Lotto funding to good causes has dropped by over €70 million in eight years

Lotto’s new owners have blamed a reduction in sales on the dwindling amount.

THE AMOUNT OF CASH given to the Exchequer by National Lottery for good causes has dropped €72 million in just eight years.

In 2008, the lotto gave €265 million for charitable causes compared to just €193 million last year, a drop of over 27%.

Since 2008,the amount of money has been steadily declining.

Figures released to the Oireachtas break down exactly how much was given to the Exchequer for good causes.

2008: €265m
2009: €275m
2010: €250m
2011: €230m
2012: €220m
2013: €210m
2014: €178m
2015: €193m
2016 (to date): €141m

Decline

The National Lottery was taken over by a private company in 2014 but still must give the public coffers money for charity.

Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), who now run the lotto, said it expects to increase the amount of money this year.

Lotto funding Statista Statista

A statement from PLI said: “The distribution of good cause funding by government department is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in accordance with the National Lottery Act 2013.

In taking over operation of the National Lottery in November 2014, Premier Lotteries Ireland faced a challenging retail environment, which continued into 2015.

“However, the decline in sales has been reversed by making significant investment and changes to the way in which Lottery is played in Ireland.

“Since making the changes to the flagship Lotto game in September 2015, PLI sales are much improved with figures for 2016 up over 10% on this time last year. The new games and increased jackpot rollovers have generated huge player interest.”

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