A LOTTO PROFITS

Camelot doubles its money in 7yrs but charity cash goes up just 2%

THE National Lottery is at risk because cash for good causes has slumped while Camelot’s profits have soared, MPs warn.

The returns for good causes rose by only 2% to £1.5billion from 2009-10 to 2016-17, while Camelot profits jumped 122% to £71million.

In the 12 months to March 2017, income for good causes fell by 15% to £1.63billion at the same time as sales fell by 9% to £6.93billion.

A Public Accounts Committee report found charities lost out when the Gambling Commission renegotiated the licence to run the draws with Camelot in 2012. Camelot profits rose to 1% of sales after tax, rather than the 0.6% anticipated in its 2009 licence.

Increasing Lotto numbers from 49 to 59 in 2015 led to a fall in sales, while scratch cards earn good causes just 10p compared to 30p for draw-based games.

Committee chairwoman Meg Hillier said: “Raising money for good causes is one of the founding principles of the National Lottery, but this objective is under threat.”

Camelot said: “We note the report’s contents and will work to maximise returns to good causes.”