Fairness in the UK Lottery
» The UK lottery is one competition that is regulated independently
Aside from the many lottery scams that exist and the fake emails promising great riches, the UK lottery is one competition that is regulated independently to make sure the draws are fair and just.
The UK Lottery has been run by a company called Camelot since it began in 1994, and they keep around 5p from every pound for profit. The rest is used as prize money, good causes and taxes. A body called The National Lottery Commission (formerly knows as Oflot) regulates the Lotto making sure the game is fair.
For example, The Lottery Commission will ensure that prize monies are paid immediately. They will also check the identities of people who win over £50.000 but Camelot respects the anonymity of winners who request it.
They also make sure the lottery is transparent; that is; all the rules and guidelines on how to play and how to claim are clearly displayed.
If a player feels that they have been unfairly treated then they can complain directly to the commission.
Even though the actual draws are held on national television (apart from the Daily Play), there are strict guidelines to the process so that the results cannot be rigged For example there is security guarding the balls and the machines and there is always an independent adjudicator present to make sure everything has been done fairly. In the UK, PricehouseCoopers, a large accountancy firm does this for the Lotto and for the Euro-Millions, a representative from Ernst and Young takes on this role.
A member of the commission will attend a Wednesday draw, a Saturday Draw and one Daily Play draw at a minimum each month to make sure that procedures are being followed.
Where Camelot is found in breach of security or running any of the Lottery competitions unfairly, the Lottery Commission has the right to take away the licence (in extreme circumstances), or generally, impose fines for any misconduct.
As well as the actual draws, Camelot is also supposed to regulate who buys tickets; for example, people under 16 are not allowed to buy tickets and cannot claim any winnings. As a result undercover agents were sent to different retailers to see if young looking people were asked for ID. Those who failed three times had their kiosks removed.
As well as being one of the most generous tax free lotteries in the world, the UK Lotto is also extremely well regulated and has been run by the same company since it started. Despite minor hiccups, they have never been accused of rigging the results or of any fraudulent activity. Because the lottery is also a vehicle for good causes and funding money, it is tightly regulated and there is a system in place for any problems that may arise. This makes the UK lottery a great game to play; at least you know you will be getting a fair shot at the jackpot!
