NEWS
15 March 2022
Allwyn wins licence to operate UK National Lottery, after 28 years of Camelot
By Gambling Insider

Current operator, Camelot, has operated The National Lottery since its inception in 1994; however, a proposal from Allwyn led by Bid Chair Sir Keith Mills has been judged as identifying the best way of growing returns to good causes and revitalising The National Lottery in a sustainable way.

To date, National Lottery players have collectively raised more than £45bn ($58.64bn) for 660,000 good causes across the UK within areas such as the arts, sport, heritage and communities. 

A transition plan will now be completed, led by Chair Justin King, with Allwyn taking over responsibility of day-to-day operations from 1 February 2024 when Camelot’s current contract expires. 

Allwyn Bid chairman, Sir Keith Mills, commented on the announcement: “The National Lottery is a national treasure and we are honoured to have been chosen as its future custodian. With the Gambling Commission having put its trust in us, we can immediately start to enact our exciting plans to deliver The National Lottery back to the heart of our country. We will do this by rekindling the meaning The National Lottery has for each of us, whether as individuals or as part of the communities we live in; whether we play The National Lottery or not.”

Justin King, Allwyn UK chairman, commented: “I’m delighted that Allwyn’s proposal has been deemed the strongest to grow good causes in the safest and most sustainable way possible. The Gambling Commission has run a lengthy and detailed process, and I’ve been extremely impressed by the attention they have paid to the challenges facing The National Lottery over the coming decades.

"The National Lottery is a vital British institution and we’re focused on ensuring it plays an even bigger part in society by increasing participation, improving safeguards, and giving back more to good causes.”