Responsible play
Maximising returns
Our goal is to raise as much as we can for Good Causes in a socially responsible way. We believe the best way to do this is to encourage a large number of players to spend small amounts.
Involving experts
We consult with experts in order to review and monitor our strategies on preventing underage and excessive play.
Protection online
As operators of the biggest online lottery in the world, we're doing all we can to protect players using our interactive channels.
Supporting winners
We recognise that winners also need protection and advice, so we do all we can to help them deal with the changes a big win brings.
£2.79
is the total average spend per player.
2.5%
of callers to GamCare who disclosed activity attributed problems to lottery games, continuing a declining trend started in 2004/05.
94.5%
of retailers refused to sell to an Operation Child test purchaser on first visit – the highest refusal rate ever.
Have your say
We want to hear what you have to say. At any point in this report you can comment on what is being said on any of our corporate responsibility issues.
Our aim is to maximise returns to Good Causes in a socially responsible way. It is only by winning the trust of the players and society at large that we can raise as much for Good Causes as possible. That means running The National Lottery with integrity; developing new games and new ways to play that encourage millions of players to spend small amounts, at the same time protecting vulnerable players and preventing underage play. We also strive to raise awareness of problem gaming, as well as supporting winners through what can be a life-changing experience.
The National Lottery is not like other types of gambling. Although there is a risk that our games can cause harm to a small minority of people, they don't carry the same risks as harder forms of gambling, like slot machines, betting shops and casinos. Nevertheless, we're committed to protecting those most at risk by preventing underage and excessive play. We build in safeguards at every level, from the design and marketing of our games, to the sale of tickets, both through retailers and interactive channels.
At the same time, we're committed to building a respected National Lottery that raises as much for Good Causes as possible. While we experienced a modest fall in sales last year, sales remain strong and we are ranked as the fourth largest lottery in the world. To maintain that position in a responsible way we need to understand players' needs and develop games that attract as many different players as possible. We demonstrate our commitment to player protection by taking a lead on online protection and by setting global responsible gambling standards for the lottery sector. We also strive to raise awareness of problem gaming and support winners through a life-changing experience.
We have a significant positive impact on society, from the 2,000 millionaires we've created to the £20 billion we've raised for Good Causes. At the same time, we're working to protect those people who are most vulnerable. Read more about the impact of The National Lottery.
Our goal is to raise as much as we can for Good Causes in a socially responsible way. We believe the best way to do this is to encourage a large number of players to spend small amounts. Read more about how we maximise returns for Good Causes.
We are leading the introduction of international standards on responsible play. Read more about how we're setting global standards for player protection.
We consult with experts in order to review and monitor our strategies on preventing underage and excessive play. Read more about our work with industry experts on responsible play.
Player protection starts with the design of our games. Read more about the way we are designing games.
We strive to promote our products with captivating adverts which adhere to codes of advertising. Read more about how we advertise and market our products.
As operators of the most successful interactive lottery in the world, we're doing our utmost to protect players using our interactive channels. Read more about how we protect players online.
Our work to help retailers prevent underage and excessive play resulted in our best-ever results for Operation Child. Read more about the measures we have to protect players buying tickets from retail outlets.
Through a wide range of initiatives we're educating the public, our retailers and our employees about responsible gambling. Read more about education and awareness.
We recognise that winners also need protection and advice, so we do all we can to help them deal with the changes a big win brings. Read more about supporting winners.