Camelot reveals record UK National Lottery digital sales

Camelot has reported a year-on-year increase in UK National Lottery sales, with digital sales hitting at a record £1.65bn (€1.88bn/$2.21bn).

Total sales in the 2017-18 financial year amounted to £6.95bn, up £26.4m on the previous year despite Camelot having anticipated a decline.

Mobile sales hit an all-time high of £700.6m, with sales across smartphones and tablets now accounting for more than 40% of all digital sales.

Camelot also noted record sales figures on the National Lottery applications for mobile, following the launch of full version of the Android app last year.

However, retail remains the main sales channel for the National Lottery after taking £5.3bn during the year, more than 75% of total sales.

UK players claimed £3.93bn in prize during 2017-18, with the National Lottery having now awarded over £67bn in prizes since its launch.

Camelot also noted that it was able to generate £1.66bn for ‘Good Causes’ during the 12-month period, £27.3m more than in the previous year.

Nigel Railton, who took over as chief executive of Camelot on a permanent basis in November, said: “Given that we had anticipated a further sales decline this year, our achievement in getting The National Lottery back into growth and delivering more money for Good Causes underlines the importance of the work we have been carrying out following the strategic review.

“It’s fair to say that sales benefited from a nice run of luck – particularly on EuroMillions with some incredible jackpots – but the strong foundations and new initiatives that we are putting in place have also started to play a part.”

Railton added: “As we look to build on the progress we’ve made, we’ll continue to take action in those areas that we identified in the strategic review.

“While there is much work still to do – and we’ll continue to face challenges beyond our control, such as continuing doubts over the economy and ever-increasing competition from the gambling sector – we’re confident that we have some really strong plans lined up.

“These include improvements to Lotto coming later this year to give our players a better winning experience.

“The National Lottery is a truly national institution that makes a massive difference to the lives of people and communities across the UK – and everyone at Camelot is fully committed to ensuring that this success story continues.”

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