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Euromillions

View and download the National Lottery EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker Full Licence.

March 2021

Licence varied to reflect the change of Age to Play from 16 to 18, which is applicable from 22 April 2021.

October 2020

Rationale for approving a request to utilise funds for promotional activity

Summary

On 12 October 2020, Camelot sought approval, with DCMS support and reflecting Covid-19 circumstances, to use a surplus from the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker EuroMillions Prize Reserve Trust 4, a promotional account, to fund promotional activity that benefits both specific good causes and National Lottery players.

DCMS has highlighted the importance of helping struggling organisations which have seen a decrease in funding during the Covid-19 pandemic. The promotional activity would help the organisations to run effectively at this challenging time, deliver benefits to the National Lottery brand and enable interesting new prizes or events for players.

In reviewing the request to utilise a surplus in this promotional account we considered the proposal in line with our statutory duties, which are:

Propriety

We are satisfied that the changes are legal and consistent with the National Lottery brand.

It is likely that the National Lottery brand will benefit from this proposal.

Protecting the interests of players

Players will receive benefits through this proposal, through promotional activity.

Returns to good causes

We are satisfied that the proposal will result in a short-term benefit directly to specific good causes, and that the proposal is likely to lead to a positive return for good causes in the longer term.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations on propriety, player interests and returns to good causes, we approved the request, also recognising the unusual Covid-19 circumstances.

January 2020

Rationale for agreeing Condition 23 Licence Investment Proposal: Additional EuroMillions Marketing Investment

Summary

On 29 November 2019, Camelot served the Gambling Commission with a modified Licensee Notice of Investment Opportunity (the proposal) in accordance with the provisions of Condition 23 of the Section 5 Third National Lottery Licence.

The original proposal requested £7.6m of additional investment for EuroMillions marketing for the remainder of 2019/20 to support events and rollovers. Camelot is also investing in further capital expenditure as part of the overall proposal.

The evaluation process undertaken by the Commission regarding this proposal has been both robust and extensive, utilising the support of external experts where necessary.

As a result of this process, and significant engagement with Camelot, a modification was made to the original proposal prior to a decision being made: A reduced NLDF investment for additional EuroMillions spend of £4.2m (reduced from £7.6m)

Following the conclusion of this evaluation process, the Commission approved the proposal (as revised and improved), as the Commission was satisfied that the proposal is likely to:

• Continue to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety;
• ensure the interests of every participant in the National Lottery are protected, and;
• secure an increase in the net proceeds of the National Lottery.

Decision and rationale

The detailed assessment completed by Officials of the proposal, and the findings of the Commission’s external specialists, provide a high level of assurance the investment will deliver further incremental benefits to Good Causes.

Propriety

The Commission is satisfied the proposal is unlikely to have an adverse impact on the running of the National Lottery with all due propriety.

Player interests

The potential impacts of the proposal regarding player interests are limited. We do note however, that consumers are likely to see additional advertising as a result of this decision. The Commission will continue to challenge Camelot on its wider progression in terms of player protection measures to minimise the risk of exposure of advertising content to children, young people and vulnerable adults. Accounting for this broader activity, we are therefore satisfied that the interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected.

Returns to Good Causes

Camelot’s forecasts have been scrutinised by Officials and the Commission’s external advisors to ensure that Good Cause returns on the investment are positive in all plausible scenarios. The proposal is likely to deliver substantial additional returns during the remainder of 2019/20, with Camelot’s forecasted benefits representing a prudent approach with potential for further upside.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations on propriety, player interests and returns to good causes, the proposal was approved.

July 2019

Rationale for approving Camelot’s request to change the EuroMillions prize pay-out structure

Camelot sought approval to reduce the percentage of sales (the prize pay-out) that goes towards the UK element of the EuroMillions prize from 42% to 30%, effective from 15 July 2019.

Reducing the percentage of sales that goes to the prize fund (and specifically the amount allocated from each draw to fund future UK promotional events) will have the effect of increasing returns to good causes and for Camelot, in the proportions agreed in the main licence, whilst not affecting the prizes available to players. We considered Camelot’s proposal and following consideration of our statutory duties, we were content to approve the change.

We considered the proposition made by Camelot in context to our statutory duties:

Propriety

We are satisfied that the changes to the EuroMillions game are legal and consistent with the National Lottery brand.

