As reported by the Independent.ie, a report compiled by National Lottery operator Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), has revealed that the sale of lottery tickets in the region has increased by 10%.
Additionally, it confirmed that €251.6m was also raised for good causes which were supported by the National Lottery in 2019, with the total figure of money raised for good causes since the lottery’s inception 34 years ago now standing at over €5.6bn.
This funding, which is formed by setting apart roughly 30% of every €1 spent on National Lottery games, is now set to be dispersed back into the community where it will be used to aid initiatives in the areas of sport, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.
Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of PLI, said: “We are delighted with these results and with the contribution our players make to Ireland.
“We are following a long-term strategy to shine a light on the enormous impact our players have on good causes up and down the country when they buy a ticket and to renew the National Lottery experience and its operations.”
The report also revealed that a record amount of €497.5m was handed out in prizes last year, with PLI registering an increase in operating profits from €5.1m in 2018 to €8.9m in 2019.
Regarding its online sector trading, PLI also witnessed high growth numbers despite the medium making up less than 10% of revenue figures, with sales through the channel growing by roughly 30%.
With approximately 40% (1.39m) of Ireland’s population playing National Lottery games on a weekly basis, the National Lotto has also extended the period of time for winners to claim and collect prizes on all draws and certain scratch card games in order to encourage people to stay at home and reduce health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.