UKGC to invite bids for National Lottery license

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has reportedly established an advisory group that will manage a transparent, tender process for the lucrative National Lottery license in 2019.

Camelot, owned by Canada’s Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, has held the concession since the National Lottery’s inception in 1994, enjoying three consecutive license terms, the last of which ends in 2023.

The advisory group will be seeking best ideas, innovations and experiences, along with a focus on maximising returns to good causes, Neil McArthur, chief executive of the UKGC, said last week in the run up to the World Lottery Summit in Buenos Aires.

McArthur wants to see new technology that has the potential to change the way British people, and in particular problem gamblers, play the lottery.

“In a world where 24-hour communication and technology continues to change at an increasingly fast pace, innovation and creativity will play a key part in making sure the National Lottery remains relevant in the future.”

The advisory group is led by Paul Grout, an economics professor and adviser to the Bank of England who along with others will collectively guide the UKGC in terms of changes in consumer behaviour and advances in digital platforms. These findings will shape a consultation concerning the 4th lottery concession in February 2019 with the bid process expected to launch in the third quarter of 2019.

In related news, Camelot UK is upping its game following a wide-ranging strategic review in 2017 triggered by criticism from both punters and parliamentarians.

The company announced sweeping changes to its offer Monday which include the discontinuation of select games, the introduction of new rules and the addition of new prizes and new draws.

“Changes to Lotto, Millionaire Raffle and Euromillions will mean more winners and bigger prizes and the jackpot will be won more often,” the National Lottery website promises.

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