The Postcode Lottery in the Netherlands (Nationale Postcode Loterij) revealed that its charity contribution reached €363,311,192 last year.
Announced by parent company Postcode Lottery Group in a YouTube video, the sum – which represents an increase of €14m compared to 2023 – will now be divided between 166 charities.
The organisation explained how many of these charities can count on an annual amount that varies per charity. For example, the animal protection organisation received its yearly donation of €1.8m, but then also received a further €700k in the same year, it explained.
Ellen Bien, Director of the Animal Protection Society, commented on the donation which totalled €2.5m: “Fantastic! Not only will we receive the multi-year contribution again this year, but even an increase!
“Thanks in part to this support, we can take in more than 24,000 shelter animals each year and our animal ambulances drive out 77,000 times for animals in need. The increase in the contribution helps us enormously to continue doing our work.”
Further examples include the ALS Foundation receiving €600,000 from the lottery, and EpilepsieNL being granted €770,000.
However, the Postcode Lottery is now facing higher gambling tax and in January 2024, this was increased from 29.5% to 30.5%.
Yet, despite the increase, the contribution to charities rose in the past year. In January this year, the gambling tax was increased again, which means the new tax rate stands at 34.2%.
The lottery concluded: “Over the past year, all Postcode Lottery colleagues have put their shoulders to the wheel again. And that has resulted in a staggering amount of €363m for a just, healthy and green world.
“166 charities can count on support this year. Thanks to our colleagues and of course thanks to all our participants. Together we make a difference!”