No National Lottery approach to Guernsey - States

There has been no approach by the UK National Lottery to the States of Guernsey about selling tickets on the island, it has been revealed in the States.

President of the Committee for Home Affairs Rob Prow said because there had been no approach, his board had not considered whether tickets should be sold here.

He was questioned in the States by Deputy Lester Queripel on the subject as a review into the Channel Islands' Christmas Lottery is taking place, with Mr Queripel adding, "there must be thousands of islanders who want to purchase national lottery tickets".

Current laws mean it is illegal to sell UK lottery tickets in Guernsey. The National Lottery has been contacted for comment.

Mr Prow said if there was an approach from the UK National Lottery it would be his committee that would consider it as it had responsibility for local gambling laws.

Every year, the States assists in the operation of the Channel Islands' Christmas Lottery, where the proceeds go to local organisations.

A review of how it is operated has been commenced, with a focus on whether some of the scratch cards should continue to be sold.

When pressed about whether his committee would consider approaching the UK National Lottery, Mr Prow said: "If a case was made by deputies or by committees of this States, of course the Committee for Home Affairs would consider it.

"But it would be a matter for this assembly to change that law."

Deputy Peter Roffey added there would also need to be a change to the laws in the UK as well, to allow tickets to be sold outside the UK.

Deputy John Gollop said historically the States had been concerned about the National Lottery undermining the local lottery.

He argued there may now be a case for a portion of the National Lottery proceedings going to Guernsey-based charities.

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