Whilst comfortable with this position, we considered how the proposition would impact on players. We considered that, provided the change was appropriately communicated, it was compatible with the duty to run the National Lottery with all due propriety.

Protecting the interests of players

We sought assurance from Camelot that whilst the prize pay-out is reducing, the change has limited impact on the value of the prize offering for players and UK promotional events would continue.

We also sought assurance that the communication arrangements put in place to notify players of the change would be appropriate and transparent.

We considered the controls and assurance provided by Camelot and deemed them to be satisfactory. We are therefore content that players will not be disadvantaged by such a change.

Separately, we are satisfied that the changes to the game will not increase the risks of excessive or underage play and are not of particular appeal to under 16s.

Returns to good causes

Following consideration of our two primary duties, we considered how much money the proposed change would be likely to raise for good causes. After reviewing the forecasts presented by Camelot, we are satisfied that this change to the licence will significantly benefit returns to good causes.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations, we approved the request and will make the relevant variations to the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker Section 6 Licence.

November 2018

Rationale for agreeing Condition 23 Licence Investment Proposal: Lotto and EuroMillions Marketing Investment

Summary

On 20 February 2018, Camelot served the Gambling Commission with a Licensee Notice of Investment Opportunity (the proposal) in accordance with the provisions of Condition 23 of the Third Licence which was granted to Camelot on 1 February 2009.

The proposal requested £73.4m of investment in Lotto and EuroMillions marketing from the National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF) for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years, in return for substantial Marketing, Capital and Operating investment from Camelot in excess of that required under the terms of the Third Licence. It is forecast to deliver significant Returns to Good Causes (RTGCs) of £114.6m above the investment made, over the same two year period.

The Licence provides that at the end of an evaluation process, the Commission may accept a proposal, propose modifications to a proposal, or reject a proposal. That decision is subject to the Commission’s overriding statutory duties to secure that:

• The National Lottery is run, and every lottery that forms part of it is promoted, with all due propriety;
• The interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected; and
• Subject to the provisos in (a) and (b), that the net proceeds of the National Lottery are as great as possible.

The evaluation process undertaken by the Commission in regards to this proposal has been both robust and extensive, utilising the support of external experts where necessary. As a result of this process, and significant engagement with Camelot, a number of improvements were made to the proposal prior to a decision being made:

• Following the provision of extensive analysis in support of the original proposal, Camelot has subsequently delivered additional information at various points throughout the evaluation process, which provides appropriate assurance in regards to the likely benefits expected from the proposal.

• Camelot has agreed to the provision of further, material funding for marketing, which has been fully committed to upfront through changes to the Licence.

• Camelot has agreed to a further change to the Licence, which will ensure greater alignment between the performance of RTGCs and Camelot’s profits during the proposal period.

Following the conclusion of this evaluation process, the Commission approved the proposal (as revised and improved), as the Commission was satisfied that the proposal is likely to:

• Secure a significant increase in the net proceeds of the National Lottery; and
• Continue to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety and the interests of every participant in the National Lottery are protected.

Decision and rationale

The Commission has approved a total of £73.4m investment from NLDF for Lotto and EuroMillions marketing over the 2018/18 and 2019/20 financial years, as follows:

• £33.7m for Lotto and £25.7m for EuroMillions, which will be used to focus on marketing to support communications of jackpots, rollovers and events to drive participation.
• £13.9m to be used for both Lotto and EuroMillions, which will be used on marketing headcount, agency fees and production costs.

As noted in paragraphs 4. and 5. this approval follows the conclusion of an extensive evaluation process, which has included:

• A detailed assessment of Camelot’s evidence base, both internally and by external specialists. This has included wide ranging sensitivity analysis, in order to ensure confidence in a positive Return on Investment even in cases where performance deviates from Camelot’s forecasts.
• A detailed assessment of the historic performance of similar investments, conducted primarily by Officials.
• Significant consideration of the terms which should apply, resulting in formal ‘modifications’ being proposed in respect of:
• Camelot’s contribution
• Changes to the Licence which will benefit RTGCs, supported by appropriate internal and external legal advice.
• Considerations around implementation, in order to ensure limited disruption to the profile of RTGCs during the two year proposal period.

Propriety

The Commission is satisfied that the proposal is unlikely to have an adverse impact on the running of the National Lottery with all due propriety. In this regard, the improvement made to the proposal to ensure greater alignment between RTGCs and Camelot’s profits during the proposal period is considered as a key, positive development.

