UK National Lottery operator Camelot enjoyed record sales in its most recent fiscal year as digital sales exceeded the £2b mark for the first time.

Figures released Tuesday by Camelot UK Lotteries Ltd show the company generated sales of £7.9b in the 12 months ending March 31, an increase of nearly 10% from 2018-19’s £7.2b. The gains came despite the “disruption” at the tail end of the most recent fiscal year due to COVID-19, particularly at the retail level.  

Overall retail sales in 2019-20 totaled £5.45b, representing nearly 70% of annual sales. However, retail sales were up only £74.3m from the previous year, only marginally better than the £73.8m increase reported in 2018-19.

The minimal gains are something of a disappointment given Camelot’s efforts to shore up its land-based business, including adding self-checkout sales at hundreds of Aldi and Asda stores and a trial run at the 800-store Iceland supermarket chain.