The tender for the National Lottery, initially set to last a year, has been extended to allow applicants to refine their proposals and provide a fair evaluation by the Gambling Commission. The winner will be announced in February 2022. The current licensee, Camelot, will have its license extended until February 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. The aim is to appoint a licensee that can build on the National Lottery’s legacy and find new opportunities for sustainable success.
Sazka Group, Sugal & Damani, and Sisal are among the operators competing for the license, with Sisal partnering with BT to leverage new technologies for wider appeal. Camelot has not confirmed its bid yet. The Commission has also released data on funds raised for good causes in the first quarter of the lottery’s financial year, with a total of £420.7m raised, primarily due to a decrease in large rollover Euromillions jackpots.