Upon completion of the acquisition, Camelot will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allwyn. The former is the current operator of the National Lottery under a licence that runs until 31 January 2024.
Subject to regulatory approvals, including from the Gambling Commission, the acquisition is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2023.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to acquire the current operator of the Third Licence for the UK National Lottery,” said Allwyn AG CEO Robert Chvátal.
“Allwyn and Camelot share a common goal: a passion to protect and improve the UK National Lottery, and the good causes it celebrates. Common ownership of the operators of both the Third and Fourth Licences will help ensure the successful delivery of the National Lottery both in 2023 and over the next decade.
“Allwyn is committed to making the National Lottery better, raising more for good causes and improving player protection. This deal strengthens the transition process and helps support Allwyn in achieving its vision for the National Lottery.”
The Gambling Commission awarded Allwyn Entertainment Ltd (AEL) the licence to operate the National Lottery from 1 February 2024. In accordance with the terms of the Third Licence, Camelot will continue to be operated separately.
Allwyn noted that its ownership of Camelot will help facilitate a smooth transition as AEL prepares to begin running the National Lottery, with AEL working with both Camelot and the Gambling Commission on its transition plan for the Fourth Licence.
Nick Jansa, Executive Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Ontario Teachers’, commented: “We are proud to have been a strong supporter and partner of the National Lottery over the past 12 years. In that time, under Camelot’s stewardship The National Lottery has raised more than £20bn ($23.7bn) for good causes and has supported thousands of organisations across the United Kingdom.
“We believe this sale best positions the National Lottery for a smooth transition to the Fourth Licence operator and wish Allwyn every success. I want to express my sincere thanks to Camelot’s management and employees for their tremendous efforts in successfully running the National Lottery over the last decade, including achieving record revenues to good causes in the last year.”
