(LONDON) Allwyn welcomes today’s statement from the Gambling Commission declaring the company has been selected as the Preferred Applicant of the Fourth National Lottery Licence. Allwyn’s detailed and expert-led proposal, led by Bid Chair Sir Keith Mills, was judged to be the best way of growing returns to good causes by revitalising The National Lottery in a safe and sustainable way. The company will now work to deliver on its comprehensive transition plan, led by its Chair, Justin King. 

The implementation of Allwyn’s transition plan will ensure a smooth handover from the current operator, Camelot, which has operated The National Lottery since its inception in 1994.  Allwyn will be responsible for the lottery’s day-to-day operations from 1 February 2024. 

Led by Sir Keith, Allwyn UK has built a team of local experts who work closely with Allwyn Entertainment’s lottery brands across Europe to both learn and share best practice in lottery operations, with a particular focus on how to improve draw-based games.  The Gambling Commission’s selection of Europe’s largest private lottery operator as its Preferred Applicant means The National Lottery will benefit from Allwyn’s unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The decision is also a welcome signal to businesses in Europe who are considering investment in post-Brexit Britain.  

Allwyn’s Bid chairman, Sir Keith Mills, commented on the announcement: 

“The National Lottery is a national treasure and we are honoured to have been chosen as its future custodian. With the Gambling Commission having put its trust in us, we can immediately start to enact our exciting plans to deliver The National Lottery back to the heart of our country. We will do this by rekindling the meaning The National Lottery has for each of us, whether as individuals or as part of the communities we live in; whether we play The National Lottery or not.”

Allwyn’s UK chairman, Justin King, commented on the announcement: 

“I’m delighted that Allwyn’s proposal has been deemed the strongest to grow good causes in the safest and most sustainable way possible. 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.”   

Allwyn Entertainment’s CEO, Robert Chvátal, commented: 

“Allwyn Entertainment is a global lottery operator, so we’re thrilled by the opportunity to become the steward of the world’s finest lottery institution. We’ve grown rapidly across Europe since 2012 by investing in lotteries and making them better, and we intend to build on this phenomenal track record in the UK once Allwyn takes control of day-to-day operations in 2024. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on our bid and the Gambling Commission for running a fair and competitive competition”.  

ENDS.