UK National Lottery raises £508.5m for good causes in Q3

Figures published by the Great Britain Gambling Commission show the amount raised in the three months to 31 December 2021 was 14.3% more than in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The Q3 total was also 21.5% more than the £418.4m generated in Q2 and 20.9% higher than £420.7m in the first quarter.

The Commission said the increase was partly due to a 6.6% rise in National Lottery sales in the third quarter, with total sales up £129.4m from Q2. This was largely driven by a 38.8% quarter-on-quarter increase in EuroMillions sales.

The total amount of unclaimed prizes that were added as returns to good causes was also approximately £38.0m more than in Q2, primarily due to scratchcard game closures.

Since its launch in November 1994, the National Lottery has raised more than £45.0bn for good causes such as sports, arts and heritage, health, education and the environment.

Funds for good causes are held in the National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF), while the Gambling Commission ensures payments from the Lottery operator to good causes are accurate and on time.

In November, Camelot UK Lotteries, operator of the National Lottery since its launch, saw ticket sales reach an all-time high of £3.96bn in the first half of the 2021-22 financial year.

The Gambling Commission in October said it had received the four final applications for the Fourth National Lottery licence.

The Commission did not disclose the identity of the applicants, but it has previously been revealed that Italian lottery operator Sisal, pan-European lottery and gaming giant Sazka, and India’s largest lottery operator Sugal & Damani have all applied.

Incumbent licensee Camelot completed the Selection Questionnaire in October 2020, but has not yet publicly confirmed whether it was bidding for the tender.

Current licensee Camelot’s licence is due to expire in February 2024.