Calling it quits
International Gaming Technology (IGT) is no longer legally challenging the choice to award Allwyn the fourth-ever UK National Lottery license. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) selected Czech-based Allwyn as the next licensee in March 2022.
the gaming technology company was not entitled to claim damages
IGT served as technology provider to Camelot UK during its 28 years as the lottery operator. The UK High Court ruled last July that the gaming technology company was not entitled to claim damages from the UKGC over the Allwyn decision. Despite submitting an appeal to this ruling in September, IGT confirmed this week that it wants to withdraw from these proceedings and drop the claim.
The UKGC posted a statement on its website on Wednesday responding to the news, maintaining that it ran “a fair and robust competition” that was fully compliant with all necessary regulations. It is looking forward to Allwyn beginning its time as the lottery operator on February 1, believing that the Czech company will help deliver innovation and growth.
Overcoming their differences
Many parties were unhappy with the decision to award Allwyn the license. Camelot served as the operator of the lottery since 1994 and so legally challenged the decision when it was announced in 2022. The formal license issuance had to be put on hold for a time while the High Court considered the matter.
Its efforts in the courts ultimately proved unsuccessful and Camelot dropped the matter in September 2022. Allwyn went on to purchase Camelot UK in February 2023 for about ￡100m ($127m) to help ensure a smooth transition when handing over the lottery operations. It also bought Camelot’s US-facing company last year.
Still some trouble brewing
Another unhappy bidder was Richard Desmond who was trying to secure the ten-year license through his firm Northern & Shell. He filed a lawsuit late last year against the UKGC that seeks up to ￡200m ($255m) in damages. The media tycoon claims that his failed lottery bid cost ￡17.5m ($22m) and he believes that he could have avoided this cost if the regulator had given him early feedback in the selection process.
thinks that his proposal was not given a fair chance
Desmond questioned the selection process and thinks that his proposal was not given a fair chance. UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes said that any expenses or damages resulting from this complaint would likely have to come out of the pot of funds that go towards good causes.