Camelot has apologised after an apparent ‘glitch’ during a live draw of the National Lottery on Wednesday night.
The outgoing licensee – set to be replaced by Allwyn in February 2024 – was airing the National Lottery Lotto draw live on its YouTube channel, as it does each Wednesday evening.
However, confusion reigned this week as a number of errors were noted by players, starting with a delayed start to proceedings.
Then, the Bonus Ball was not announced, and it wasn’t shown when the numbers were displayed in ascending order.
The first ball also appeared blank on the round up, leading to some players in the YouTube live chat demanding a redraw.
Despite backlash from players, Camelot has moved to allay any fears over the integrity of its draw.
“Due to a technical issue with tonight’s Lotto draw live stream, incorrect graphics were displayed,” a Camelot spokesperson told the Liverpool ECHO.
“Please be assured this didn’t affect the Lotto draw itself, which was conducted in front of an independent adjudicator, as always.
“We apologise for any inconvenience.”
Meanwhile, Camelot and Allwyn are to begin work on the transition period ahead of the official National Lottery handover in 2024.
This had previously been delayed due to Camelot’s legal challenge against the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) decision to award the fourth National Lottery licence to Allwyn.
But the current incumbents withdrew its appeal earlier this month, which allowed the UKGC and Allwyn to enter into an Enabling Agreement.
Meetings have already started to take place between the UKGC, Allwyn and Camelot to ensure a smooth transition, and Allwyn has opened a new office in Watford to be near Camelot’s Head Office.