Italian Lottery Operator To Bid Against Camelot

A surprise new bidder has been reported for the UK national lottery in the form of Italian lottery operator Sisal. According to reports over the weekend by the Telegraph newspaper Sisal has the backing of investment firm CVC Capital Partners and is also working with the Barnardo’s charity.

Sisal operates Italy’s most popular lottery and is owned by CVC Capital Partners who acquired the business back in 2016, CVC is well known to the gambling industry as it once controlled Sky Betting & Gaming before selling of their stake in the online gambling business.

Now Sisal who before has not looked outside its own borders will make a major effort with the help of Bernardo’s to advise on raising funds for charitable causes should Sisal win their bid.

Barnado’s chief executive Javed Khan added: “Our involvement will strengthen the partnership’s focus on player protection and responsible play, whilst deepening understanding of the UK charity sector and how it works to make a difference in the heart of local communities.”

Already a confirmed bidder is the Sazka Group who currently is the largest European lottery operator and are building a team to make their bid again current UK lottery operator Camelot who have run the UK lottery since it was established some 27 years ago.

Whoever the winning bidder will be will be awarded a 10 year license starting in 2023.