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Ensuring a fair Lottery for the nation
£28 billion for good causes
£40 billion in prizes

Licensing games

As operator of the National Lottery it is Camelot’s job to come up with ideas for National Lottery games. Given that tastes vary, we expect it to develop a range with something for everyone.

To make sure the Lottery is being run in the public interest we have to approve any new game, or change to an existing game before they go on sale. Essentially, our job is to look at each proposal to make sure that the Lottery is being run fairly and that players are protected. If we are happy with their proposal our last duty is to make sure that the Lottery raises as much money as possible for good causes.

This approach reflects that, as the commercial operator, Camelot has expertise in game design and marketing (what will or won’t sell). So assuming we are able to licence a game, it’s then up to the public whether they think it’s worth buying.

This isn’t just about looking at the idea in front of us; we also have to think about the existing range of games and also protecting the National Lottery’s future.

Every game is unique, so will raise different issues. Generally speaking though, the sorts of things that we consider are:

  • Whether the game is legal;
  • whether it is safe from fraud;
  • if it fits in with the National Lottery image or would take that in a direction we are comfortable with;
  • whether it might be risky for some people (for example, make some want to play too often/spend too much or, in the case of under-16s, at all);
  • whether it is likely to be easily and clearly understood;
  • whether Camelot’s research and evidence backs up how they say games will work;
  • if winners are adequately protected; and
  • if the game is likely to raise funds for the good causes/help maintain the National Lottery.

If any issues arise, we will decide whether they are so serious that we could not license the game. Assuming any issues are not ‘showstoppers’ we will look at Camelot’s track record in that area, to decide whether extra work or controls are needed.
There are three categories of Lottery game, draw-based games such as Lotto and Thunderball, Scratchcards, and Interactive Instant Win Games (IIWGs), which are played online.

The licences that we have granted for Camelot to run different games are available via the links below. For the most recent major new launches we have also included a short summary describing why we were able to license each game.

  • Lotto Plus 5

    A Lotto add-on game where for £1, players can enter their Lotto numbers into five draws with a jackpot of £250,000 each. Lotto Plus 5 draws take place on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

  • Thunderball

    Choose 5 numbers from 1 to 39 and a Thunderball from 1 to 14 (or select a Lucky Dip). Draws are held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

  • EuroMillions and Millionaire Raffle

    Played in several countries across Europe. Pick 5 numbers and two lucky stars (or a Lucky Dip).

  • HotPicks

    Match your Lotto HotPicks numbers against the Lotto draw on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  • Interactive Instant Win Games

    Interactive Instant Win Games (IIWGs) are available to registered players to play online.

  • Lotto

    Choose 6 numbers from 1 to 49 (or a Lucky Dip). Draws are held on Saturday and Wednesday.

  • Scratchcards

    The licence and schedules for the third Scratchcard class licence, which was granted to Camelot Group plc on 1 April 2005.

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