Communities see benefit from games played by lottery enthusiasts
Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), the operator of the National Lottery, has revealed that 90% of all revenue generated from sales of National Lottery games is returned to communities in the shape of prizes, funding good causes and commission to retailers all over Ireland.
“Each day, our players continue to have an enormous impact every time they buy a National Lottery ticket. Last year, over €289 million was raised for the Good Causes Fund, which directly impacted thousands of charitable and community groups in towns and villages across Ireland,” said Andrew Algeo, chief executive of PLI.
With almost 5,500 retail partners, the National Lottery retail network contributes significantly to the Good Causes Fund and in 2020, retail sales amounted to €783.1 million. Retailer commission also grew to almost €50 million, which benefited retailers all over Ireland.
Last year proved to be a life-changing year too for National Lottery players throughout the country, with 29 brand new millionaires made through jackpot and top prize wins varying between €1 million and €12.7 million.
There was one millionaire winner in Mayo as well as two in Galway and two in Sligo.
Approximately 1.3 million adults play National Lottery games and draws regularly. In 2021, this generated an average of €5.5 million for the Good Causes Fund each week.
One of the main purposes of the National Lottery is to raise money for 'good causes' all over Ireland and since the inception of the National Lottery in 1987, more than €6 billion has been raised for such good causes.
Nearly 30 cent in every euro spent on National Lottery games goes to the Good Causes Fund and over 4,000 groups on average receive funding every year.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath, announced in January that last year was a record-breaking year for the fund. National Lottery players raised €289 million for good causes in 2021, which represents a significant increase on the previous year and marks the sixth consecutive year in which the Good Causes Fund has experienced significant growth.