British Lotteries

The lottery system in the U.K. consists of the main National Lottery and small local, society (charitable) and private lotteries. Lotteries are available through land-based outlets as well as online. Since October 2021, the minimum age to participate in the National Lottery has been raised from 16 to 18.

The National Lottery in the United Kingdom was established on 19 November 1994. It is regulated by the National Lottery Commission and operated by Camelot Group plc. The lottery has over 27,000 retailers. The National Lottery is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, which absorbed the former National Lottery Commission in 2013, and has been operated by Allwyn Entertainment Ltd since 1 February 2024 under the Fourth National Lottery Licence, awarded for 10 years.

Local, society and private lotteries are regulated by the U.K. Gambling Commission. Some of the smaller lotteries are not regulated by any government agency and are not required to register or obtain a license.

In 2006, the National Lottery Commission began the process of looking for a new operator to run the National Lottery. The bidding process began in 2006 with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Lottery Commission. Bids were received from Camelot Group plc and Sugal & Damani U.K. Limited. Camelot Group plc was chosen in August 2007 to run the National Lottery.

In January 2008, the Treasury announced it was considering changing to a gross profits tax system, which would allow more money to go to charity. Currently 28% of total National Lottery revenue goes toward charitable causes.

Residents of the United Kingdom may also play the EuroMillions, a European lottery that pools the stakes of participating countries.