Holidaymakers get the ‘Fingers Crossed Feeling’ as National Lottery sales surge
Portrush is one of the top towns for National Lottery ticket summer sales, it has been revealed.
New research from The National Lottery has unveiled some of the UK’s best-loved seaside destinations and airport locations become Lottery hotspots during the summer months.
The findings show that coastal towns across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland enjoy significant increases in National Lottery retail sales during July and August, suggesting that sunshine, time off with family and friends, and that unmistakable holiday feeling can fuel a sense of optimism.
Airport retail outlets also recorded strong growth in National Lottery sales during July and August, suggesting that the feel-good holiday mindset leaves travellers feeling more optimistic and more likely to embrace a sense of possibility.
Whether enjoying a day at the beach or returning home from a summer getaway, people appear to be feeling more positive, hopeful and inclined to dream big, with many extending that holiday feel-good factor by crossing their fingers and imagining what it would be like to win a life-changing National Lottery prize.
Leading the pack for coastal towns is the picturesque Cornish harbour town of Padstow, where National Lottery sales during July and August 2025 were 27.3% higher than across the rest of the year.
It is not the only seaside locations where holidaymakers appear to be feeling lucky. Portrush in Northern Ireland recorded a 23.0% uplift, while Tenby in Wales saw sales increase by 21.8%. Fellow Cornish favourite St Ives also enjoyed a significant summer boost, with sales rising by 19.5%.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery said: “Whether it’s a family holiday in Wales, fish and chips on the Cornwall coast or a long-awaited summer getaway, our findings suggest that summer is the season when the nation really gets that ‘fingers crossed’ feeling.
“Being on holiday often gives people the chance to switch off from everyday life and dream a little bigger. It’s fascinating to see that reflected in National Lottery sales last year across some of Britain’s most popular destinations, and we’re seeing the same trend in sales so far this summer.
“And with New Lotto now making more millionaires than ever before, with more than 100 millionaires already created this year, there’s never been a better moment to believe that it could be you.”
