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Regulating money used for National Lottery prizes

On average around half of the money from National Lottery sales is given as prizes.

The company which runs the National Lottery (currently Camelot) must transfer prize money into the Players' Trust. This is to keep the money secure and separate from other funds.

Once in the trust, the money under the control of an independent trustee. We review all payments that Camelot makes to the trust.

Money for good causes

Money for good causes is transferred from Camelot to either:

  • the National Lottery Distribution Fund
  • the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund.

We make sure Camelot’s payments are accurate and on time. We also oversee the transfer of funds to good causes and prize winners.

Unclaimed prizes

A prize is unclaimed if it has not been claimed within 180 days (about six months).

We check unclaimed prize money goes to the National Lottery Distribution Fund or the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund. It will go on to benefit National Lottery Projects across the UK.

Statement of assurance

We produce an annual statement of assurance for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This confirms all National Lottery Distribution Fund and Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund payments are accurate.

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Making sure National Lottery draws are fair
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Regulating National Lottery games
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