Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
286. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total value of expired unclaimed lottery prizes generated in 2021, in relation to the national lottery; the total value of these unclaimed prizes that transferred back to the national lottery operator; the percentage of the amount transferred back that will be spent on marketing of the lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22591/22]
View answerI am advised by the Lottery Regulator that the total value of expired unclaimed lottery prizes generated in 2021 was €17,054,620. In accordance with Clause 6.9.2 of the Licence, the full value of these unclaimed prizes was transferred to the Operator of the National Lottery to be spent solely on promoting the National Lottery.
The percentage of the €17,054,620 that will be spent on incremental marketing and advertising, and the percentage that will be used for special draws or additional top up prizes in 2022, is not yet known. The operator considers, in this regard, that details of the percentages of the 2021 spend on incremental marketing and advertising, and on special draws or additional top up prizes is commercially sensitive under the Licence and is not to be disclosed. It is further noted that the Lottery Regulator is required under Clause 20.6 of the licence to seek the Operator's consent to release such information and that consent has not been forthcoming in this instance.
