The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched a competition in which the winner will be awarded the ‘fourth National Lottery licence’.
Camelot currently holds the third National Lottery licence, with the multi-billion GBP contract set to expire in three years.
In preparation for the expiration at the end of 2023, the UK’s main gambling regulator has now opened the door to competitor proposals.
The winner will be awarded a licence to operate the National Lottery until 2033.
Key conditions that must be met
A key area that hopeful licensees must meet is a ‘focus on performance’. Transparency must be provided on how funds will be raised for good causes, which will help to protect the National Lottery’s reputation and integrity.
Area number two that competitors will need to consider is proposing an ‘incentive mechanism’. This will make sure that customer reward deliveries stick closely to the lottery‘s values of receiving better returns for good causes.
In addition to the two above parts, brand protection will also be integral. Tying in with this is ‘strengthening the link between the National Lottery brand, its players and good causes’.
“A national treasure”
UKGC Chief Executive Neil McArthur had the following to say about the new licensing competition.
The National Lottery is a national treasure. It has a reputation for providing enjoyable games and a high degree of player protection, as well as a rich history of prize giving and returns to good causes. We are determined to protect and build on the reputation of the National Lottery.
“For the fourth licence, we will be evolving our approach to regulation to build on the National Lottery’s huge successes. In line with our outcomes-focused approach to regulation, we want the next licensee to have greater autonomy to meet the needs of players in 2023 and beyond, whilst ensuring there is clear accountability for the performance of the National Lottery.”
“We welcome a strong competition”
National Lottery Chief Executive Dawn Austwick also spoke about the competition and said the below.
The National Lottery has been at the cornerstone of communities across the UK for 25 years. In this time, National Lottery players have raised £41bn for good causes, supporting arts, sport, heritage and communities and transforming people’s lives. We welcome a strong competition to ensure this success continues for years to come.”
