Since its inception in 1994, the National Lottery, which is run by Camelot Group plc on behalf of the government, has endured a turbulent time, being embroiled in a number of political disputes and disagreements concerning the amount of profit it makes and also the manner in which it has retained its licence. However, it is important to emphasise that the National Lottery has raised many billions of pounds for Good Causes. Camelot began its second licence period in January 2002 facing the prospect of declining participation levels, declining sales and a general waning of enthusiasm among consumers for playing the Lottery. This report assesses the current status of the National Lottery, drawing on exclusive consumer research conducted for Mintel, and predicts its likely future direction.

Since its inception in 1994, the National Lottery, which is run by Camelot Group plc on behalf of the government, has endured a turbulent time, being embroiled in a number of political disputes and disagreements concerning the amount of profit it makes and also the manner in which it has retained its licence. However, it is important to emphasise that the National Lottery has raised many billions of pounds for Good Causes. Camelot began its second licence period in January 2002 facing the prospect of declining participation levels, declining sales and a general waning of enthusiasm among consumers for playing the Lottery. This report assesses the current status of the National Lottery, drawing on exclusive consumer research conducted for Mintel, and predicts its likely future direction.

Mintel last reported on the National Lottery in its report The National Lottery, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, December 1999. Other reports of relevance include.

- Gaming Machines, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, March 2002

- Betting Shops, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, July 2001

- Bingo, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, April 2001

- Casinos, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, January 200

and the forthcoming:

- Gambling, Special Report - UK Report, October 2002

- Casinos, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, December 2002.