Allwyn installing thousands of new terminals in “generational change” for UK National Lottery
The lottery operator will install more than 30,000 Wave lottery terminals with retail partners in the coming weeks.
UK.- The lottery operator Allwyn has begun installing thousands of new National Lottery terminals in the UK as the next phase of its transformation plan. The company, which replaced Camelot at the helm of the UK National Lottery after 30 years in February 2024, will install more than 30,000 Wave lottery terminals with existing retail partners.
Allwyn began introducing the new terminals earlier this year, installing them at over 8,000 retailers, most of which run Compact Lottery Terminals (CLTs). In the next phase, they will be extended to all retailers. Nearly 4,000 retailers should have new Wave machines to replace their old Altura terminals by the end of August.
The move follows the National Lottery tech upgrade implemented at the start of this month, which included a platform transition and the installation of new terminal software. National Lottery services were halted from 11pm on August 2 until towards the middle of the day on August 4 for the update, after which those retailers that already have Wave machines moved to using the new terminals. Other retailers have so far been using the new software on their old machines.
Allwyn said it expects to install “thousands” of Wave machines every week in September, although it didn’t provide a target completion date for all installations. It says the Wave terminals have a high-speed processor for faster transactions, a larger tilt-adjustable LCD screen, a wireless 1D barcode and 2D code scanners and a play slip reader. The machines also provide additional reporting features.
Director of operations Jenny Blogg described the new terminals as a “generational change”. She said: “We have invested more than £350 million ($471 million) in a comprehensive plan to transform the National Lottery, substantially improving its operations and technology. These will support exciting plans we have for new games, a better player experience and a commitment to double returns to good causes.
“Over the coming months, our team will be delivering and installing thousands of Wave machines every week. We understand the importance of this new technology in enhancing the in-store experience for both retailers and their customers.”
Earlier this month, Allwyn announced the appointment of Kresimir Spajic as CEO of a new business unit called Allwyn Digital. The lottery operator said the move marks an important step in strengthening its digital capabilities.
Allwyn Digital is a new global business area of the group that Allwyn says will support its ambition to “evolve in a more digitally-led and connected way, and deliver engaging experiences Allwyn customers cannot get anywhere else”.
The move comes after the Czech gaming giant, formerly known as Sazka, announced the sale of its German and Australian casino assets. It had a portfolio of 10 land-based casinos in Lower Saxony. Allwyn also entered an agreement to acquire the remaining 15.51 per cent minority interest in the Greece and Cyprus-facing online sports betting and igaming business Stoiximan.
