Starting February 1, European lottery group Allwyn became the operator of the U.K. National Lottery, Yogonet reported February 2.
The U.K. Gambling Commission (UKGC) granted Allwyn the fourth national lottery license, which is effective for 10 years. According to the UKGC, the license will result in larger “returns to good causes,” while protecting consumer safety.
The National Lottery launched in 1994. Since then, it has raised more than £48 billion (US$60.6 billion). Of that, 25 percent went to 685,000 causes including the arts, sports, communities and heritage.
From its inception, the Camelot Group ran the lottery. This is the first time another lottery group has operated it.
Allwyn is committed to growing the lottery through innovation and increasing contributions. One change is the addition of an “incentive mechanism” whereby all lottery products make returns at the same level. In addition, Allwyn’s profits will only rise if those beneficial contributions also increase.
UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes said in a statement, “This is a historic moment, the first time the National Lottery has changed operator, and the commission is pleased to have reached this milestone. The fourth license by design will mean more of every pound spent on the National Lottery will go to good causes whilst still making sure it is safe to play.”
The National Lottery celebrates its 30th birthday in 2024. Over the decades, “it’s made a huge impact on the U.K.,” Rhodes noted. “Everyone at the commission is committed to moving forwards with Allwyn and government to make the fourth license a big success for players and for the good causes that rely upon it up and down the country.”
