The Court of Appeals has granted both Camelot Group and International Gaming Technology (IGT) permission to appeal the decision to grant Allwyn Entertainment a fourth UK National Lottery license.
The March Gambling Commission has nominated Allwyn as a priority applicant for the license. This is the decision to end Camelot’s 28-year tenure as a UK lottery operator.
Camelot, who has been running the lottery since its inception in 1994, has been nominated as a preliminary applicant and will continue to play that role even if the Gambling Commission fails to conclude a contract with Allwin.
In April, Camelot launched a High Court objection to the decision as to whether the Commission legally licensed Allwyn. This has stopped the official issuance of lottery licenses to Allwyn.
The High Court lifted the suspension in June, but legal opposition continued, and Camelot and IGT also launched legal opposition to the judgment and approached the Court of Appeals regarding the appeal of the judgment.
The Court of Appeals is currently granting permission to appeal. In other words, the automatic suspension will be re-enabled until the result of the appeal procedure is obtained. The appeal hearing may take place in the week of September 12.
“It was clear that interfering with the implementation of Allwyn’s plans throughout the litigation process could have serious consequences for the National Lottery and for good reason,” said the Gambling Commission. “There is also the risk that the National Lottery will not reach its full potential at the start of the fourth license.
“Obviously, we are disappointed with this result, but we respect the court’s decision. The appeal process poses a challenge to the transition to a fourth license and further delays the granting of licenses to Allwyn. ..
“We have been very successful in competing for the 4th National Lottery License, and as a result of actions that may affect the transition to the 4th License, and ultimately funding for good reason. I regret the third party’s decision to go through legal proceedings.
“Nevertheless, ensuring a seamless transition between the 3rd and 4th licenses of the National Lottery is our priority. This allows players to play the National Lottery fairly and safely and receive prizes. And the National Lottery continues to have good reason in every corner of the UK. “
Allwyn’s selection followed a competitive bidding process involving The New Lottery Company, owned by Health Lottery operator Northern and Shell, Sisal, Italy, and Camelot.
iGB is asking Allwyn for comment.
