Following Boris Johnsons’ announcement of a nationwide lockdown on the 23rd March 2020, we watched many businesses struggle to remain afloat, with only essential business remaining open, high restrictions in place reduced bustling streets to empty shops, straining businesses and even causing some to liquidate.
However, during these trying times one business has thrived, setting a record for its best-ever ticket sales. The National Lottery, despite facing an initial 18% hit to sales at the start of the pandemic, has achieved sales of £13.85b in the first six months of the 2020/21 financial year.
Camelot Press Office Spokesman, Sarah Icken said: “this demonstrates considerable resilience, given the widespread disruption caused by the coronavirus. We grew sales of the National Lottery scratch cards and online instant win games over the period by £44.4m to £1.76b.”
This was accomplished by a “marked shift to our digital channels with over 1.3m new registrations in those same six months.” Said Sarah Icken.
“We’re fully committed to keeping the National Lottery running as smoothly as possible to ensure vital funding for ‘Good Causes’– National Lotteries donations center- which continues to be maximised, raising over £800m to tackle the impacts of coronavirus in the UK.”
Camelot CEO Nigel Railton said: “I firmly believe that we have the strong track record and experience required to carry on raising vital funds for those who need it most – and we are fully committed to continuing to work with the government.”
Camelot UK Lotteries Limited is the licensed operator of the National Lottery and is committed to raising money for National Lottery ‘Good Causes’ designated by Parliament.