A National Lottery, reviewing economic and social objectives

Abstract

The UK National Lottery was introduced in November 1994 by a private consortium, Camelot Group plc, operating under license from the government, and has without doubt created a major impact in the field of commercial gambling. Although a huge success for Camelot in financial terms, its political success has proved indistinct, while the social impact of state legislated gambling has generated cause for concern from a number of parties.

As the end of the initial license period draws near, this paper looks back to trace the development of today's Lottery products and services. In doing so, it examines the government's initial economic and social objectives behind the establishment of the Lottery, and considers the extent to which these have been achieved, neglected or reformed. Consequently in its examination of policy issues, this paper stands as a proposal of recommendations for future license holders or alternative jurisdictions considering the introduction of a similar operation.

Dr. J.A. Freeman

Department of Economics and Business Studies, University of Huddersdield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK

Tel: +44 1484 47 2024
Fax: +44 1484 47 3148

E-mail: j.a.freeman@hud.ac.uk