National Lottery

The UK launched National Lottery in November 1994. For many years, the lottery was operated by Camelot, and from February 1, 2024, the operator's rights under the fourth license were transferred to Allwyn UK (Camelot was acquired by Allwyn and integrated into the new structure). This is one of the largest mass projects in the country: millions of participants, wide retail and significant financing of socially useful initiatives.

1) Who runs the lottery today and how the structure changed

1994-2024: Camelot UK Lotteries operated under a third licence.

From February 1, 2024: operator - Allwyn Entertainment UK (Camelot bought out by Allwyn; the transfer of rights was secured by the decision of the UK Gambling Commission in 2022 and entered into force after the end of the third license 31. 01. 2024).

Why is it important for players: the brand and interfaces could be updated, but key games and the distribution of funds under the supervision of the regulator retain continuity.

2) National Lottery Games

• Lotto - "national" circulation;
• EuroMillions - pan-European draw with large jackpots;
• Thunderball is a regular circulation game;
• Set For Life - lifetime payments of a fixed amount;
• HotPicks (Lotto/EuroMillions) - choosing the exact number of matches;
• Instant Win/Scratchcards - instant online games and paper scratchcards available from retailers across the country (network - over 40,000 outlets).

3) Who can play: Age, access and basic rules

The age threshold is 18 + for all products (previously 16 +, the threshold was raised in 2021).

Tickets are bought at retail or online (national website/application) - subject to the requirements of residency and payment methods.

Games are covered by the official Account Terms/Game Rules/Game Procedures.

4) Where the money goes: Revenue sharing and "Good Causes"

The National Lottery is not only a prize fund, but also systemic support for socially important projects.

Funds raised. Since its launch (1994), the lottery has raised more than £50 billion for Good Causes - sports (including support for Olympians), culture and art, heritage, community initiatives, health, education and the environment. The funds are distributed by 12 "allocators" through the National Distribution Fund (NLDF).

How every pound is divided. According to the UK Gambling Commission for the final period of the third license (up to 31. 01. 2024) a "pence-per-pound" breakdown is published: what share goes to prizes, "Good Causes," taxes, retail and operating expenses. Specific proportions may vary slightly over periods, but benchmarks remain stable: the main part is the prize fund, a significant share is "Good Causes," followed by the lottery tax, retailers' commissions and operating costs. UKGC gives up-to-date details for the reporting quarters.

5) Regulation and supervision

The UK Gambling Commission is responsible for licensing and control.

The lottery operates on the basis of a multi-year license (current - "fourth"), which spelled out KPIs, IT requirements, marketing restrictions, responsible play standards and targets for deductions for "Good Causes."

The regulator regularly publishes statistics on fundraising and, if necessary, applies coercive measures to the operator.

6) Retail and online: how players participate

Retail. Scratch cards and ticketing at thousands of partner stores across the country; small winnings are issued on the spot within the limits, large ones - through centralized procedures.

Online. Ticket purchase, circulation subscriptions, instant games, viewing results, account management (limits, self-control). Official results are available on the national website/in the appendix.

7) Responsible play: 18 + politics and self-control tools

The 18 + principle applies everywhere, as well as warnings and references to help (GamCare, etc.).

Players can set deposit/time limits, use timeouts and self-exclusion (online - GamStop).

Instant game pages host 24/7 help contacts.

8) Current topics and discussions

Change of operator and modernization. Allwyn announced large-scale IT upgrades and channel transformation; the regulator and the press monitor the fulfillment of goals and compliance with the terms of the license.

"Good Causes" transparency. UKGC and NLDF publications confirm the total fees and quarterly dynamics.

Corporate issues. The media periodically analyze past financial ties and the fulfillment of the operator's promises is part of public control around the largest state contract.

9) Brief FAQ

Is it possible to participate from the age of 16? No, it isn't. Now the threshold is 18 + for all National Lottery products.

What are the most "massive" games? Lotto и EuroMillions; Thunderball and Set For Life are popular, as well as instant lotteries/scratchcards.

How much goes on "Good Causes"? Cumulatively, tens of billions since 1994; current quarterly/annual amounts are published by UKGC and NLDF.

Who is the operator now? Allwyn UK (from 1 February 2024); Camelot is a predecessor and historical brand.

The UK National Lottery is a mature and highly regulated system where mass participation is combined with a social mission. The historic legacy of Camelot and the current cycle under Allwyn ensures continuity of games, and regular UKGC and NLDF publications confirm transparency of fees and directions of funds. For the player, this means: clear 18 + rules, access to familiar circulations and instant games, clear payment procedures and confidence that part of the ticket price is returned to society through Good Causes.