Arts Council England (ACE) is recognising the support of National Lottery supporters this weekend with the continuation of its #ThanksToYou campaign. The National Lottery, which makes its money through lottery ticket and scratchcard sales, invests GBP30m a week into life-changing projects in the UK, with many arts organisations propped up by grants.
Until 9 December arts, sports, community and heritage organisations across the county will be offering free entry and special discounts and events for everyone taking a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard with them on the day.
ACE’s #ThankToYou campaign is an initiative to raise awareness of the link between buying a National Lottery ticket and supporting the UK’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Companies have been showing their support for the National Lottery all week on social media.
Tumble Circus @tumblecircus tweeted: “#ThanksToYou @ArtsCouncilNI #NationalLottery we’ve been afforded the opportunity to make our #WinterCircus more open & accessible with previews for families in community centres throughout #Belfast & a relaxed performance on 18th December http://tumblecircus.com”.
National Trust @nationaltrust tweeted: “Over the last three years #NationalLottery players and @heritagelottery have contributed more than £14 million towards conservation projects supporting places people love. Here’s our way of saying #ThanksToYou: http://ow.ly/Ukac50jPbzb”.
The website lists those taking part in the #ThanksToYou events, which includes a half-price concert in Bristol, free backstage tours at The Lowry and free all-day parking at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Find out what’s on offer up and down the country by following the “#ThanksToYou hashtag on Twitter.
In September this year Camelot, which owns the National Lottery, reported it planned a lottery shake up in response to declining ticket sales. And in April 2018, The Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said Camelot had made profits “well in excess” of what was expected by its original licence. Reported the BBC: “Returns for good causes were only 2% higher in 2016-17 than in 2009-10, while Camelot’s profits rose by 122%.”
A Camelot spokesman said it was working to “maximise returns to good causes”.
Since its launch in 2014, the National Lottery has made more than 5,000 millionaires: in top place is the South East with 691 millionaires, followed in second place by the Midlands with 687. Scotland boasts 473 National Lottery millionaires, while Northern Ireland has 117. Players must be 16 or over and physically located in the UK or Isle of Man.