Sales of prize bonds rose by 62% in 2003 to €134.5m, according to the Prize Bond Company's annual report today.
A total of 105,322 tax-free prizes were awarded last year, an increase of 23% on 2002m, with a total value of €10.8m, a 16% increase on the previous year.
Internet sales increased to €3.2m, a massive increase of 220%, the company added.
Over the past five years, the amount invested in prize bonds has increased from €269m in 1999 to €454m in 2003. The value of prizes paid to prize bond holders a year increased from €7m in 1999 to €10.8m in 2003.
A recent survey reveals that 45% of the Irish population have at some time invested in prize bonds, commented Michael O'Keeffe, Chairman of the Prize Bond Company.
