Prize bond sales hit record €143.2m

PRIZE BOND sales hit a record high of €143.2 million in 2007, the 50th anniversary of their launch.

Repayments to existing bond holders amounted to €102.9 million, resulting in net sales of €40.3 million for the year. Over the year the total of tax-free prizes paid to lucky winners rose 15% to €15.9m while the value of the prize bonds fund rose 7% to €631.1m.

Sales through the online channel recorded a significant rise of 73% to €19.9m as more people used the internet to buy bonds.