Lottery terminals ‘not for bills’

National Lottery operator Camelot has been refused permission to use its terminals to allow consumers to pay bills or top up mobile phones.

The National Lottery Commission (NLC) said it had “serious concerns” about EU competition law if Camelot were to use terminals for “ancillary activities”.

Competitors had argued Camelot would have an unfair advantage.

Camelot had hoped to add the services to as many as 17,000 terminals in shops in an attempt to increase revenues.

“The Commission is here to protect the long term propriety of the National Lottery and the £1.6bn it raises annually for good causes,” said the NLC.

“We cannot, as a public body, consent to the proposal that is before us when doing so may place us in breach of European competition law.”