UK Lottery - Where the money goes!Previous TopicNext Topic

The UK National Lottery has generated over £22 billion for the Good Causes, and counting.

As has always been the case, the total amount which goes to the Good Causes depends on the mix of sales across different games and sales channels, the level of unclaimed prizes - and the amount raised in investment income from National Lottery balances waiting to be allocated.

In the period up to March 2010, around 28% of total National Lottery revenue is expected to go to the Good Causes.

During the new licence, over 50% of total National Lottery revenue is expected to be paid to winners in prizes, while 12% of total revenue is expected to be paid to the Government in Lottery Duty. National Lottery retailers will earn 5% in sales commission for each Draw-Based Game - and 6% commission on each Scratchcard (retailers earn on average £8,531 per annum in lottery commission). Operating costs will be around 4% of total revenue.

In the period up to March 2010, around 28% of total National Lottery revenue is expected to go to the Good Causes.

In the last year this was distributed as follows:

Health, Education, Environment, and charitable causes 50%
Sports 16.67%
Arts 16.67%
Heritage 16.67%

How many Millionaires were created during this Time Period?

Why do People Play the Lottery? To Win Money: NOT Fund Good Causes!

The main reasons are availability, no skill is required to play, players have little or no fear of corruption, and gamblers can wager small amounts. People play despite the low payout compared to other forms of gambling. However, playing the lottery is a cheap way to have an opportunity of winning big dollars and becoming a celebrity.

The UK National Lottery has created 2,200 millionaires as of July 2008. Over £33Bn ($48.6Bn USD) paid out in prizes since the first draw on November 14th, 1994.