UKGC Withholds National Lottery Sales Data
Regulator cites commercial interests and confidentiality in refusal to release sales figures by postcode, blocking public scrutiny of regional spending.
The UK Gambling Commission has refused to release detailed geographical sales data for National Lottery products, following a Freedom of Information request. The regulator cited commercial confidentiality and the protection of trade secrets as reasons for withholding the information.
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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has refused to release detailed geographical sales data for National Lottery products, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated 25 July 2025.
The request sought a breakdown of sales for both scratch cards and draw-based games by postcode area and region from 2015 onwards. However, the regulator has withheld the information, citing exemptions related to commercial sensitivity and confidentiality.
This decision prevents public analysis of where National Lottery products are most heavily purchased, information that is valuable for researchers and consumer protection advocates examining the links between lottery spending, demographics, and regional deprivation.
Why Was the Information Withheld?
The Gambling Commission confirmed it holds the requested data but has engaged two sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to block its release.
In its response, the regulator explained that the information was provided by the National Lottery operator, Allwyn, under an obligation of confidence. The UKGC argued that disclosing this data would constitute an actionable breach of confidence under Section 41 of the Act. It stated that maintaining such confidentiality is essential for the "free flow of confidential information from operators" needed to perform its regulatory duties.
Furthermore, the Commission invoked Section 43 (Commercial Interests), stating the data constitutes a "trade secret". The UKGC's reasoning, which considered input from Allwyn, is that releasing detailed sales figures could:
- Allow competitors to gain an unfair advantage.
- Negatively impact the National Lottery's ability to raise money for Good Causes.
- Prejudice the commercial interests of Allwyn, the Commission, and the National Lottery itself.
Balancing Public Interest and Commercial Secrecy
The UKGC is required to perform a public interest test when withholding information. While it acknowledged a public interest in transparency and holding the regulator and operator to account, it concluded that the arguments for maintaining the exemption were stronger.
"Disclosure of recent sales statistics could create an opportunity for other market participants to adapt their future commercial behaviour and strategies," the Commission stated. It also warned that disclosure could discourage licensees from providing information to the regulator in the future.
The response noted that some sales information is scheduled for publication in Allwyn's Annual Report and Accounts by the end of June 2025, though it is unlikely to be at the granular, postcode level requested.
For consumers, this decision means that a detailed picture of lottery spending across the UK remains unavailable for public scrutiny. The regulator has prioritised its working relationship with the operator and the protection of commercial data over greater transparency in this instance.