Allwyn Entertainment can now start preparing for 2024 after a UK judge granted it the right to sign a contract for its fourth UK National Lottery license. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
disappointing ending
The High Court judge likely ended Camelot’s chances of regaining future control of the British National Lottery.
The green light to dominate the lottery in 2024
The court automatically lifted the suspension on Wednesday, giving Allwyn Entertainment the green light to take over the lottery in 2024. Brick Lane Chambers, a British law firm like Allwyn, took to Twitter to share the news:
The court’s ruling follows lawsuits brought by Camelot and its partners in games company International Game Technology (IGT). They objected to the legality of the bidding competition for the license.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Justice O’Farrell gave the UK Gambling Commission statutory permission to hand over the license to Allwyn. According to news reports, Camelot declared the decision “disappointing”, adding that it expects to receive compensation of up to 500 million pounds ($606 million) over licensing issues.
No more delay
The decision follows a UKGC announcement in March which declared Allwyn its preferred choice to operate the lottery under the terms of its fourth National Lottery License. Within two weeks of this announcement, Camelot and IGT issued legal appeals.
UKGC banned from signing contracts
according to Press release issued by Allwyn’s law firm on Thursday, the legal challenges “led to an automatic suspension of the procurement process under the 2016 Franchise Regulations”. This effectively prevented the UKGC from signing the necessary contracts with Allwyn to start delivery.
In her closing note on lifting the suspension, Justice O’Farrell asserted that the public interest was a “strong factor.” The law firm cited that the delay in launching the fourth license would eventually lead to “the emergence (among other things) of reduced contributions to good cases”.
another chance?
Another trial in October may give Ontario-based Camelot hope of regaining control. according to timesIndustry insiders spoke of a “small chance” UKGC could overturn its decision if the trial goes in Camelot’s favour.
Meanwhile, Allwyn described the ruling as “good news” for the lottery, adding that he looks forward to Camelot to work constructively with us to ensure a smooth delivery for the benefit of players and good causes alike.
