Allwyn has been formally awarded the fourth National Lottery Licence.
Announced by the Gambling Commission, the decision follows appeals by Camelot and IGT that prevented the awarding of the licence to Allwyn. Following the decisions by Camelot and IGT to withdraw their respective appeals, and the suspension subsequently being lifted, the Commission has now entered into an ‘Enabling Agreement’ with Allwyn.
The Enabling Agreement is designed to assist all parties in transitioning between licences and provide the framework for implementation. Meetings between the Gambling Commission, Allwyn and Camelot to organise the transition have already begun.
Allwyn will take over the National Lottery licence from Camelot in February 2024 while Camelot has held the National Lottery licence since its introduction to the UK in 1994.
Andrew Rhodes, Commission chief executive officer, said: “We are pleased to have officially awarded the fourth licence to Allwyn following a highly successful competition and the court’s decision to lift the suspension on the award process. We now look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth and efficient handover.
“I am confident that Allwyn and the key changes for the fourth licence will maximise returns to good causes, promote innovation, deliver against our statutory duties, and ultimately protect the unique status of the National Lottery.”
The Gambling Commission also set out a series of key changes for the fourth licence which includes a new incentive mechanism that ensures the licensee’s incentives and delivery are better aligned with contributions to good causes; a move to an outcomes-based approach, in line with best practice and the National Audit Office’s recommendations and greater flexibility for the licensee, allowing them to more rapidly, and effectively, adapt their offerings to reflect changing technology, consumer safety, regulation and consumer preferences, so long as they meet the licence obligations.
The fourth licence will be fixed for ten years, “providing the licensee with a clear period for investment planning”
The licence also includes a retail charter “to ensure the next licensee engages proactively with retailers when the fourth licence commences in February 2024”.
No comments yet