National Lottery: Contribution to Good Causes

Baroness Lampard Excerpts

Monday 10th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

My noble friend is correct that Allwyn is committed to increasing the amount of funding going to good causes over the course of the licence—from £30 million to £60 million a week. The Gambling Commission has direct oversight of Allwyn and its implementation of the technology transformation needed to realise its bid commitments, to ensure that these are delivered safely and effectively. In addition, I have met with Allwyn on a couple of occasions, including last Wednesday, to receive additional assurance around delivery.

[Baroness Lampard (Non-Afl)]

May I remind the Minister that the National Lottery is a gambling exercise? With that in mind, what contribution is the new lottery operator making, or does it intend to make, towards research, education and treatment of gambling harms? Do the Government consider that the contribution is fair and adequate, given the significant number of problem gamblers who participate in the lottery? During my time as chair of GambleAware, the lottery’s contribution towards research, education and treatment of gambling harms could only be described as derisory.

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The fourth licence requires Allwyn to contribute to research, prevention and treatment for gambling-related harm, or we will make a payment of £1.6 million annually, which triples the amount given under the third licence.