national lottery

Licensing and Regulation of the National Lottery

Whilst the Government has responsibility for developing the policy framework for the National Lottery it remains at arm's length from the regulation and operation of the Lottery.

The regulator of the National Lottery is the National Lottery Commission (NLC), a non-departmental public body.It has five commissioners who are appointed by the Secretary of State. 

The current holder of the licence to operate the National Lottery is Camelot Group plc.

The NLC has no role in making National Lottery grants to the good causes. This is the responsibility of the independent Lottery distributing bodies.

• On the 27 June 2002 DCMS published a consultation document 'Review of Lottery Licensing and Regulation'.
• On the 3rd July 2003 DCMS published the response to the Review of Lottery licensing and regulation consultation document, National Lottery Licensing and Regulation.
• On 26 November 2004, the Secretary of State published her report on the further review of the way in which the  National Lottery is licensed - 'National Lottery Licensing and Regulation Review Decision Document'.
• On 24 May 2005 the National Lottery Bill was reintroduced in the House of Commons and received its Second Reading on 14 June 2005. Amongst other measures, the Bill ensures that the licensing and regulation of the National Lottery continues to maximise the returns for good causes.