Overall ticket sales were up 14% to £3.92bn ($5.04bn) for the first half of its financial year, with "returns to good causes" also up 11%.

Digital sales grew by 40%, with prize money up 13%, while retail sales increased 5%.

CEO Nigel Railton said: "Our recent commercial successes give us a fantastic platform on which to build, as we ramp up to next year and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"What’s more, as CEO of Camelot, I can tell you the team here that put in place the strategic review is only two years into a long-term plan – so we feel like we’re just getting started."

Recently, Camelot pulled its £10 scratchcards from circulation due to concerns they might be aiding players suffering from gambling addictions.

A year ago, the Gambling Commission said it was seeking bidders for the UK National Lottery from 2023 onwards.

Camelot has been the lottery’s only operator since its inception in 1994.