Player interests

The potential impacts of the proposal regarding player interests are limited. We do note however, that consumers are likely to see additional advertising as a result of this decision, and the Commission will continue to challenge Camelot on its wider progression in terms of player protection measures. Accounting for this broader activity, we are therefore satisfied that the interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected.

Returns to Good Causes

According to Camelot’s forecasts, overall RTGCs delivered as a result of the investment are expected to total £188.0m during the two year period, meaning net incremental RTGCs of £114.6m.

Through the process summarised in Paragraph 7, these forecasts have been the subject of extensive consultation and interrogation, both by Camelot, the Commission and the Commission’s external advisors. We have also been able to draw upon evidence from shows historic investments of a similar nature, which have delivered significant benefits to Good Causes.

The conclusion from this work is therefore that the proposal is likely to deliver substantial additional RTGCs during 2018/19 and 2019/20, with the forecasted benefits noted above representing a prudent approach with potential for further upside.

August 2018

Rationale for approving Camelot’s request to change the EuroMillions game mechanic and prize pay-out structure

In January 2018, Camelot sought approval to make the following changes to the EuroMillions game mechanic:

• Reduce the percentage of sales (the prize pay-out) that goes to the UK element of the EuroMillions prize from 50% to 42%, effective from 16 July 2018.
• Increase returns to good causes, gained through the reduction in percentage of prize pay-out.
• Reduce the number of UK Millionaire Maker Raffles from two to one in each draw, due in January 2019.
• Increase both the number of UK promotions and value of prizes available within promotions.

Reducing the percentage of sales that goes to the prizes will have the effect of increasing returns to good causes and, in the proportions agreed in the main licence, for Camelot. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) considered Camelot’s proposal over a 5 month period and following consideration of its duties, is content to approve the game in principle.

We considered the proposition made by Camelot in context to our statutory duties.

Propriety

We are satisfied that the changes to the EuroMillions game are legal and consistent with the National Lottery brand.

Whilst comfortable with this position, we considered how the proposition would impact on players. We considered that, provided the change was appropriately communicated, it was compatible with its propriety duty.

Protecting the interests of players

We considered how the proposed reduction from two to one UK Millionaire Raffle prizes per draw would affect players’ experience of the game. Research evidenced that whilst EuroMillions players value a UK Millionaire Raffle prize being available, the current player offering of two raffle prizes held limited additional appeal to players. In addition player comprehension of the number of raffle prizes available was low. Camelot made a persuasive case for reinvesting raffle funds from one of the prizes into providing players with additional and more powerful UK promotional events.

We sought assurance from Camelot that whilst the prize pay-out is reducing, the change has limited impact on the value of the prize offering for players.

We also sought assurance that the communication arrangements put in place to notify players of the change would be appropriate and transparent.

We considered the controls and assurance provided by Camelot and deemed them to be satisfactory. We are therefore content that players will not be disadvantaged by such a change.

Separately, we are satisfied that the changes to the game will not increase the risks of excessive or underage play and are not of particular appeal to under 16s.

Returns to good causes

Following consideration of our two primary duties, we considered how much money the proposed changed would be likely to raise for good causes. After reviewing the forecasts presented by Camelot, we are satisfied that this change to the licence will be significantly beneficial to the returns to good causes.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations, we approved the request and will make the relevant variations to the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker Section 6 Licence at the appropriate times.

February 2017

Rationale for agreeing changes to EuroMillions

In December 2016, Camelot sought approval to remove the implementation of a 12 month promotional UK-only Monthly Bonus Draw (offering online prizes up to £1m for each month of the promotion).

We have considered this request and deemed that this would have minimal impact against our two primary duties of player protection and propriety, or secondary duty around returns to good causes.

The change will in no way reduce the amount of prize funds available to players as the funds ear-marked for the Monthly Bonus Draw will be available for players to win through other EuroMillions promotional events.

The licence for the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker game was subsequently varied to allow Camelot to remove reference to the Monthly Bonus Draw in February 2017.

February 2017

Rationale for agreeing changes to EuroMillions

In January 2016, Camelot served the Gambling Commission with a Notice of Investment Opportunity (the proposal) in accordance with the provision of licence condition 23 of the Third Licence which was granted to Camelot on 1 February 2009.

The proposal requested an annual investment of up to £6.7m for additional EuroMillions marketing support, to be shared between Camelot and good causes.

