The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) stands by its handling of the search for the next national lottery selection, despite what current operator Camelot believes. The UKGC appointed Allwyn Entertainment over Camelot for the 4th National Lottery operator beginning in 2024.
Camelot U.K. has appealed the decision to the High Court, according to SBC News.
Camelot Chief Executive Nigel Railton said the commission “failed to provide a satisfactory response” as to why it had rejected its bid that achieved the top appraisal during the competition’s scorecard phase.
Of concern to Camelot were disclosures that the Commission had changed the rules of its evaluation phase to favor Allwyn’s bid. According to reports, a 15 percent risk factor into the assessment of the bids, but according to Camelot it was removed from the process.
After receiving notice of the appeal on April 1, the commission issued a statement. “We regret Camelot’s decision to bring legal proceedings following the outcome of a highly successful competition for the fourth National Lottery license. The competition and our evaluation have been carried out fairly and lawfully in accordance with our statutory duties, and we are confident that a court would come to that conclusion.”
The commission said It will work with Camelot to create a seamless transition to Allwyn. “We trust that Camelot will honor its obligations as the current licensee to cooperate in that transition.”
