UK National Lottery License Transfers From Camelot to Allwyn Entertainment

After 28 years with Camelot, the UK National Lottery license is changing hands. Allwyn Entertainment now has a 10-year deal to run the lottery, and the transition has already started. 

A New Home for the National Lottery 

The UK Gambling Commission has entered into an enabling agreement with Allwyn to ensure a smooth transition from Camelot. 

A few changes are expected, and these will improve the customer experience, while the licensee perspective is also set for a shake-up. The operator incentive mechanism will change to better align with returns for good causes, while a retail charter and greater flexibility for the license holder will also feature in the new agreement. 

A Contested Handover

The switch to Allwyn has been contested by Camelot, which has held the license since the UK National Lottery launched in 1994. Along with IGT, their technology partner, Camelot challenged the handover in court, claiming the UKGC did not provide a proper explanation for the change in operator.  

The High Court automatically suspended the decision, but Camelot withdrew the action in September, not wanting a lengthy legal fight to affect money for good causes.

“We are pleased to have officially awarded the fourth licence to Allwyn following a highly successful competition and the court’s decision to lift the suspension on the award process,” said Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes. “We now look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth and efficient handover.''

Comments From Allwyn

David Craven, CEO of Allwyn has said, “I am confident that Allwyn and the key changes for the fourth licence will maximise returns to good causes, promote innovation, deliver against our statutory duties and ultimately protect the unique status of the National Lottery.”

“This moment signals a time for a change for the National Lottery,” he said. “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 boost performance leading to increased contributions to good causes responsibly. We look forward to welcoming the existing Camelot colleagues in Watford to be part of this new, exciting chapter,”