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Yesterday, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced Allwyn Entertainment is the new operator of the UK’s National Lottery for the next four years.The tender, which has spanned over the last 18 months will see Allwyn take over the reins from Camelot which has operated the lottery since it began back in 1994.
Allwyn Entertainment
Allwyn, formerly known as the SAZKA Group, has marked the new acquisition as a major expansion to its portfolio which includes SAZKA Lottery in the Czech Republic, OPAP in Greece and Cyprus, Austrian lotteries, and Italian lottery Gioco.Over the past 18 months, various companies have bid for the operating license for the National Lottery including Italian lottery company Sisal SPA, the new Lottery Company owned by Norther-7-Shell media group, and current license operator Camelot.Allwyn will be given a 22-month transition period to take over the National Lotteries operations and services.
£45 billion Raised for Good Causes
Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes 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.“I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth license – one that maximises returns to good causes, promote innovation, delivers against our statutory duties, and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.”Announced last month, Sainsbury’s CEO Sir Justin King is to be appointed as Chairman of UK Business for Allwyn if the company is successful in the bidding war for the fourth National Lottery license.Founder of Allwyn, Karel Komarek said, “Our proposal was judged to be the best way of growing returns to good causes by revitalising The National Lottery in a safe and secure way.“This appointment of Allwyn will breath fresh life into the National Lottery. In Allwyn, the Gambling Commission has selected a strong team with an impressive track record of improving lotteries. We will immediately work to deliver a comprehensive transition plan to look forward to transforming The National Lottery, making it better for everyone.”