although Camelot has not confirmed its bid. Nonetheless, Camelot reaffirmed its commitment to work with the lottery and emphasized its track record and experience in raising funds for those in need.
