Record prizes saw National Lottery raise €252 million for Good Causes in 2019

2.5 Million EuroMillions Prize Won in Donabate

  • Total raised up 10% (€23.1m) from 2018
  • Record €497.5m prizes
  • €884.5m of sales, an increase of 10%
  • €50.8m commission paid to retailers reflecting strong growth in retail sales
  • 1.39m people or 39% adult population played weekly
  • 31% growth in online sales compared to previous year

 

Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the operator of the National Lottery has announced its full year results for 2019 with sales up to €884.5 million, from €805 million the previous year. The total raised for Good Causes was €251.6 million in 2019, which means that €1.1 billion has been raised since 2014 when PLI took over the running of the National Lottery. Operating profits equated to €8.9 million in 2019, up from €5.1 million in 2018, reflecting increased sales in the year.

Approximately 1.39 million people enjoyed National Lottery games each week, representing nearly 40% of the adult population of Ireland. These players are responsible for supporting thousands of organisations and groups in towns and villages across Ireland, with almost 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games going directly to the Good Causes fund, equating to over €689,000 per day.

Online sales stood at €80.7 million, representing 9.1% of total sales and annual growth of nearly 31%. Sales of draw-based games increased to €586.7 million while scratch card and interactive instant win games sales grew by 11% to €297.8 million.

Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of PLI, said:

“We are delighted with these results and with the contribution our players make to Ireland. We are following a long-term strategy to shine a light on the enormous impact our players have on Good Causes up and down the country when they buy a ticket; and to renew the National Lottery experience and its operations.”

Speaking about the measures taken to protect the National Lottery throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Algeo said:

“We extended the period of time that winners can collect prizes on all draws and certain scratch card games in order to encourage people to stay at home and our enhanced online product means players can avoid unnecessary journeys.”
“In 2019, €50.8 million was paid in commission to retailers who in turn provide employment to thousands of people all over Ireland. These local agents have been the backbone of communities throughout the country during the crisis and we want to thank them for the service they have continued to provide to Irish society.”

90% of revenue generated by the National Lottery goes back into the community through prize winnings, funding for Good Causes and retailer commissions.

The National Lottery was created to help raise funds for good causes in 1986. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language. In total more than €5.6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 34 years ago.