Penny-pinched Brits are looking to the National Lottery for an answer to their current financial difficulties.

Figures released this week by Camelot, the lottery operator, revealed that the UK spent a massive £2,559million on lottery tickets in the half year leading up to 27th September, 2008. This represents a massive £181million, or 7.6% increase in ticket sales over the period.

According to the operator now over 70% of the UK adult population play the lottery on a regular basis, with each of us spending an average of £3 a week on lotto draws and scratch cards.

The popularity of automated subscription services that ensure that a player will never miss a draw are growing exponentially with a 32% increase in uptake seen over the 6 month period. Euromillion rollover jackpots and games based on the Beijing Olympics are also drawing in the crowds eager to make easy millions.