National Lottery operator Camelot reports record earnings

Camelot, operator of all UK National Lottery games (including Euromillions) has posted earnings for the first half of its financial year (6 months ending September 30th 2019). The figures show an upward trend of lottery tickets sold and a record first-half earnings in Camelot’s history with running the national lottery, which began in 1994.

Compared to the same period in 2018, lottery ticket sales in this first-half increased by 13.5%. This works out to £3.9 billion in sales, which is a staggering number considering lottery tickets only cost between £1-£2.50. 

More lottery players are opting to buy their Lotto tickets online or via mobile, as a 40% increase in digital sales eclipses the reported 5% increase in retail sales. Camelot Chief Executive, Nigel Railton said "The future of retail is uncertain for all of us. It’s an interesting challenge". 

From these sales, Camelot contributed £876.8 million to causes across the UK, which is £83.6 million more than the same period in 2018. Lottery funding is vital for organisations and projects around the country.

In 2023, Camelot’s current licence to run the National Lottery is set to end, potentially signalling an end to their involvement. Bidding for the licence to operate all National Lottery games in the UK will begin next year, though Camelot’s 25 years of experience and these increased financial figures will surely mean they are the most likely candidate.

Don't worry if you think that more people playing is going to make it harder for you to win, the odds of winning the lottery in the UK are still inconceivably high, so more tickets being sold won't have any effect.