The National Lottery is the United Kingdom's state lottery. It is operated by Camelot Group, plc, who were awarded the franchise in 1993 and had it renewed in 2002.

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

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
• The lottery's winners and losers - A BBC news article about the National Lottery's first ten years