Allwyn UK, a leading player in the lottery industry, has been granted approval by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to acquire Camelot UK, the current operator of the National Lottery.
Allwyn Takes the National Lottery Stewardship in 2024
This acquisition is a significant step towards Allwyn UK taking control of the stewardship of the National Lottery in 2024. The acquisition was agreed upon in November 2020 with the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) and is seen as a necessary move to ensure a smooth transition of the National Lottery under Allwyn’s management. 
As part of the acquisition, Allwyn Group CEO Robert Chvátal will serve as Interim UK CEO to ensure that all provisions of the Fourth Licence are completed. The National Lottery’s transfer of duties has already begun and will be overseen by Chvátal. He commented on the milestone, “Today marks an important milestone in our journey to become the operator of The National Lottery. Acquiring Camelot will help ensure a smooth transition from the Third to the Fourth Licence while bringing together the collective expertise and technical know-how of two highly experienced lottery operators.” The acquisition brings greater certainty to the future of the National Lottery for its partners, good causes, and Camelot staff, who will join the new company. As a result, Allwyn has announced several changes to Camelot’s Board and Management team that will take effect on the completion of the deal. Clare Swindell and Neil Brocklehurst, currently Camelot’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Commercial Director, respectively, will become Co-Chief Executives and will lead Camelot through to the end of the Third Licence in January 2024. Sir Hugh Robertson and CEO Nigel Railton will step down from the Board and depart the company, while Sir Keith Mills will be appointed as the new Chair subject to regulatory approvals.
Benefits to the National Lottery
Allwyn UK is a well-established lottery operator with a strong track record of providing high-quality services and responsibly managing lottery operations. The acquisition of Camelot UK is expected to bring many benefits to the National Lottery, including increased efficiency, improved technology, and new revenue streams. Allwyn UK is committed to investing in the National Lottery, and the acquisition will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lottery and the good causes it supports. “We are thrilled to welcome Camelot into the Allwyn family,” Chvátal said. “Our common passion unites us: to protect and improve The National Lottery and the good causes it supports.”