Minister pledges retention of retailers’ Lotto margin

The National Lottery has confirmed the sale of a €38m EuroMillions ticket in Dublin

Move welcomed by lobby groups ahead of sale of National Lottery Licence

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Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has pledged his commitment to protecting the business interests of National Lottery Agents. The Minister said that bidders for the licence must maintain the current retail agent’s margin. At launch of the competition for the award of a 20 year license to operate the National Lottery, Minister Howlin identified three key elements of the competitive process, one of which included ‘current arrangements for retailer commission will be maintained’.

The commitment to margins has been welcomed by retailing lobby groups. The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) president Joe Sweeney said: "Since the announcement of the tendering process NFRN Ireland has met department officials, party members and members of the opposition to discuss the matter. Our message was always centred on the business interests of our members and protecting the jobs they currently provide, particularly in the current operating climate. Our lobbying efforts culminated in a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation during which all aspects of the challenges that face retailers were discussed, this included the terms and conditions of National Lottery agents."

The news was also welcomed by independent shop owners group, RGDATA. "This is welcome news for hard pressed retailers who are struggling to keep their shops viable and keep their staff in jobs. The Minister has listened to our concerns and we are relieved to see that the maintenance of the current modest retail agent’s margin is on of the key elements that those applying for the 20 year National Lottery Licence," said RGDATA director general Tara Buckley.

"Independent retailers are also pleased to see that Minister Howlin has also ensured that the ongoing contribution for good causes will be set at 65% of Gross Gaming Revenues. Our members are community retailers and they understand how important these funds are for communities throughout the country," said Buckley.

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