Allwyn has vowed to create a ‘bigger, better and safer’ National Lottery as the multi-national operator begins its transition programme.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) confirmed this week that it has formally awarded the fourth National Lottery licence to Allwyn after entering into an Enabling Agreement, which was only made possible by current incumbents Camelot withdrawing its legal appeal against the decision.
Following the Commission’s announcement, Allwyn Chairman Justin King commented: “Today’s award formally marks a fresh start for the National Lottery.
“We have exciting plans for this important and cherished institution, crucially raising even more proceeds for good causes across the country, improving the player experience through the latest technology and ensuring safe participation.
“Everyone at Allwyn is ready to meet the challenge of working under a shortened time frame for transition.
“We look forward to working closely with Camelot’s team over the coming months to ensure the lottery is in its best ever shape when we take the reins in February 2024. “
Camelot’s Head Office is in Watford and that has convinced Allwyn to also open a new office in the Hertfordshire town, ensuring the firms can work collaboratively to deliver a successful transition.
Meanwhile, technology and player protection have been earmarked as key components of Allwyn’s vision for the future of the National Lottery.
Allwyn intends to ‘reinvigorate’ safer draw-based games and discourage excess play, particularly for the vulnerable members of society, with technology set to take a key role in protecting players from gambling harm.
Alongside its strategic partners Scientific Games and Vodafone, Allwyn is also placing an emphasis on working with local small-to-medium enterprises throughout its operations.
“The whole team at Allwyn is immensely proud to be taking on the responsibility for growing the National Lottery over the next ten years,” added Sir Keith Mills, Bid Chair during the fourth National Lottery licence competition.
“In our bid proposals we set out our plans to win back customers that have stopped playing and to bring a new generation of players to the National Lottery by introducing new games and technology to capture the imagination of the nation.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Justin, the Allwyn board and the wider management team to manage the transition as we take over in 2024.”
Allwyn has also pledged to protect the planet through ‘sector-leading’ net zero plans, empower people through greater diversity and accessibility, and support prosperous places by bringing innovation and investment to UK high streets across the country.
Allwyn’s CEO, David Craven, said: “This moment signals a time for change for the National Lottery.
“We have already begun this exciting new chapter; our transformation programme has started with energy and purpose from our Watford based headquarters.
“We must seize this moment, creating the right conditions for the National Lottery to innovate. Our primary transition objective is to responsibly boost performance leading to increased contributions to good causes.
“We look forward to welcoming the existing Camelot colleagues in Watford to be part of this new, exciting chapter.”
