UK lotto to double in cost

Camelot, operator of the United Kingdom’s National Lottery, will double ticket prices for its weekly draws from GBP 1 to GBP 2 from October 3, 2013, it said Tuesday.

Camelot said the increase would raise the amount it contributes to good causes while increasing prizes for punters.

The increase, initially proposed in January 2013, is the first since the game began in 1994.  The operator said at the time the increase was need to “rejuvenate and revitalise” the game.

But cash-strapped punters in tough economic times quickly voiced their opinion on the National Lottery’s Facebook page with many saying they wouldn’t play any longer.

Changes to the prize structure include 1 000 guaranteed GBP 20 000 prizes and a GBP 10 million jackpot for the October 5th and 12th Saturday draws.

Prizes will increase from GBP 10 to GBP 25 for three matching numbers and there is anticipated there will be a rise in average jackpot sizes for Saturday draws from GBP 3.9 million to GBP 5 million and GBP 2.1 million to GBP 2.5 million for the mid-week draw.

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