SALES of the new all-instant-scratch Channel Islands Lottery tickets have exceeded expectations. Gambling Control Committee president Dan Le Cheminant said that ticket sales in Guernsey this year were already approaching the half-million mark. Total sales of instant and jackpot tickets in 2003, excluding the Christmas Charity Draw, were 574,900.

‘It’s a staggering result and this is only the end of April,’ he said.

‘I reckon if it carries on at this rate we will be close to the total figures for last year by the end of June.

‘If ticket sales continue at the current rate for the remainder of the year, overall sales throughout the Channel Islands could easily surpass three million.’

Last year saw sales across the islands of 2.1m.

He hoped the success would continue when responsibility for the lottery is handed over to the Culture and Leisure Department on Friday.

The remainder of the Gambling Control Committee’s responsibilities will fall under the auspices of the Home Department.

‘I hope very much that they will continue with the Christmas Charity Lottery.’

He noted the benefits of the latter. Last year’s proceeds cheque, for more than £78,000, has just been presented to the Association of Guernsey Charities.

‘There are so many people who do so much good work on a voluntary basis. If we can help them in some small way, then that’s really great.’

Deputy Le Cheminant joined the committee in 1997.

‘To be able to hand over the lottery when it’s so successful is something that I’m quite proud of. I couldn’t have done that without my colleagues. Since I’ve been there, they’ve been marvellous. The staff have been excellent as well.’