Camelot CEO Nigel Railton has cited a strategic review of the UK’s National Lottery business as one of the reasons behind a record £7.9bn ticket sales and resilient performance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
He said: “Three years on from our strategic review, we are seeing growth across all areas of the business. Crucially, our best-ever sales performance has delivered a £200 million boost to Good Causes at a time when the UK needs it most.”
Gross National Lottery ticket sales in 2019/20 reached £7,905.1 million, an increase of £698.3 million on 2018/19, and the third successive year of sales growth following the company’s wide-ranging strategic review.
Other highlights include:
- Total sales of draw-based games in 2019/20 were £4,537.1 million, an increase of £455.3 million on 2018/19.
- Total sales of Camelot’s range of in-store Scratchcards and online Instant Win Games over the period were £3,368.0 million, £243.0 million more than in 2018/19.
- Total sales of draw-based games in 2019/20 were £4,537.1 million, an increase of £455.3 million on 2018/19.
- Total sales of Camelot’s range of in-store Scratchcards and online Instant Win Games over the period were £3,368.0 million, £243.0 million more than in 2018/19.
- Total digital (interactive and subscription) sales in 2019/20 were a record £2,457.5 million, an increase of £624.0 million on 2018/19.
- Total retail sales in 2019/20 were £5,447.6 million, an increase of £74.3 million on 2018/19.
- Total returns to Good Causes (excluding investment returns on National Lottery Distribution Fund balances) in 2019/20 were £1,853.1 million.
Camelot said that its continued innovation and investment in digital channels led to record online sales. With over 7.5 million active registered players, national-lottery.co.uk is already Europe’s largest online lottery in terms of sales and one of the top e-commerce sites in the UK.
As part of this record-breaking digital performance, Camelot grew mobile sales by £586.0 million (+57.5%) to an all-time high of £1,605.5 million, with sales through smartphones and tablets now accounting for around 65% of all digital sales. Camelot’s continuing improvements to The National Lottery’s iPhone and Android mobile apps also drove record sales for this channel, with the iOS app now boasting a rating of 4.8 out 5.
Railton continued: “Like many businesses, Camelot has seen disruption as a result of the pandemic – particularly in retail. But, thanks to a combination of the foundations we’ve laid over the last three years and some urgent interventions to respond to the current situation, our sales are currently proving resilient. That’s not to say there is no impact, but the business is adapting and continuing to adjust well to the changing situation.”
Camelot also grew total sales of draw-based games by £455.3 million to £4,537.1 million, driven by improvements made to create a more compelling and distinct range of games. As players continue to experience the benefits of the changes made to Lotto in November 2018 (including bigger, fixed cash prizes and regular ‘Must Be Won’ draws where the jackpot is often shared among all cash prize winners), the company saw an increase in sales of the game – making Camelot one of the few operators globally to be growing its flagship lotto game.
With a record roll series, EuroMillions also had an exceptional year, while The National Lottery’s newest game, Set For Life, continues to grow in popularity and exceed sales expectations.
The company also grew sales of National Lottery Scratchcards and online Instant Win Games over the period by £243.0 million to £3,368.0 million. This follows work to give players a wider range of differently-priced products with varying themes – including a special 25th birthday game, as well as Friends and Love Island-themed games.
Camelot also says it runs one of the most cost-efficient major lotteries in Europe, with around 4% of total sales revenue spent on operating costs.
Railton added: “With the ongoing uncertainty, the year ahead will inevitably be challenging. But I’m very confident that we’re in great shape to meet those challenges – and that we have the strong track record, creativity and determination required to continue generating vital funds for those who need it most in the UK. All of us at Camelot are fully aware of the important role that we play every single day, and I feel immensely privileged to be part of an institution that makes a real difference.”