According to an update published on the Gambling Commission website, Camelot Group and International Game Technology (IGT) have been given permission by the Court of Appeal to contest the Commission’s decision on its fourth National Lottery license.
Alwyn’s license automatically suspended once again
Earlier this year, the Gambling Commission announced that Allwyn Entertainment was its preferred bidder for the fourth and final National Lottery license. This decision meant that incumbent operator Camelot would cease lottery operations for the first time in almost three decades. Camelot was named as a reserve candidate.
At the time of decision, Camelot voiced its concern over the approval process claiming that it had outscored Allwyn on every metric in the license application process. This led to Camelot initiating legal proceedings in April of this year, a move that saw the automatic suspension of Allwyn’s license before it had been formally issued.
Recently, the High Court lifted the suspension allowing the Gambling Commission to move forward with the issuing of Allwyn’s license. However, Camelot’s legal challenge has been given a boost now that the Court of Appeals has approved the proceedings on merit.
As a result of this latest decision, the automatic suspension of Alwyn’s license has now come back into effect pending the outcome of any legal proceedings.
IGT was also one of the failed applicants for a National Lottery license and the company had initiated its own legal challenge which was also given the go ahead by the Court of Appeals.
In statement, the Gambling Commission said:
“Throughout the litigation process, we have been clear that disrupting the implementation of Allwyn’s plans would present potentially severe consequences for the National Lottery and good causes. It also risks the National Lottery not operating to its full potential at the start of the fourth licence.
We are, obviously, disappointed with this outcome, but respect the court’s decision. The appeal process will generate challenges for the transition to the fourth licence and further delay to the award of the licence to Allwyn.
We regret the decision by third parties to bring legal proceedings following the outcome of a highly successful competition for the fourth National Lottery licence, actions which could impact transition to the Fourth Licence and, ultimately, funding for good causes.
Nevertheless, it remains our priority to ensure a seamless transition between the third and fourth National Lottery licences, so that players can continue to enjoy playing the National Lottery fairly, safely and claim their prizes, and so that the National Lottery continues to deliver for good causes in every corner of the UK.”
The appeal is likely to take place during the week of the 12th of September.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.