The CEO of Allwyn Entertainment, which is set to take over operations of the U.K. National Lottery next year from 30-year operator Camelot UK, says that Allwyn’s pending acquisition of Camelot Lottery Systems Group (Camelot LS), will open the door to new business for Allwyn in the U.S.
“We have always viewed the U.S. market as an important part of Allwyn’s future growth story, and the acquisition of Camelot LS Group is the right step,” said Robert Chvátal, Allwyn CEO, in an interview with SBC News.
“Allwyn’s goal is building better lotteries, and helping them raise more for good causes, through innovation, technology, efficiency and safety in our quest for enhanced player engagement. Both Allwyn and Camelot share a passion about the lottery business, delivering value to our customers, and growing lottery returns to communities.”
Camelot LS operates the Illinois Lottery under private management, and also maintains a partnership with the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
The group’s technology division also supplies lottery products and services elsewhere in North America and in Europe.
Camelot LS Group Chief Executive, Wayne Pickup, added: “We remain committed to serving our customers, engaging players and growing lottery revenue to benefit the communities they serve.
“As the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, we work closely with the Department of Lottery to drive responsible and sustainable growth to maximize revenue for the state of Illinois,” said Pickup, according to SBC News. “Combining the resources, expertise and talent of Allwyn and Camelot LS Group will only strengthen the results we help the state of Illinois and all our customers achieve.”
Allwyn is slated to take over Britain’s National Lottery in February 2024. The company also operates lotteries in Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus and Italy.
Camelot, which has operated the lottery since 1993, initially filed suit when the 10-year license was awarded to Allwyn. The lawsuit was dropped in light of the fact the lottery would have had to shut down while the case was active. Allwyn announced in December that it was buying Camelot’s lottery group.
