New operator takes reins of UK National Lottery

Today a new operator begins its tenure of the UK’s National Lottery, the first time the licence has changed hands in its whole 30-year history.

Allwyn, owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek, was named preferred applicant in March 2022 after the UK Gambling Commission opened applications for the lottery’s fourth 10-year licence.

Under the tenure of former operator Camelot, the lottery has generated more than £48bn for over 700,000 community, sport, art and heritage projects, not to mention the millions of prize winners it has created.

Allwyn stated that it will “build on that success” and is committed to “investing significantly over the coming 10 years to reignite the magic that lies at the heart of The National Lottery.”

In February 2023, Allwyn completed its acquisition of Camelot.

Justin King CBE, chair of Allwyn UK, said: “We are thrilled to become the new operator of The National Lottery. It is a privilege and a responsibility that we take incredibly seriously. Over the next 10 years, our commitment is to increase returns to National Lottery-funded projects and build a legacy of change for good.”

Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn UK, added: “[Today], we start the important process of doing more with The National Lottery for the benefit of future generations. It will be a journey that will take time – but one that has many incredible milestones along the way, offering us more opportunities to reflect on all the good that comes from it.