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National Lottery

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (370, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a further review of the National Lottery will be examined in order to address public concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2852/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

397. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the National Lottery authorities have come forward with proposals to revise the operation of the lottery with a view to ensuring the maximisation of public confidence in the system; the extent to which the regulator is currently engaged with management on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2081/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the review and reform of the operation of the National Lottery is currently in hand with particular reference to addressing the core issue of the way the jackpot prize was won on several occasions between 1 January and 6 June 2021 but was not won on any occasion between 6 June and 31 December 2021; if technical or mechanical explanations have been given or are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2082/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the tickets sales achieved by the National Lottery in the period 1 January 2021 to 6 June 2021; the total prize money paid out; the amount spent on advertising in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2083/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

400. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total value of tickets sales achieved by the National Lottery between 6 June 2021 and 31 December 2021; the total value of prize money paid out; the total cost of advertising in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2084/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

401. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if no electronic or cyber-attack on the National Lottery has taken place with particular reference to the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2085/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370, 397, 398, 399, 400 and 401 together.

The National Lottery is a significant asset which plays an important role in generating funds for Good Causes throughout Ireland across a range of areas including sport and recreation, culture and heritage, community health, the arts, and youth affairs.

The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery was established as an independent regulatory office, under the National Lottery Act 2013, to ensure that the National Lottery is operated to the highest standards of propriety, that the interests of participants are protected and the long term sustainability of the National Lottery safeguarded in order that revenues allocated to Good Causes are maximised. The Regulator has advised that there are protocols in place to ensure that rigorous testing of equipment takes place before each and every Lotto draw and that each step of the draw process is strictly adhered to. The Regulator has also confirmed that the Lotto game has operated in line with the game rules and that there are no regulatory issues

The current extended period without a jackpot win, preceded by three jackpot wins in three weeks, is unusual in the history of the game. However, statistically unlikely events are part of the nature of games of chance and of lotteries. Following a request from the Operator for a “Will be Won” change to the Lotto Game and to bring the extended roll-over to an end, the Regulator has approved this new feature of the game.

This new feature sees the full Lotto jackpot roll down to a winner or winners in the next winning prize tier if not won by a Match 6 ticket within five draws of the jackpot reaching its €19m cap. The request for this new feature was submitted by the Operator on 7th December 2021. The Regulator and her officials have prioritised the regulatory checks in place to ensure that any changes to Lotto game rules were in the interest of players, that the National Lottery continues to be run with all due propriety and, subject to these, that returns to Good Causes are maximised. The Regulator requested further essential information, tests, and assurances from the Operator on its proposal and is satisfied that the “Will Be Won” feature meets all regulatory requirements.

The first “Will Be Won” draw held on Saturday 15th January 2022 was won by a single ticket holder. I am pleased that the long running roll over of the lottery jackpot has come to a conclusion, that the Lotto Jackpot was capped at €19m in October and note that lotto prizes have been boosted by an additional €23.9m as a result of this measure. The introduction of arrangements that ensure that this situation will not be repeated with the new “Will be Won” arrangements is also welcome. I would also note that an unprecedented €289m has been generated for Good Causes from the National Lottery in 2021, a 14% increase over 2020.

The Regulator has informed me in relation to the Deputies queries regarding ticket sales, prizes and advertising costs, that Clause 20.6 of the the lottery licence requires that the Regulator shall not disclose or divulge any of the Licensee’s confidential information without the prior written permission of the Licensee (except where compelled to by law), which has not been forthcoming. With regard to cyber-attacks, it is the view of the Regulator that it is not good practice to reveal whether there have or have not been any cyber-attacks and that confirming or denying such attacks could encourage such attacks in the first instance and create unnecessary and misplaced concern about the National Lottery’s security systems.

I do not, in the circumstances, consider it necessary or beneficial to review the operation of the National Lottery. I have however commenced a review of the transparency and effectiveness of how Lottery funding is distributed, to ensure that it is best targeted in support of Good Causes. In noting that some €6 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery commenced in 1987 it is appropriate that members of the public and those who play the National Lottery are fully aware of how lottery funding is accessed and distributed to the benefit of communities nationally.

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