Report backs Lottery bets

The bookmaking industry has given a hero's welcome to the Commons' National Heritage Committee Report on the National Lottery, which yesterday urged the Government to permit betting on the outcome of each Saturday's draw.

The report, although praising the Lottery operators, Camelot, for the success of the venture, recognised that its popularity had had an adverse effect on the health of the betting industry.

As a result it recommends that legislation allowing bets to be placed on the weekly draw - betting already takes place in Britain on the result of Ireland's Lotto draw - which would eradicate one of the principal gripes of bookmakers since the first draw in November 1994.

Rob Hartnett, of Coral, said: "We are very pleased with these recommendations, and urge the Government to take them on board.The phrase "level playing field" is often used with reference to the National Lottery and restrictions on bookmakers. We hope these recommendations will have the effect of a rather large steamroller."