Good causes are losing out while Camelot continues to win the jackpot – Tom Watson

Tom
Watson, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on new NAO report that
finds significantly reduced income for good causes from the National Lottery,
said:

“This
report should set serious alarm bells ringing for those who are supposed to act
as stewards for the National Lottery.  

“The point
of the Lottery is to maximise returns for good causes not maximise returns for
the company holding the operating licence.

“While
Camelot have seen their shareholder profits from the Lottery rocket since 2010
the amount going to good causes over the same period has risen by a measly 2%,
and the 15% drop in good causes income in the last year is particularly
worrying.

“If money
for good causes is being hit by consumers moving towards scratchcards and away
from lottery draws then Camelot needs to act to address this, not hide behind
it.

“It’s now
clear that good causes are losing out while Camelot continues to win the
jackpot. The Government must act urgently to ensure Camelot does better- and
quickly.”