National Lottery
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The National Lottery is the United Kingdom's state lottery. It is operated by Camelot Group, plc (http://www.camelotgroup.co.uk/), who were awarded the franchise in 1993 and had it renewed in 2002.
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Games
Several games operate under the National Lottery brand:
Lotto
Six numbers are drawn from a range of 1-49, as well as a further bonus ball. Players choose six different numbers. Prizes are awarded for three to six matches of the six, along with five matches and a match for the bonus ball.
The draw is conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Saturday draws started on November 19, 1994, under the name 'National Lottery'. The first Wednesday draw was on February 5, 1997.
The game was rebranded 'Lotto' in 2002.
Thunderball
Thunderball was launched on June 7, 1999. The first mid-week Thunderball was on October 17, 2002.
Scratchcards
As well as draw tickets, the National Lottery sells (through newsagents, supermarkets, and so on) scratchcards.
These are small pieces of card where an area has been covered by a substance that cannot be seen through, but can be scratched off. Under this area are concealed the items/pictures that must be 'found' in order to win.
Most scratchcards require the player to uncover matching symbols, pictures or words.
National Lottery scratchcards are sold for £1.
Good Causes
The National Lottery has so far raised several billions of pounds for Good Causes, a programme which distributes money via grants. 28% of lottery revenue goes towards the fund, along with all unclaimed prizes. Additionally, 12% goes to the state. The prize fund is 45% of revenue.
External links
- National Lottery (http://www.national-lottery.co.uk)
- The lottery's winners and losers (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3975517.stm) - A BBC news article about the National Lottery's first ten years