Assent for lottery

THE ACT setting up the National Lottery to raise cash for sporting, cultural and charitable causes received Royal Assent last night, heralding a fierce contest between private consortia keen to secure the licence to run it, writes Patricia Wynn Davies.

The Government has hopes that the first draw will be made towards the end of 1994 or early in 1995.

Turnover is expected to exceed pounds 2bn, based on the sale of 40 million pounds 1 tickets each week.

Doubts have, however, been raised over the sums that will actually reach good causes, after accounting for prize money, tax and profits for the promoters.