2012 fundraising ahead of schedule

The National Lottery operator Camelot announced today that sales have reached £16.3 million - £2.3 million ahead of target.

The National Lottery will contribute up to £1.5 billion to the costs of the London Games - £750 million of which will come from specialist games such as 'Go for Gold' and 'Win Gold'.

The most recent of these dedicated games is 'Dash For Cash', offering a £10,000 top prize and overall odds of winning a prize of better than 1 in 5.

The first of the dedicated games in support of London 2012 the scratchcard 'Go For Gold' (above) was launched in July 2005, and was the fastest-selling £1 scratchcard launched by The National Lottery since November 2002.

The game proved so popular that a second edition was issued in September 2005.

Camelot is already preparing to launch more games dedicated to London 2012 during 2006.

Dianne Thompson, Chief Executive of Camelot, said: "We are thrilled that sales of dedicated games in support of London 2012 have got off to such a strong start.

"The fact that sales have exceeded our first year target demonstrates the tremendous enthusiasm with which National Lottery players have embraced the opportunity to help raise the funding required to stage the London Games."

15 May 2006