This episode of Counterpoint with Mike Nesbitt looks at the first year of the National Lottery and at scratch card addiction. The programme explores various issues associated with scratch card lottery, from winners and those struggling with addiction to charity funding.

Back in the studio, Nesbitt and a panel of guests including Rev Jim Rea [East Belfast Mission], Robin Mullan [Director of National Lottery Charities Board] and from Dublin, a journalist, Jim Aughney [Irish Independent] discuss the pros and cons of the National Lottery Fund, gambling and charity funding. A chair reserved for the Camelot representative remained empty as the lottery company was unable to provide Counterpoint with a spokesperson for the programme. Niall Donnelly reports on the results of 100x scratch cards checked during the programme.