Camelot to lose licence to run UK national lottery after 28 years
The Gambling Commission has announced that Allwyn is to take over from Camelot as the operator of the UK national lottery. This would see the first change in operator in 28 years, with Allwyn expected to take over from Camelot in 2024.
The Gambling Commission had four applications to choose from, with the Czech owned company coming out as the preferred candidate. A major element of their bid was the pledge to donate £38bn to good causes over the next 10 years, which comes close to the amount Camelot has raised since becoming the operator of the UK national lottery in 1994.
Allwyn’s chief executive Justin King said: “I’m delighted that Allwyn’s proposal has been deemed the strongest to grow good causes in the safest and most sustainable way possible,” he said. “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.”
The Allwyn operation will take on Camelot’s staff under the UK’s Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations but it is unknown at this stage if this will apply to all of the current Camelot employees.