Incoming National Lottery operators Allwyn UK are confident of a ‘smooth transition’ after being granted approval by the Gambling Commission to acquire Camelot UK. Stewardship of the National Lottery is set to change hands from Camelot to Allwyn in February 2024.

Allwyn have agreed to buy Camelot’s UK operations in a deal reportedly worth up to ￡100 million. The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, which had owned Camelot UK Lotteries, accepted Allwyn’s proposal to help pave the way for the new licence holders to come in at the start of 2024.

Allwyn has formally secured the next National Lottery licence, after a delay of several months. Camelot had originally contested the decision for Allwyn to take charge of the National Lottery, but have now decided not to proceed with their planned legal action as there had been a risk the handover would not happen on time.

A UK player has become the country’s biggest-ever lottery winner after landing a EuroMillions jackpot worth ￡195 million. The jackpot had climbed to its cap (€230 million) following a month of rollovers after the June Superdraw. The winner quickly made contact with the National Lottery to claim their prize, but they kept their identity private.

Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, have gone public as the winners of the ￡184 million EuroMillions jackpot from 10th May. Speaking to the press at a media event in Cheltenham, the Thwaites said they now have ‘time to dream’ and are keen to take friends and family members on ‘a(chǎn)mazing holidays’.

Following the decision to give the next National Lottery licence to Allwyn, Camelot has filed a High Court claim against the Gambling Commission. Camelot has argued that the process behind such an important procurement deserves independent scrutiny. Camelot has operated the National Lottery since it started in 1994.

Allwyn Entertainment Ltd has been named as the Gambling Commission’s preferred applicant for the fourth National Lottery licence, which will run from 2024. The decision followed a strong competition that also included Sisal Spa and The New Lottery Company Ltd, but Allwyn got the nod as it was deemed to be the best option for growing returns to good causes by revitalising the National Lottery.