Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced the first government review of the national lottery in more than two decades, aiming to give the public greater control over how billions of pounds raised through ticket sales are distributed to good causes.
Public to have more say in lottery fund allocation
Launching a 12-week consultation, Nandy emphasized that the money generated by the lottery belongs to the public. “The national lottery is played by millions of people every single week. It is not just public money, it is literally the public’s money and they must be in the driving seat of how it is spent,” she said.
According to Nandy, for two decades no government has asked citizens how they want their lottery contributions used. Decisions have been made far from communities, favoring larger organizations that can navigate the system, while grassroots groups—described as “the lifeblood of our communities”—have been overlooked.
Review to examine distribution model
The consultation will scrutinize how funds raised from ticket sales are distributed. Since its launch in 1994, the national lottery has collected more than £53bn for good causes. The first televised draw attracted nearly 22 million viewers in a primetime event hosted by Noel Edmonds.
The right to operate the franchise was held by Camelot until 2022, when Allwyn—owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek—secured the 10-year licence after a competitive process that led to multiple lawsuits.
Government promises change
Nandy stated that the government is determined to change the current system. “With this consultation we are bringing people back into the conversation. They will write the next chapter in the story of the national lottery and of our country,” she added.
