Posted on: August 1, 2023, 08:18h.
Last updated on: August 1, 2023, 08:18h.
International Game Technology (IGT) refuses to back down in its battle against the UK and the National Lottery, but despite its efforts, it has consistently lost. The global gambling technology company has tried multiple times to fight the UK’s decision to hand over the Lottery to Allwyn, but has been unsuccessful in each attempt.
Both Camelot UK and IGT, the parties behind the National Lottery, initially appealed against the UKGC’s selection of Allwyn as the fourth NL licensee in September 2021. While Camelot later withdrew its claim, IGT, as its technology partner, continued the fight.
In a setback for IGT, the High Court of England and Wales has rejected its latest legal challenge. Following the court’s decision, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, putting an end to another chapter of lottery litigation.
A Challenging Journey
In September 2022, the original accusations were dropped, and Camelot withdrew its claim against the UKGC. However, IGT persisted and filed another legal action against the Gaming Commission’s ruling in January 2023.
IGT took a different approach this time, accusing the regulator of human rights violations. The company argued that the turnover of the lottery cost them up to £600 million (US$713.52 million).
Following the High Court’s decision, IGT’s second case has been dismissed. The justices ruled that the company lacked the necessary standing to take legal action against the UKGC. As a result, the case has been thrown out, denying IGT the opportunity to seek compensation for the harm it believes the decision caused.
Although this may not be the end of the legal issues surrounding the decision to award Allwyn control of the National Lottery, there is still another case involving The New Lottery Company (TNLC), a venture created by billionaire Richard Desmond specifically to compete for the license. TNLC has also contested the decision to grant Allwyn the license.
UKGC’s Commitment to Fairness
With several lottery lawsuits now resolved, the UKGC has reaffirmed its dedication to fair play in the tender process. The commission emphasized that its thorough investigation into the licensees was conducted diligently and in full compliance with legal regulations.
By granting the regulator the authority to appoint a capable operator and protect consumers’ interests, a balanced environment has been achieved. However, to maintain this level of professional oversight, the UKGC allegedly used £155 million (US$198.71 million) from lottery ticket sales to cover expenses.
Furthermore, the UKGC reiterated its commitment to efficiently manage the National Lottery. It promises to prioritize optimizing assistance to deserving causes and making a positive social impact through innovative fundraising endeavors.
In February of next year, Allwyn is set to take over the operation of the National Lottery for the next decade, officially concluding Camelot UK’s tenure. With the acquisition of Camelot Lottery Systems, Allwyn has successfully met all the necessary legal and regulatory requirements to assume control of the former operator.