The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed that the final applications for the Fourth National Lottery license competition have been submitted and are now ready for review.
UKGC said it has received four full applications, the largest number since the first competition began in 1994.
Although the identities of the applications weren’t confirmed by the UKGC, it is believed that competing for the multi-billion pound lottery tender are the current incumbents of the license, Camelot; Italy’s Sisal SpA; India’s Sugal & Damani and the Czech Republic’s Sazka Group under the UK identity of Allwyn.
Following the submission, the applications will now be evaluated, with each applicant expected to provide a presentation to UKGC. The Commission’s lead advisory group, Rothschild & Co, will help to facilitate the presentations and the evaluations process.
The commission announced it will aim to announce the preferred applicant in ‘early 2022’, with the license period expected to begin in early 2024.
John Tanner, Executive Director of 4NLC, said, “We are delighted by the final number of applications we have received, which is unprecedented since the start of the National Lottery.
“The Commission will now evaluate these applications in a clear and robust process. Our job is to run the best competition we possibly can – one that is open and fair and results in the best outcome for players and good causes.
“We look forward to appointing a licensee that will build on the National Lottery’s legacy and maximise the opportunities for innovation and creativity whilst protecting the special status of the National Lottery.”