Gambling Commission delays next stage of National Lottery licence tender
Regulator to announce preferred applicant in February 2022 as Camelot receives six-month extension
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has extended the timeline for phase two of the fourth National Lottery licence tender, clearing the way for Camelot to continue for a further six months.
The amended timeline will see four weeks added to the second application stage and a further six weeks for evaluation of pitches from prospective operators.
The delay will allow for applicants to refine their proposals while granting the regulator more time to evaluate each proposition.
As a result, the UKGC has extended the third National Lottery licence, operated by Camelot, by six months.
Camelot, which has run the UK’s National Lottery since it launched in 1994, is expected to once again bid for the fourth National Lottery licence, which will begin in February 2024 under the new timeline.
The UKGC’s preferred applicant will now be announced in February 2022, although further delays could occur dependent on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“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,” said the UKGC in a statement.
“We want to appoint a licensee that can build on the National Lottery’s legacy and find new opportunities for a sustainable and successful future.
“We remain encouraged by the number of applications received and we look forward to evaluating proposals as part of a robust process.”
Sazka Group is a frontrunner in the tender process after appointing a star-studded executive team to its newly launched UK-facing Allwyn brand.
Italy’s Sisal Group is another contender that boasts significant lottery experience having run Italy’s SuperEnalotto game since 1997.