In its annual report published today the National Lottery said that total sales for 2003 were up 4.9% to €559m , with money raised for good causes up 8%. Operating costs were the lower ever at 14% of sales.
A record €186.7m was raised for distribution by the government to good causes, compared with €172.9m in 2002. The total amount of funds raised for good causes by the National Lottery since its launch in 1987 is now over €2 billion.
The 'Lotto Family', comprising Loto, Lotto plus and Lotto 5-4-3-2-1, accounted for 70% of total sales, with sales of €392.3m in 2003 up from €371m the previous year.
Lotto sales were marginally down at €279.7m, compared with €285.3m in 2002. This decline was offset by the performance of Lotto Plus which saw sales jump 34.6% to €102.5m.
The National Lottery's instant games continued to perform well with sales of €146.5m in 2003, up from €144.3m the previous year. Instant games now account for 26% of overall business, accounting for an average €2.7m sales every week.
There were 37 new Lotto millionaires created during 2003.
