Virgin makes a bid for UK Lottery

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is backing Virgin's bid to become the next UK National Lottery operator. Gates said last Sunday that the software giant will provide the technology to sell lottery tickets in shops, over the internet, and through interactive television and mobile phones if Virgin's bid is successful. The bid faces stiff competition from Camelot, which has the support of the Post Office. Camelot's licence expires in September 2001.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is backing Virgin's bid to become the next UK National Lottery operator. Gates said last Sunday that the software giant will provide the technology to sell lottery tickets in shops, over the internet, and through interactive television and mobile phones if Virgin's bid is successful. The bid faces stiff competition from Camelot, which has the support of the Post Office. Camelot's licence expires in September 2001.