Fresh from securing the fourth National Lottery licence, Allwyn has outlined its commitment to aiding its development, placing a key emphasis on societal benefits.
Today, the Czech Republic-based operator was announced as the preferred candidate by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), replacing the current incumbent Camelot, who will have held its contract for 30 years upon the expiration of its contract.
Allwyn will now work to deliver on its comprehensive transition plan, ensuring a smooth changeover before it takes full control of the lottery’s day-to-day operations on February 1, 2024.
Allwyn’s bid chairman, Sir Keith Mills, commented: “The National Lottery is a national treasure and we are honoured to have been chosen as its future custodian. With the Gambling Commission having put its trust in us, we can immediately start to enact our exciting plans to deliver the National Lottery back to the heart of our country.
“We will do this by rekindling the meaning the National Lottery has for each of us, whether as individuals or as part of the communities we live in; whether we play the National Lottery or not.”
Upon confirmation of Allwyn’s victory, the National Lottery paid tribute to its commitment to invest and expectation to deliver ‘growth and innovation’ across its products.
“I’m delighted that Allwyn’s proposal has been deemed the strongest to grow good causes in the safest and most sustainable way possible,” added Allwyn’s UK Chairman, Justin King, who will lead the firm’s transition plan.
“The Gambling Commission has run a lengthy and detailed process, and I’ve been extremely impressed by the attention they have paid to the challenges facing the National Lottery over the coming decades. The National Lottery is a vital British institution and we’re focused on ensuring it plays an even bigger part in society by increasing participation, improving safeguards, and giving back more to good causes.”
In order to be named preferred bidder, Allwyn had to beat out competition from Italy’s Sisal Spa and The New Lottery Company.
Camelot, who have held the contract since the lottery’s inception in 1994, were also in the running, and the firm has been named as the reserve applicant.
Robert Chvátal, Allwyn CEO, concluded: “Allwyn Entertainment is a global lottery operator, so we’re thrilled by the opportunity to become the steward of the world’s finest lottery institution. We’ve grown rapidly across Europe since 2012 by investing in lotteries and making them better, and we intend to build on this phenomenal track record in the UK once Allwyn takes control of day-to-day operations in 2024.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on our bid and the Gambling Commission for running a fair and competitive competition.”
