Camelot fined for online problems

Players can set up direct debits online to enter draws

UK lottery operator Camelot has been fined £90,000 over early problems with its online subscriptions service.

An inquiry found faults occurred in 2004, including incorrect charging or crediting of some players' accounts, and failed and duplicate entries.

The National Lottery Commission (NLC) said it was confident affected players had been identified and compensated.

Camelot said the fine was paid from revenue it returns to shareholders, and money to good causes was unaffected.

The subscriptions service allows people to set up direct debits to automatically enter draws.

System of checks

The NLC investigation found that problems with its implementation and initial running in September and October 2004 led to incorrect charging and crediting of some accounts and disruption to draw entries, including failed and duplicate entries.

The commission fined Camelot £75,000 for failing to operate an adequate system of checks and £15,000 for not reporting some incidents to the NLC immediately.

NLC Deputy Chief Executive Annette Lovell said it was satisfied the problems had been dealt with but it would continue to monitor the service.

Camelot has since gone on to develop the most successful interactive lottery in the world Camelot

"While we welcome attempts by the operator to offer new ways of participating in the National Lottery, we will continue to ensure that the interests of players are protected," she said.

Camelot said: "The issue affected a small number of players, and prompt action was taken to ensure that players suffered no financial loss.

"This is a historical issue which occurred in 2004 - and Camelot has since gone on to develop the most successful interactive lottery in the world."

The fines were paid from the 0.5% of its revenues that Camelot returns to shareholders, it said.