SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) seeks fresh ideas, new innovations and modern customer experiences, to revamp the National Lottery.
Last week, the UKGC confirmed that it was seeking bidders for its National Lottery 2023 concession, challenging current incumbent Camelot Group Plc, who have operated the lottery since its inception in 1994.
To date, Camelot details that it has raised £38 billion for good causes, funding some of the UK biggest social projects and cultural directives – Team GB, the London 2012 Olympics, National Arts Council and The Heritage Fund.
However, Camelot’s management of the lottery has come under parliamentary scrutiny. In 2017 a National Audit Office (NAO) report found that over a seven-year period in which ticket sales increased by 27% to £7 billion, Camelot had maintained ‘disproportionately’ increased profits of £72 million (up 127%), whilst returns for good causes only grew by 2% to £1.5 billion.
Furthermore, last August the UKGC imposed a £1.5 million penalty on Camelot for various digital shortcomings, which saw the National Lottery app publish incomplete lotto results, draws and raffles prizes.
Advised by the Public Accounts Committee, the UKGC is reported to want to restructure the framework for operating the National Lottery, shortening the licence, but allowing for more concessions to make necessary adjustments securing greater returns for good causes.
Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, said: “We believe there is significant untapped potential for growth whilst still retaining the principles of being responsible, safe and fair.
“We are looking forward to meeting businesses, investors and interested parties over the next few months to help us to shape an exciting, fair and healthy competition which will take the UK National Lottery into a new era, and ensure it remains one of the biggest and best lotteries in the world.”
