National Lottery sales jump as good causes returns from ticket sales hit record levels
Camelot praises the strength of its digital offering as improved UX and EuroMillions interest drives mobile play
National Lottery sales for the 2022-23 financial year jumped by £99.6m to £8.2bn, representing the second highest annual sales return since its launch in 1994.
Camelot, the current holder of The UK National Lottery licence, confirmed that strong growth in its digital arm had helped drive its success.
The National Lottery counts more than 10.7 million active registered online players, while digital sales increased by £272.m to £3.7bn during the reporting period.
Sales across The National Lottery mobile app counted for 70% of all mobile sales, which increased by £311.3m to £2.8bn during the financial year.
Camelot noted an improvement in user experience (UX) on the app, as well as the strength of the EuroMillions.
Over the 12 months, the EuroMillions helped push draw-based games sales to £4.7bn, up £91.9m compared to the previous year. The vertical saw 30 draws offering jackpots of more than £100m compared to 15 draws in 2021-22.
Instant win games sales increased by £7.7m to £3.5bn, although scratchcard sales declined, with Camelot citing a shift in shopping habits and the cost-of-living crisis.
In terms of good causes, The National Lottery hit an all-time high in its returns from ticket sales of £1.8bn, which amounted to an average of £36m every week.
The total amount raised for National Lottery projects since 1994 now stands at more than £47bn.
Clare Swindell and Neil Brocklehurst, Camelot co-CEOs, said: “We’re delighted to have grown National Lottery sales year-on-year to their second highest on record, creating almost 400 millionaires in the process.
“With £36m being raised each week for good-cause projects around the UK and returns from ticket sales rising to their best-ever level, it’s clear that The National Lottery is delivering for players and society in what are very challenging times.
“We also remain committed to delivering The National Lottery in a safe and socially responsible way. All while we continue to support Allwyn UK on its transition plans to the fourth licence, from 1 February 2024,” the duo added.