BBC News | At-a-glance: A history of Ernie, Lucky number

Lucky number

Ernie stands for Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment.

Over the last 50 years, the different Ernies have selected 110 million tax-free prizes worth �7bn.

When Ernie made its public debut in 1957, it was the size of a van. Then, the top prize was just �1,000.

If this Ernie was used today, it would take 73 days to complete a draw.


�At-a-glance:�A history of Ernie

	Lucky number Ernie stands for Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment. Over the last 50 years, the different Ernies have selected 110 million tax-free prizes worth �7bn. When Ernie made its public debut in 1957, it was the size of a van. Then, the top prize was just �1,000. If this Ernie was used today, it would take 73 days to complete a draw.