Decisions and reasons

We completed an evaluation process which considered the methodology and monitoring processes detailed in the proposal against our statutory duties. We are satisfied that no issues were identified in relation to propriety and player protection.

Given our two primary duties were satisfied, we considered the benefits to good causes.

The proposal stands to benefit good causes considerably over the course of the current licence to operate the National Lottery awarded to Camelot and which runs to January 2023.

We have decided to accept the proposal as we are satisfied that under condition 23 of the Licence:

• It will secure an increase in the net proceeds of the National Lottery
• It will continue to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety and the interests of every participant in the National Lottery are protected.

We will review the investment and can amend the amount that is invested annually out of lottery proceeds or cease to invest entirely at any point if we have concerns with its performance.

September 2016

Rationale for agreeing changes to EuroMillions

In March 2016 Camelot sought approval for a change to the EuroMillions game, as part of a continuous refreshment programme of draw-based games. The licence for the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker game was subsequently varied to allow Camelot to introduce the revised game in September 2016.

The following changes are being made to the EuroMillions game in the UK:

• increase in the overall price of a ticket from £2 to £2.50
• increase in the number of balls from which the Lucky Stars are drawn, from 11 to 12 (which changes the odds of winning the jackpot from around 1 in 117 million to around 1 in 140 million)
• increase in the number of guaranteed Millionaire Maker raffle prizes in each draw, from one x £1m to two x £1m
• introduction of a promotional UK-only Monthly Bonus Draw, offering online prizes up to £1m for each month of the promotion for retail and online players (trial period now ended)
• introduction of an occasional pan-European raffle offering multiple prizes of up to £1 million to players across the EuroMillions community
• increase in the base jackpot from €15 million to €17 million (based on expected sales)
• increase in the Super Minimum Guaranteed Jackpot (SMJG) amount from €100 million to €140 million
• change to the Jackpot cap rollover mechanic.

The introduction of the Monthly Bonus draw and pan-European raffle also necessitates a change to the Secretary of State Directions, regarding the number of draws permitted in any two-hour period. This change is for the EuroMillions game only.

In reviewing the request to change EuroMillions, we considered the proposal in line with our statutory duties.

As part of its proposed changes to EuroMillions, Camelot is introducing a Monthly Bonus Draw. We are content with the systems in place to manage this.

Propriety

We were satisfied that the new game:

• represents a legal lottery, in line with the definition in the Gambling Act 2005
• is consistent with the National Lottery brand
• has security measures in place to protect against fraud - from both a systems and processes and player funds perspective.

As part of its proposed changes to EuroMillions, Camelot is introducing a Monthly Bonus Draw. We are content with the systems in place to manage this.

Protecting the interests of players

We considered a number of issues such as the risk of excessive play and the potential for play by under 16s, as well as:

• the impact of making the jackpot more difficult to win and thus increasing the probable number of rollovers (jackpot odds moving from 1 in 117m to 1 in 140m)
• the impact of the price rise
• unclaimed prize rates
• fairness around the online Monthly Bonus Draw
• risks regarding retailer fraud for all aspects of the game
• how the changes will be communicated to players.

The price of the core EuroMillions community jackpot game is increasing from €2 to €2.20. This will fund the pan-European raffle promotional draws, increase the base jackpot from €15m to €17m and an increase in the SMJG amount from €100m to €140m.

Camelot explored, through its research, a range of price points and additional prizes for UK players. Increasing the overall price for UK players to £2.50, a total increase of 50p, enables Camelot to use the additional funds for both the EuroMillions community jackpot game changes, and UK only enhancements. The UK only enhancements see an increase to the number of guaranteed UK Millionaires every draw from one to two, and the continuation of UK-only promotions, which are popular with players.

The community and UK game enhancements are unaffordable without a price rise. Absorbing the community price rise into the existing price point of £2 would render the current UK game proposition unaffordable. As the core EuroMillions community jackpot game is increasing, and to improve upon the additional benefits that current UK players receive, the decision was taken by Camelot to propose an increase to the price in the UK.

We also considered the impact of the proposed changes on the odds of winning, and how this may be perceived as a negative change by players. Camelot’s research indicated that the majority of players are more interested in prizes than the odds of the game. Our own research supports this. We noted that there is an improvement in the odds of becoming a millionaire due to the additional Millionaire Maker raffle prize.

Having considered all of these points we were satisfied that permitting the changes to EuroMillions would be consistent with our statutory duty to protect interests of players.

