Companies involved in the bidding for the fourth National Lottery license have cited if Camelot, the only license holder of the NL win, they will file a legal challenge over the decision. Insider information suggests whoever wins the license, the decision would still be challenged in court, it’s the largest UK public contract to date. 
Camelot in Line to Win
A few weeks ago, Camelot was reportedly in line to take the fourth license for the UK National Lottery after nearly 40 years of running the service. Members of parliament are concerned as to whom will end up running the lottery, as the decision should be subject to competition. A document revealed by the Financial Times found information that a 15% ‘solution risk factor’ is allocated for each competitor’s business plan. One MP suggested this could have an impact on new bidders and award Camelot leverage over other candidates. Many of the bidders have successfully run lotteries globally and MP Mr. Watling suggested the other candidates be given equal opportunity for a fair and transparent competition.
The decision by the End of March 2022
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) is set to make a decision on the successful candidate by the end of March 2022, with the new licensee taking over the operating license in February 2024. Camelot is one of four candidates in the running for the operator license of the NL, others include Italian company Sisal, Czech lottery provider Allwyn, and Northern and Shell, owned by media mogul Richard Desmond. The UK National Lottery began in 1994 and has since contributed millions to good causes. It’s important the bidding process is conducted with transparency and fairness ensuring the correct decision is made to continue the ongoing success of the UK National Lottery.