The Commission will announce the Preferred Applicant early next year, with the licence expected to commence in early 2024.

The Competition for the Fourth Licence launched in August 2020, with the final stage now taking place, as four applicants submit their applications for final evaluation. It is the highest number of final applications received since the first licence was awarded in 1994.

The evaluation will now commence, which will include a presentation from each of the applicants to the GC, facilitated by lead adviser Rothschild & Co.

“We are delighted by the final number of applications we have received, which is unprecedented since the start of the National Lottery,” said John Tanner, Executive Director of 4NLC. “The Commission will now evaluate these applications in a clear and robust process. 

“Our job is to run the best competition we possibly can – one that is open and fair and results in the best outcome for players and good causes. We look forward to appointing a licensee that will build on the National Lottery’s legacy and maximise the opportunities for innovation and creativity whilst protecting the special status of the National Lottery.”