Camelot said this money was “even more significant at this critical time”.
The company, which has run the Lotto since it began 25 years ago, faces a tough battle to hang on to the lucrative government deal.
Former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond and Czech bookmaker Sazka are likely to put in strong competing bids with the Gambling Commission to recommend a winner, probably early next year.
Camelot, under chief executive Nigel Railton, admitted that lately the lottery had “lost its relevance” with customers unsure of the purpose of the business.
“The National Lottery had lost its relevance,” he said. “No one knew why they were playing some of these games. People had lost why the National Lottery existed.”
The arrival of the virus delayed the beauty parade to award a new 10-year franchise to run the lotto. Critics say Camelot will be lucky to retain the deal.
Former Labour Culture Secretary Chris Smith previously criticised Camelot and its executives for a culture of excessive executive pay.
Camelot says it has “raised” more than £41 billion for Good Causes since 1994. Critics claim it simply promotes gambling.
The company admits the chances of scooping the biggest prize are 45 million to one.