Returns to good causes

Given that we were satisfied on player propriety and player protection, we went on to consider the projected returns to good causes. We accepted that the proposed changes would keep EuroMillions as a big rolling jackpot game as originally envisaged. We were satisfied with Camelot’s research, which showed that this change would likely have a positive impact upon returns to good causes.

We are satisfied that Camelot put forward a clear and consistent proposal for the changes to EuroMillions which were likely to be positive for good causes, players and the long term interests of the EuroMillions game.

March 2014

Rationale for agreeing the provision of non-cash prizes for the UK element of the EuroMillions game

In March 2014, Camelot sought approval for a number of changes to the EuroMillions and Millionaire Raffle Licence:

• changing the name of the Millionaire Raffle, being the UK element of the EuroMillions game, to UK Millionaire Maker
• addition of non-cash prizes to the UK Millionaire Maker
• funding arrangements for non-cash prizes.

In line with the approach stated above we considered the proposition made by Camelot against our statutory duties.

Propriety

There were few issues in respect of propriety however we considered:

• lawfulness of non-cash prizes in a draw-based game
• Camelot’s ability to assist players in making an informed purchase
• suitable funding arrangements in respect to cash and non-cash prizes.

Protecting the interests of players

In respect of player protection, we considered some of the types of non-cash prizes Camelot proposes to offer players. Taking into account the following:

wider EuroMillions game that the non-cash prizes would be associated with risks to player anonymity when non-cash prizes would be advertised. We considered the controls and assurances provided by Camelot and deemed them to be satisfactory. On this basis we were content that the provision of non-cash prizes did not raise significant player protection issues.

Returns to good causes

Following consideration of our two primary duties, we considered how much money the revised game would be likely to raise for good causes. Looking at the information supplied by Camelot we believe that the changes to the licence will lead to more money being returned to good causes.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations as outlined above we approved the variations to the Section 6 licence now known as the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker Licence.

December 2014

Rationale for agreeing request to reduce the percentage of sales that goes to the UK Millionaire Maker prize fund

This was for a temporary decrease to the prize pay-out of the UK Millionaire Maker prize fund, effective from 30 December 2014. As of 1 April 2016, we agreed that this percentage will now revert back to its original level of 50%.

In October 2014, Camelot sought approval to change the percentage of sales that goes to the UK Millionaire Maker prize fund from 50% to 42% (the prize pay-out). The UK Millionaire Maker is the UK raffle element of the EuroMillions game. The prize fund pays out guaranteed raffle prizes of £1 million, every Tuesday and Friday, and other promotional event prizes including non-cash prizes.

Reducing the percentage of sales that goes to the prize fund will have the effect of increasing returns to good causes and, in the proportions agreed in the main licence, for Camelot.

The £1m prize for each draw will remain unaffected, and due to the amount built up in the reserve fund Camelot will still be able to offer the level of events intended for the UK Millionaire Maker game when it was initially approved. However, a proportion of funds that would previously have gone towards building the prize fund for future promotional prizes will now go to good causes (and Camelot).

We considered the proposition made by Camelot in context to our statutory duties.

Propriety

We found no issues relating to the legality of this change. If prize pay-out changes, up or down, it is appropriate that Camelot benefits or loses, in the same way as good causes, in line with the agreed retention structure.

Whilst comfortable with this position we considered how the proposed reduction would impact on players. We considered that provided the change was appropriately communicated it was compatible with its propriety duty.

Protecting the interests of players

We considered how the proposed reduction would impact on players’ experience of the game. We sought assurance from Camelot that whilst the prize pay-out is reducing, it can sustain the prizes it intended to offer players when the changes to the UK Millionaire Maker were approved in September 2014.

We also sought assurance that the communication arrangements put in place to notify players of the changes would be appropriate.

We considered the controls and assurances provided by Camelot and deemed them to be satisfactory. We are therefore content that players will not be disadvantaged by such a change.

Returns to good causes

Following consideration of our two primary duties, we considered how much money the proposed change would be likely to raise for good causes. Looking at the information and forecasts supplied by Camelot, we are satisfied that this change to the licence will be beneficial to returns to good causes.

Decision

Based on the information provided by Camelot and our considerations, we approve the request and variation to the EuroMillions and UK Millionaire Maker Section 6 Licence.

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The National Lottery Euromillions and UK Millionaire Maker full licence (PDF)

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Last updated: 13 December 2022

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