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When Did the National Lottery Start? A UK History
The UK National Lottery held its first ever draw on 19 November 1994. It has since become a national institution, raising tens of billions of pounds for good causes along the way. Here's a short history.
The launch and the early years
The first Lotto draw took place in November 1994, with players choosing six numbers. Scratchcards followed in 1995. For nearly 30 years the lottery was operated by Camelot, until the licence passed to Allwyn in February 2024.
A timeline of the games
- 1994 — the main Lotto draw launches.
- 1995 — National Lottery scratchcards introduced.
- 1999 — Thunderball launches, with its fixed top prize.
- 2004 — EuroMillions arrives, linking the UK with other European countries.
- 2015 — Lotto changes to a 6-from-59 format.
- 2019 — Set for Life launches as the first UK annuity game.
Where the money goes
A significant share of every ticket goes to good causes — supporting sport, the arts, heritage and community projects across the UK. That charitable purpose has been central to the lottery since day one.
Frequently asked questions
When did the National Lottery start?
The first draw was on 19 November 1994.
Who runs it now?
Allwyn took over the licence from Camelot in February 2024.
How much has it raised for good causes?
Tens of billions of pounds since 1994.
Related guides: the odds of winning the lottery, the Thunderball prize breakdown and EuroMillions odds.