The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced this week, after nearly three decades of Camelot operating the UK National Lottery, Camelot will hand over the reins to Czech-owned company Allwyn. Allwyn will become the UK arm of the Sazka Group owned by billionaire Karel Komarek, a global operator of premium lotteries in Czechia, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Austria. 
Take Over in 2024
If the deal commences, Allwyn will take over the running of the National Lottery in 2024. Camelot has operated the lottery since 1994 and has since become an institution, however, the UKGC felt Camelot was unable to spark fresh ideas and cash to continue running the lottery’s fourth license. Camelot spokesperson Nigel Railton said, “I’m incredibly disappointed by today’s announcement, bet we still have a critical job to do, as our current license runs until February 2024. We’re now carefully reviewing the Gambling Commission’s evaluation before deciding on our next steps. “I’m enormously grateful to our 1,000+ employees who have been unwavering in delivering record-breaking results during the current license.”
Larger Donations for Good Causes
It was thought Allwyn swung the bid after declaring they would donate £30bn to good causes over the next ten years, and a much bigger return than £45bn Camelot raised since it began operating the lottery in 1994. Allwyn has pledged its commitment to preventing gambling addiction with the installation of new technologies, also reducing the price of a ticket from £2 to £1 and having two draws on one night. The board at Allwyn is extremely impressive with the likes of former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King taking the position of Chairman of Allwyn UK business and British entrepreneur Brent Hoberman co-founder of lastminute.com to name a few. Under the UK’s TUPE laws – Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations – Camelot employees will transfer to the new operator, however, it’s unclear as to how many staff this includes.