According to the Great Britain Gambling Commission, the amount raised in the fourth quarter of 2021 was 14.3% higher than the same period in the previous year. Q3 sales were also 21.5% higher than Q2 and 20.9% higher than Q1. The increase was partly due to a 6.6% rise in National Lottery sales during Q3, with a significant increase of 38.8% in EuroMillions sales. The total amount of unclaimed prizes added to good causes was approximately £38.0m higher in Q3 compared to Q2, primarily due to the closure of scratchcard games.
Since its launch in November 1994, the National Lottery has raised over £45.0bn for various good causes including sports, arts and heritage, health, education, and the environment. The funds for these causes are held in the National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF), and the Gambling Commission ensures accurate and timely payments from the Lottery operator to the good causes.
Camelot UK Lotteries, the current operator of the National Lottery, reported record ticket sales of £3.96bn in the first half of the 2021-22 financial year. In October, the Gambling Commission received the final applications for the Fourth National Lottery license, with operators like Sisal, Sazka, and Sugal & Damani applying. The current licensee Camelot’s license is set to expire in February 2024.
