Great Britain: Allwyn Receives Official Lottery License

Camelot retreats

The UKGC did not take the previous license holder Camelot into account when awarding the licenseigt. Of course, no one there wanted to be satisfied with that, so the matter went to court. Camelot was also partly right in challenging the legality of the procurement process. But the provider, which had to fight on several fronts at the same time, has now peacefully withdrawn from the race, probably also because the legal dispute could lead to delays on the one hand and financial losses on the other.

The way is now clear

At the end of the process, Allwyn is confirmed as the winnerigt. This means that the way is now clear for the license to operate the National Lottery to be officially awarded to the Czech applicant who prevailed in the process. Allwyn was awarded the contract after pledging to increase funding for charitable and social issues to £38 billion over the next ten years - almost doubling it.

"We are pleased to have officially awarded the fourth license to Allwyn following a highly successful competition and the court's decision to lift the stay of the procurement process. We now look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and efficient handover. I am confident that Allwyn and the key changes to the fourth license will maximize returns for charity, encourage innovation, meet our legal obligations and ultimately protect the unique status of the National Lottery." - Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the UKGC, Press release

At Allwyn the preparation begins

Allwyn's new license holders now have 16 months to go before this new chapter in the National Lottery's history can begin. An office has now been opened in Watford to ensure that Allwyn and Camelot can work together to make the transition and handover a success. In addition to doubling funding for charitable purposes, a stated goal is to bring back safer draw games and ensure the safety of all players.

"Today's award officially marks a new beginning for the National Lottery. We have exciting plans for this important and valued institution. Crucially, we will raise even more proceeds for good causes across the country, enhancing the gaming experience with the latest technology and ensuring safe participation." - Justin King, Chairman of Allwyn, Press release

Lotto license is being adjusted

The UKGC has initiated some changes to the lottery license in order to realistically ensure innovations and budget adjustments. All of this will come into effect when the permit passes into Allwyn's hands in November 2024. What is new is that the licensee is better controlled and supervisedigt to ensure that he fulfills his obligations and takes them seriously. Allwyn also gains new flexibility to keep its lottery offering up to date with technological developments.

"The entire Allwyn team is very proud to be taking responsibility for the growth of the National Lottery over the next decade. In our bid proposals we have set out our plans to win back customers who have stopped playing and to attract a new generation of players to the National Lottery by delivering new games and technologies that capture the nation's imagination." - Sir Keith Mills, Chairman during the Fourth National Lottery Concession Competition, Press release

The term is ten years

Allwyn can secure its investments thanks to the ten-year term of the license. To ensure the transition is secured, the UKGC is in the process of preparing guidelines for existing lottery outlets. This also serves to ensure a smooth process for all players and also for all companies on the other side. A breath of fresh air is also important so that no complacency sets in. It remains to be seen what kind of impetus Allwyn can bring to the National Lottery.

Great Britain: Allwyn receives official lottery license