About the National Lottery

The first National Lottery draw took place on 19 November 1994. Since then, the National Lottery has become an institution within the UK, and has raised over £28 billion for good causes.

Around 70% of adults play the Lottery on a regular basis, and the crossed fingers logo is recognised by 95% of the UK population. 

National Lottery games consist of draw-based games, such as Lotto, Scratchcards, and online Interactive Instant Win Games. There are a number of ways people can play the National Lottery:

• at one of approximately 28,000 National Lottery retailers throughout the UK;
• over the Internet at www.national-lottery.co.uk;
• via FastPay outlets at supermarket checkouts; and
• play by text.

Where does the money go?

The precise breakdown of where the money goes depends on the actual level of sales and types of game being sold. The average breakdown of ticket sales over the course of the second licence was:

• 50p paid to winners in prizes;
• 28p given to good causes;
• 12p to the Government in Lottery duty;
• 5p paid to National Lottery retailers on all National Lottery tickets sold;
• and 5p retained by the operator to meet costs and returns to shareholders

Related Links

• Lottery Facts

  Some key facts about the National Lottery

• About the National Lottery Commission

  The National Lottery Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating the National Lottery. We protect the integrity of the Lottery; protect players; and maximise funds to good causes.