SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) has officially become the new operator of the National Lottery in Ireland following payment of the final instalment of the licence fee and a successful transition process.
The company, whose shareholders are Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), An Post and An Post pension funds, will operate the National Lottery for the next 20 years having won a tender process with a bid of €405m.
“I am delighted that following a great deal of detailed preparatory work by all involved, the operation of the National Lottery has successfully passed from An Post National Lottery Company to Premier Lotteries Ireland,” said Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin.
“I want to acknowledge the contribution of all the stakeholders, including the staff of the companies and the National Lottery retailers, to this successful transition and I wish PLI every success in its endeavours which will be overseen by the recently appointed National Lottery regulator Liam Sloyan. I am happy that National Lottery funding for good causes will continue to grow in line with the growth now being experienced in the economy.”
Chief executive of Premier Lotteries Ireland Dermot Griffin added: “Premier Lotteries Ireland is extremely pleased to have successfully completed transition. We have successfully commenced operations and look forward to further developing the National Lottery and its associated games. The awarding of the licence to PLI represents the next step in what has been an incredible journey for the National Lottery so far. PLI is committed to responsibly growing the National Lottery over the next 20 years and to guaranteeing the ongoing support for good causes across Ireland.”
