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The UK National Lottery The Inevitable Conclusion, Or A Sting In The Tail
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of integrity and credibility. Public announcements, lobbying, and commentary on rival bids have all been forbidden, as the UK’s body for gaming control suffocates any prospect of further drama.
ince 1994 operator Camelot has presided over the UK’s native lottery enterprise. Fastforward to present day, and it stands on the precipice of winning its fourth successive term as principal provider of the country’s lottery services. In its relatively fledgling history, no other firm has been given the operational responsibility to run the government’s most lucrative public contract. Some commentators would suggest that this latest chapter of bidding is yet another open-and-shut case. Indeed, Camelot certainly seem in pole position, if you pardon the pun, to keep the keys to the castle. However, this not quite yet cut and dried.
projected to be worth circa £80bn in ticket sales alone. No wonder the tension is tangible. Camelot’s platform of ownership doesn’t appear to crumbling under the pressure, but watching three gaming heavyweights throw their full force behind their respective campaigns must be daunting prospect.
The latest tendering instalment has unravelled in a rather odd, contradictory landscape. Fierce but discreet, aggressive but distant; this year’s race has been fought in an atmosphere of ambiguity and suspicion. A number of parties jockey for position in an intensively competitive field, aiming to secure a decade-long licence
The Gambling Commission has been eager to keep the bidding process tightly under wraps. It’s not difficult to see why. Successive tender procedures have been wrought with controversy and intrigue. And, although the regulator only inherited governance of the process in 2013, the Commission will inevitably keen to preserve an image
INFINITY GAMING
However, we at least know the bidders, and a sense of the scale of the investment ploughed into their individual campaign trails. Czech billionaire Karel Komarek, looks to wield his considerable influence, as his firm, Allwyn Entertainment, targets licensing rights. Media entrepreneur Richard Desmond is also on the hunt, with his Health Lottery subsidiary, Northern & Shell, fronting up a bid. Last but not least, Italian gaming giant Sisal, which is set to be acquired by Dublin-based Flutter Entertainment, has also put its hat in the ring. Their bid is endorsed by current West Ham Football Club vice-chairman, Baroness Karen Brady. Although exact figures remain unclear, it seems that each endeavour has been the subject of unprecedented funding.
