Millionaire Raffle controversy
19th November 2009 11:57 AM
On Friday of last week the first ever Euromillions Millionaire Raffle was drawn and as the name implies, a millionaire was made. However there appears to be a little Millionaire Raffle controversy as players question why it is expected that the extra cost to participate is made when with the UK National Lotteries Dream Number, a similar game to Millionaire Raffle, is optional. Should players be able to opt in or out for the Millionaire Raffle?
Although the cost of the new Millionaire Raffle is fractional, just 50p, shouldn’t all players be given the choice rather than it being required to play the Euromillions game. Ok, so players now have an extra chance of becoming a millionaire but unlike Dream Number from the UK National Lottery, you don’t get to choose whether to play or not. So why the additional game? Is it because of the strength of the Euro? Europe have long been paying €2 for a Euromillions ticket but historically, see the table below, the pound has always been stronger against the Euro.
Data taken from XE.com – value of €2 to GBP
| Date | GBP |
| 19/11/2009 | 1.79 |
| 19/02/2009 | 1.77 |
| 19/11/2008 | 1.66 |
| 19/02/2008 | 1.51 |
| 19/11/2007 | 1.43 |
| 19/02/2007 | 1.35 |
The first ever draw for the Euromillions took place on 13th February 2004 and since inception we have seen the exchange difference between the Euro and Pound fluctuate but of late the difference is marginal and could be the reason for the addition of the Millionaire Raffle.
How long before we see a drop in numbers of players buying Euromillions tickets because they feel they are simply improving the bottom line for Camelot? We at World Lottery don’t think it will be too long before something gives with regard to the Millionaire Raffle.
Written by Lottie McDonald
Page Last Updated: 08/12/2009 10:10:38
