LOTTERY CHARITIES FACE £1.3BN LEGAL BATTLE BOMBSHELL

LOTTO good causes could take a £1.3billion hit as a result of a High Court case involving a former porn baron to be heard this week.

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

Richard Desmond is reported to be seeking massive damages from the government-run Gambling Commission after losing in his bid to become the National Lottery operator in 2022 to rival firm Allwyn.

Should the tycoon’s claim be successful the payout would be recovered from cash set aside for good causes, including Creative Scotland, Sport Scotland and the National Lottery Community Fund.

SNP economy spokesman Dave Doogan said: "Broken, Brexit Britain is in enough of a mess without good causes, vulnerable children and local communities bearing the brunt of what could be a colossal hit to funding.

“The fact that this could happen as Rachel Reeves tees up a budget that is widely expected to be devastating for hard-pressed families makes this all the more alarming.”