The Advisory Board for Sisal’s bid for the fourth National Lottery License has been announced. Led by Karren Brady, a prominent British business executive, the board will provide strategic guidance during the licensing process. Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of Social Enterprise UK and founder of Collaborate, and Andy Clarke, former CEO of Asda, will also serve on the board. Other members include Gary Hughes, an experienced international operator, MT Rainey, a leader in the UK Creative Industries, and Lord Ed Vaizey, a Conservative Peer and former Minister for Culture.
Sisal CEO Francesco Durante expressed excitement about the appointment, highlighting the members’ extensive expertise in areas important to the company’s strategy for The National Lottery. Durante emphasized their alignment with Sisal’s vision for the future of the lottery, and the value they will bring alongside the company’s partners in the final stages of the application.
Brady, the chair of the Advisory Board, praised the National Lottery as a cherished institution that generates significant funds for charitable causes. She emphasized Sisal’s strong track record in managing and growing lotteries in Italy, Turkey, and Morocco, positioning them as formidable contenders. Brady looks forward to collaborating with Sisal and the rest of the board as the application progresses.
Sisal’s bid for the license includes partnerships with telecommunications giant BT and British children’s charity Barnardo’s. The competition for the license also includes operators such as the Pan-European lottery and gaming giant Sazka Group, and India’s largest lottery operator, Sugal & Damani. Incumbent licensee Camelot has completed the Selection Questionnaire but has not yet confirmed its participation in the tender. The Gambling Commission extended Camelot’s license until February 2024 and delayed the selection of the winner until February 2022.
