Allwyn has vehemently denied reports that the Russian invasion of Ukraine could have repercussions for its business.
This week it was reported that an investor presentation for Allwyn warned: “The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and related sanctions could negatively impact us.”
However, the preferred applicant for the fourth National Lottery licence has stated this note is a ‘standard risk factor’ that most companies are highlighting in response to the current conflict in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Allwyn stated: “The potential impact of sanctions is a standard risk factor that virtually every US-listed company with international operations is making in light of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“As is self-evident to any fair-minded person who reads it, the inclusion of sanctions as a risk factor in our New York Stock Exchange listing presentation is a reflection of the current global climate, akin to the possible impacts of Covid-19, not an indication of a specific threat to Allwyn.”
The UK Gambling Commission’s preferred bidder to lead the National Lottery from 2024 had been criticised for owner Karel Komarek’s joint venture with Russian energy firm Gazprom, however, both Komarek and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab alleviated those concerns, citing that the Czech businessman is a ‘very public critic’ of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Raab told the House of Commons last month: “I understand that Allwyn’s owner Mr Komarek, who has long criticised the Putin regime, is in discussions with the Czech Republic Government over its joint venture with Gazprom and removing its involvement.”
