Allwyn has announced it has selected Vodafone as its connectivity partner in its bid for the fourth National Lottery licence.

Allwyn, Sazka Group’s new British corporate identity, said Vodafone’s market-leading connectivity and expertise in innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things and 5G can play a significant role in the National Lottery experience in the UK.

The group added that such innovative technologies will also be key in order to improve player protection, and will enable the integration of new features to stay ahead of ever-changing customer demands.

“At Allwyn, as part of Sazka Group, we make lotteries better so that they can serve as a force for good,” said Allwyn’s bid chair Sir Keith Mills. “We often do this by bringing the fun back to lotteries that have lost their spark, while always safeguarding our players – ensuring sustainable growth and more money to good causes along the way.

“With innovative partners like Vodafone, an experienced steward in SazkaGroup, and an impressive advisory board that includes Justin King and Brent Hoberman, Allwyn is building an exciting and credible future proposition for the UK market.”

The Gambling Commission launched the competition to award the fourth National Lottery licence in August 2020, with the current licence set to expire in 2023. The fourth licence will be fixed for a ten year period.

Anne Sheehan, business director, Vodafone UK, commented: “We have provided market-leading connectivity in the UK for more than 30 years, and we understand the technologies that enable the best, most cutting-edge experiences. With our innovative portfolio of 4G, 5G, IoT and fixed connectivity solutions, we can ensure in-app, online and retail journeys are simple and reliable for customers across the UK.”