Loteri Cymru ‘society lottery’ to launch in Wales

Loteri Cymru, a new weekly society lottery, is to launch in Wales next month.

Tickets, priced at £1, will go on sale from April 10 and the first draw is scheduled for April 28, with a guaranteed weekly jackpot of £25,000 (€29,200/$31,100).

Players that match five numbers will scoop the jackpot and other prizes will be on offer to those that match fewer numbers.

In addition, each ticket that has not won the jackpot will be entered into the free ‘loto+’ draw for the chance to win one of 10 guaranteed £1,000 prizes.

The odds of winning are one in nine, which Loteri Cymru said is better than the UK’s National Lottery Lotto game operated by Camelot.

At least 20% of proceeds from sales will go to various grassroots community causes across Wales, with funds to be distributed via the new Hanfod Cymru charitable arm.

Gareth Davies, chair of Loteri Cymru, said: “We are launching Loteri Cymru to create a win-win for the people and communities of Wales, where individuals can afford to try their luck at winning a life-enhancing jackpot and their local communities benefit, too.

“Our research has shown that people really like the idea of a dedicated Welsh lottery that benefits local causes.

“We want Loteri Cymru to become a real part of life here, so that, as soon as possible, everyone in Wales will know someone who has won a prize or be aware of a good cause that has benefited.”

The launch comes at an uncertain time for the UK lottery market, after Camelot recently announced it would consult with the government over lottery betting models of companies such as Lottoland.

The current system allows gambling websites to offer consumers the chance to bet on the outcome of a draw at a cheaper price than purchasing an actual ticket.

Although these types of bets are prohibited under the UK Gambling Act, sites can bypass the system and allow UK-based players to bet on the outcome of draws in other European Union countries where EuroMillions is played.

Related article: Camelot says Euromillions consultation focus is on Good Causes – not protecting monopoly