High Court rejects IGT National Lottery licence challenge
Supplier giant found not to have legal standing against Gambling Commission in latest twist to ongoing case
The High Court has sided with the Gambling Commission (GC) after determining IGT lacked legal standing in its claims for damages in relation to the National Lottery.
The long-running legal case related to IGT and Camelot’s appeals against the GC for its decision to award the fourth National Lottery licence to Allywn.
In September, the pair withdrew these appeals, allowing the GC to enter into an enabling agreement with Allwyn to begin the transition process.
However, IGT, which served as Camelot’s technology provider, remained as a claimant in court proceedings and has pursued claims in damages only.
On Friday (28 July), the High Court ruled that IGT lacked the legal standing to bring its claims against the GC.
Therefore, IGT’s claims have been dismissed, meaning that the supplier can no longer pursue a claim for damages.
Media reports in January noted IGT was hoping to secure damages of up to £600m after the awarding of the licence to Allwyn had cost it “marketable goodwill”.
The GC said: “This brings an end to all IGT litigation regarding the fourth licence competition in the Commission’s favour, subject to any IGT appeal against this decision.”
Additionally, The New Lottery Company’s (TNLC) legal claim was stayed pending the outcome of IGT’s challenge.
The GC said it was not aware what TNLC’s intentions were following the High Court’s decision.
TNLC was one of several companies vying for the licence during the tender process, ultimately losing out to Allwyn.
Responding to the High Court’s decision, the GC said: “We have taken every step possible to ensure a level playing field for all interested parties, to enable us to appoint a licensee who will engage and protect players, run the National Lottery with integrity and ensure the National Lottery maximises support for good causes and its contribution to society through further innovation and investment.
“Our priority is to continue to work to implement our decision and ensure a seamless and timely transition to the next licence, for the benefit of participants and good causes.”
The GC added that in order to protect the integrity of the legal process, the regulator would not be able to discuss specific aspects of the case until all existing litigation was concluded.