KEN HOLMES (Letters, August 22) questioned why matching four numbers paid less than matching three numbers in the Lotto draw on August 13.

We had significantly more winners than usual because all six of the main numbers drawn were below 31 – and many players use special dates (like birthdays) as their lucky numbers.

On Lotto, the fixed prizes for Match 3 (£25) are paid out first – so a high number of Match 3 winners will mean less money is available for the other prize tiers.

However, this works both ways. In the draw on August 16, for example, there were fewer than expected Match 3 winners, which meant players won £121 for matching four numbers.

So, while we understand why this particular quirk might look unusual, it is a lottery – and dependent on the numbers drawn and how many people pick them.

Mr Holmes is mistaken in thinking Lotto sales have fallen. The game is back in growth after years of decline and, most importantly, raising substantially more money for projects across the UK.

Miranda Pugh, Head of Media Relations, Camelot.