National Lottery Celebrates Record 2016
New National Lottery statistics have shown that more millionaires were created in 2016 than any other year. There were 347 prizes of at least £1 million given away up to the point when the information was published, up from 341 in 2015, with £862 million paid out to new millionaires in total.
Lotto Records
In a record-breaking year for Lotto in 2016, the highest jackpot in the game’s history was won in January when two players split £66 million. A lucky participant scooped the largest prize won on a single ticket when they picked up £35.1 million on 6th April.
Who’s The Luckiest?
The new statistics have also revealed that drivers were in the luckiest profession for the year, with cabbies and lorry drivers mopping up more of the big prizes than workers from other jobs. Any driver whose birthday fell between 22nd August and 22nd September may have been particularly successful, as Virgo emerged as the luckiest star sign for 2016.
Good Causes
The National Lottery’s Good Causes Fund receives 28p from every £1 spent on games such as Lotto, EuroMillions and Thunderball, and the difference it makes was clearly on display in 2016. Over £30 million continued to be raised for worthy projects every week, and the 500,000th Good Causes grant was awarded last year. Over 442 British film projects were supported, while the funding given to sports stars contributed to Team GB winning 214 medals across the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
More to Come
Over £61 billion in prizes has now been paid out since the launch of the National Lottery, and players are sure to propel the figure even higher in 2017 as Lotto, EuroMillions and Thunderball continue to offer great jackpots. The top prize in EuroMillions is up to £31 million for Friday’s draw after a rollover last night, while £2 million is available if anyone can win the first Lotto draw of the year tonight. Good luck!
Published: Wednesday 4th January 2017Lottery News News Archive