Gambling Commission could take action against Allwyn over National Lottery delays
It’s been reported that the regulator may take enforcement action over a missed milestone in the National Lottey’s modernisation.
UK.- The Czech lottery giant Allwyn (formerly Sazka) made some big promises to prise the UK National Lottery away from Camelot during the Gambling Commission’s tender back in 2022. Perhaps too big, because it seems that the British gambling regulator may be losing patience with delays.
The Times has reported that the Gambling Commission is considering possible enforcement measures against Allwyn with regards the fulfillment of commitments made during its bid for what is the fourth National Lottery licence period.
Allwyn, which eventually bought Camelot, took the helm of the lottery under its own licence in February 2024 but has reportedly failed to met certain contractual milestones, including those related to digital system upgrades. It’s also not yet met its promise to reduce ticket prices for the main draw from £2 to £1.
The regulator said it would not comment on specific cases until a decision has been taken, but confirmed that it has the power to emit warnings or financial penalties.
“Where the Gambling Commission decides to commence enforcement action, the process is investigative in nature. We do not usually talk about individual cases. We may publish information about enforcement cases once they are complete,” it said.
Allwyn says it stick by its pledge to modernising the National Lottery and that it has assigned £350m for improvements, but that the transition required careful testing and also depended on third-party suppliers.
It said: “Our investment will help restore the magic to The National Lottery. But the shift from outdated systems is complex and requires robust testing. We will deliver essential upgrades over the coming year. We are working at pace to complete this transformation as soon as possible.”
The company stressed that it remains commited to returns at £1.6bn to good causes in its first year of operation. “Allwyn remains confident that its plans will deliver on the ambition to double weekly returns to good causes from £30m a week to £60m by the end of the licence,” it said.
