Allwyn refutes UK MP’s suggestion of Russia link after National Lottery award

Allwyn has responded after a British MP voiced concerns in parliament over the decision to grant it the next National Lottery licence.

UK.- We’ve yet to see a UK National Lottery tender that didn’t end in some kind of controversy, and it seems that the recently defined contest for the fourth National Lottery licence will be no different.

This week, Britain’s Gambling Commission named Allwyn, formerly SASKA, as its preferred applicant for the licence that’s due to start in 2024, but it’s unlikely we’ve heard the end of the matter.

While the current incumbent Camelot says it’s “considering its options” (it took legal action last time it lost a tender), Dean Russell, MP for Watford, has expressed concerns about the Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) decision.

Speaking in parliament at Prime Minister’s Questions, the Conservative MP brought up alleged links between Allwyn and Russia.

Citing reports that Allwyn’s chairman, Kamel Komarek, is connected with a joint-venture with Russia’s state-backed energy giant Gazprom, he asked whether it was appropriate for the operator to be awarded the National Lottery contract at a time when Russia is facing sanctions.

He also raised concerns about the future of Camelot’s staff, which are based in his constituency of Watford, with Camelot a major local employer.

He said: “Camelot is one of the largest employers in Watford, and its employees have worked tirelessly to successfully run the National Lottery for decades They play an important role in communities across the UK, many local communities and good causes, including in my constituency. 

“So while I clearly declare an interest in the Gambling Commission’s decision yesterday not to appoint the next licence to Camelot, I do wonder, given the current situation in Ukraine, if my right honourable friend considered it appropriate, that the next licence holder as the operator of the National Lottery is known to have a joint venture with Gazprom?”

Deputy prime minister Dominic Raab, who was replacing Boris Johnson at questions, replied that Komarek is an opponent of Vladimir Putin’s regime and is in talks about ending his involvement with the Gazprom joint venture. 

He said” “I understand that Allwyn’s owner Mr. Komarek, who has long criticised the Putin regime, is in discussions with the Czech Republic Government over its joint venture with Gazprom and removing its involvement.”

Allwyn condemns Russian invasion

Allwyn and KKCG have publicly condemned Russia’s military action. They have converted one of their offices in Prague into a centre for Ukrainian refugees and the Komárek Family Foundation has sent trucks with food, mattresses, hygiene products and other supplies to Lyiv in Ukraine.

In a statement on Allwyn’s website, Komarek said: “The sad reality is that a party in the UK wishes to use the war in Ukraine as part of a distasteful and shameful attempt to discredit Allwyn’s team and bid to operate the National Lottery. This speaks to their character, not ours or mine.”