The High Court of England and Wales has ruled against International Game Technology’s (IGT) legal claims regarding the planned transition of the UK National Lottery licence. After the High Court announced its decision to side with the national gambling regulator, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), stated that it intended to continue working towards a smooth and timely transition to the next National Lottery operating permit.
As previously reported by Casino Guardian, both the outgoing operator of the National Lottery – Camelot UK – and International Game Technology lodged complaints against the decision of the country’s gambling regulatory body to select Allwyn as the fourth NL licence holder in September 2021.
Both of the initial claims were dropped in September 2022, but another legal challenge against the Gambling Commission’s decision was lodged in court by IGT in January 2023. At the time, the company claimed that the national gambling watchdog’s decision cost the company, which has served as a long-time supplier of lottery solutions to Camelot UK, damages of up to £600 million.
As mentioned above, Camelot dropped its claims against the UKGC back in September 2022. It was subsequently taken over by its competitor, the Czech Republic-founded pan-European gambling company Allwyn. The second lawsuit filed by International Game Technology was dismissed after a decision by the High Court that eventually concluded that the company did not have the legal standing to bring that legal claim against the country’s gambling regulator. As a result, the claims have been dismissed and the operator is no longer allowed to pursue a claim for damages.
IGT No Longer Allowed to Pursue Legal Claims Seeking Damages from the UKGC
With the second lawsuit of IGT also coming to a dead end, currently, there is one outstanding legal challenge linked to the National Lottery licence transition, coming from The New Lottery Company (TNLC) from Northern and Shell Group.
The UK Gambling Commission still remains resolute that it has to ensure a fair and robust competition, and once again reiterated that its assessment of the situation had been carried out fairly and in line with the law, as well as in accordance with its statutory duties.
The watchdog noted that it had taken every possible step in order to ensure a level playing field for all interested parties in order to make it possible for the regulator to appoint a licence holder and protect local customers. The UKGC further explained that it is willing to see the National Lottery run with integrity and make sure that it maximises its support for good causes and its contribution to society through investment and innovation.
Czech Republic-based Allwyn is scheduled to officially assume the fourth 10-year National Lottery licence in February next year, bringing Camelot UK’s sole tenure to an end. The company has taken over the Camelot Lottery Systems Group and managed to get all necessary legal and regulatory requirements in order to fully assume the functions of the former National Lottery operator.
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Olivia Cole
