Labour MP Matt Turmaine Visits National Lottery HQ in Watford

_{Matt Turmaine MP on a visit to the National Lottery (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)}

The National Lottery still dominates the chunk of the gambling industry with stats revealing that 70% of Brits have participated in the National Lottery draw in the last 12 months.

Sratchcards are also popular with 27% of UK adults having played a lottery scratchcard in the last 12 months.

When it comes to spending the cash 50% of lottery players agree that the lottery games should support health services.

The National Lottery is the darling of the gambling industry regulated by the Gambling Commission, which also regulates land based and online casinos and online gaming. 

Allwyn the company that took over the National Lottery license from Camelot in February 2022, faces challenges in meeting ambitious funding goals. Projections indicate a potential £2 billion shortfall in charitable donations for its first financial year, raising concerns about the company's ability to double returns to good causes as originally promised. As Allwyn works to resolve its digital upgrades and overall performance issues, MPs plan to scrutinize its progress in upcoming inquiries, amidst ongoing legal challenges from competing firms.

MP’s and regulators are looking to find out what goes on at the national Lottery and what makes this regular gamble for so many Brits so popular.

Matt Turmaine, Labour MP for Watford is just one of the latest Labour Government officials to show an interest in the National Lottery as he visited the UK headquarters in Tolpits Lane last Friday.

Watford Benefitted from £44m in Support for Local Projects

The visit was to get insights into the Watford HQ of the National Lottery operations and community contributions. Since its inception in 1994, the National Lottery, now managed by Allwyn, has provided over £44 million to support 426 local projects in Watford.

During his visit, Mr. Turmaine was briefed by Allwyn representatives Tiffany Jirbandey and Emma Mascall, who highlighted the lottery's positive impact on the town and expressed pride in its long-standing presence in Watford. Mr. Turmaine remarked on the lottery's role in funding good causes and its support for local employment.

Mr Turmaine said: "I have a go on the lottery every now and again and it is great to know it employs so many local people and that even if I don’t win that so many good causes both here and up and down the country are benefitting."

Additionally, the MP was shown historical lottery items, including one of the original draw machines and memorabilia from BBC's lottery shows, alongside new accessibility features such as lower-ledged Scratchard dispensers.