Penny-pinched Brits are looking to the National Lottery for an answer to their current financial difficulties.
Figures released this week by Camelot, the lottery operator, revealed that the UK spent a massive £2,559million on lottery tickets in the half year leading up to 27th September, 2008. This represents a massive £181million, or 7.6% increase in ticket sales over the period.
According to the operator now over 70% of the UK adult population play the lottery on a regular basis, with each of us spending an average of £3 a week on lotto draws and scratch cards.
The popularity of automated subscription services that ensure that a player will never miss a draw are growing exponentially with a 32% increase in uptake seen over the 6 month period. Euromillion rollover jackpots and games based on the Beijing Olympics are also drawing in the crowds eager to make easy millions.
What’s more, ticket sales made via the lottery’s new digital tv and play-by-text mobile phone games are also proving hugely popular, with Brits wagering an incredible £230.1million on interactive lottery services during this time.
While the National Lottery has made over 2,200 millionaires to date, it’s devoted players are clutching at straws as statistically each ticket has only a 1 in 14 million chance of being a winner.
The noticeable increase in lottery sales, coupled with booming business in high street betting shops has led to a number of gambling charities issue warnings over the risk of hedging your bets on this dubious ‘financial strategy’.
