Allwyn Gets Fourth UK Lottery Licence

This week the UK Gambling Commission chose operator Allwyn Entertainment as its operator for the next UK National Lottery, transitioning from Camelot for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Allwyn is based out of the Czech Republic and was formerly known as Sazka. The company has an extensive base of operations throughout Europe, running lotteries in Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Austria. It also has designs on the North American market, and is planning to list on the New York Stock Exchange.

Camelot has been running the UK National Lottery since 1994, but lost out to Allwyn in this latest series of bids. Camelot has been named as the National Lottery's reserve applicant, and if issues arise, could take over functioning of the lottery in the future.

"In its lifetime, the National Lottery has raised more than £45bn for good causes and is rightly seen as a great national asset," said UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes. "I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence - one that maximises returns to good causes, promotes innovation, delivers against our statutory duties and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.

"We look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth handover."

Camelot will continue to run the lottery until February 2024, and in the meantime will work with Allwyn to facilitate a smooth transition of lottery services.