Fourth UK National Lottery licence appeal discontinued

IGT has dismissed its appeal and stated that it will no longer pursue a claim for damages against the UK Gambling Commission.

Since the UK National Lottery began in 1994, the licence, granted every 10 years, has been held by Camelot. The current – third – licence was initially due to expire in 2023. However, back in August 2020, UKGC launched a competition to award the fourth licence.

After Allwyn, owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek, was named preferred applicant in March 2022, Camelot and its technology partner IGT asked the Court of Appeal to appeal the decision. They later both withdrew their appeal and pursued in damages only.

In February 2023, Allwyn completed its acquisition of Camelot.

Now the Court of Appeal has granted IGT’s request to dismiss its appeal.

“We remain resolute that we have run a fair and robust competition, and that our evaluation has been carried out fairly and lawfully in accordance with our statutory duties,” the UKGC declared in a statement.

“Allwyn has committed to investment in the National Lottery that is expected to deliver growth and innovation across the National Lottery’s products and channels, resulting in increased contributions to good causes, subject to the protection of participants and propriety.”

Due to the appeal, the third licence was extended for six months. The fourth National Lottery licence is due to be granted on February 1.