HAVE Brits been depressed by the recession?

Certainly not according to a report from the Global Betting and Gaming Consultants.

We have, in fact, been surviving on hope and Lottery tickets.

Casino and betting revenues have fallen worldwide, but sale of UK Lottery tickets have gone up by 3.9% in the last year, helped by people having a flutter via the internet and mobile phones.

In total, the Lottery raked in almost £5bn.

Warwick Bartlett from the gaming consultants said: “Faced with the prospect and anxiety of dealing with the recession, consumers have turned to the national lotteries for that big win that could set them up for life.”

Ah yes, the chauffeur-driven Bentley to whisk you off to the fish and chip shop, the holiday home on a caravan park in Bridlington and a shopping spree in Primark or even Matalan.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful? I don’t know about you, but I’m still waiting and hoping.