Camelot Lose Out On National Lottery Bid To Allwyn

In what is a shock announcement The UK Gambling Commission has named Allwyn Entertainment as the “preferred applicant” to run the UK National Lottery.

Many observers and indeed Allwyn themselves believed current incumbent Camelot who has run the nations lottery since its launch in 1994 was going to be named the preferred applicant.

In fact Allwyn had already launched a high court challenge to the expected outcome.

Allwyn is part of Czech billionaire Karel Komarek’s gambling empire who runs multiple lotteries and gambling businesses in Europe. His wealth is estimated at nearly £6 billion and was involved in gambling interests in Russia but has sold them off over recent years, he still does have an investment thou in Russian energy company Gazprom.

Camelot have been named the “reserve candidate” should Allwyn fail the fit and proper candidate to run the lottery. If it succeeds it will take over the lottery fully in 2024 for the next ten years.

It has been reported that Camelot led the bidding in the points scoring system the UK Gambling Commission used in all areas except for projected returns to good causes.

Andrew Rhodes, Gambling Commission Chief Executive Officer, said:

“In its lifetime, the National Lottery has raised more than £45 billion for good causes and is rightly seen as a great national asset.

“Our priority was to run a competition that would attract a strong field of candidates. Having received the most applications since 1994, it is clear that we’ve achieved just that.

“I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence – one that maximises returns to good causes, promotes innovation, delivers against our statutory duties, and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.

“We look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth handover.”