The National Lottery’s contributions to good causes has increased sequentially during Q2 of FY22/23, whilst a significant increase in year-on-year contributions has also been noted.
According to figures published by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Camelot channelled £501.8m to good causes for three month period ending September 30, up 18.7% on Q1’s total of £422.9m.
Meanwhile, the contribution is up 19.9% YoY from £418.4m as the National Lottery has enjoyed a period of sustained sales hikes and unclaimed prize increase.
UKGC noted that the increase in sequential contributions was down to two primary factors. Firstly, National Lottery total sales increased by 14.1%, or £266.7m QoQ – felt across all game types. Significantly, EuroMillions sales increased by £140.7m, or 31.1%, with several high jackpots driving sales during the period.
Secondly, the total number of unclaimed prizes added as returns to good causes was around £13.6m more than the previous quarter. This was primarily due to scratchcard game closures.
In total, the last five quarters have seen the National Lottery contribute £2.3bn towards good causes.
This has come during a time of significant change for the National Lottery, with the UKGC confirming that Allwyn will take over the fourth National Lottery licence from incumbent Camelot.
This is despite legal action from Camelot, which has now been dropped, though the ever-present licence holder is still seeking damages from the Commission for lost revenues.
Allwyn’s claim that it could amplify the amount of funds donated to good causes played a pivotal role in swaying the UKGC’s decision in the bidding process. The National Lottery has raised over £45bn for good causes since its 1994 inception.
Another development in this long-running saga emerged last week as it was revealed that Allwyn is seeking to acquire Camelot’s UK business to bolster its operations in the country ahead of the lottery licence transfer period.
Allwyn is in ‘advanced’ talks with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to purchase Camelot’s UK operations for a reported £100m.
Responding to media speculation, Allwyn stated: “If an agreement were to be reached, it would be subject to regulatory approvals.
“Our shared objective is to reach an agreement which would best serve the interests of the many stakeholders of The National Lottery, in particular the good causes it supports as well as the employees of Camelot and Allwyn UK.”