Slump in lotto sales a 'glitch' say chiefs

NATIONAL Lottery chiefs have insisted there is still a lot of love for lotto despite the first fall in profits since play began 16 years ago.

Sales of tickets and scratch cards were down by 5 million last year, a fall of just under 1% on their 2001 figure, while profits fell by 2.9 million or 1.6%.

The slump means there will be 2.9m less for the Government to distribute among eligible charities, voluntary groups and sporting and cultural organisations this year.