Camelot secures Court of Appeal date as National Lottery transition suspension returns
Incumbent licence holder achieves small victory as UKGC and Allwyn argue Good Causes will continue to be impacted by legal delays
Camelot has been given permission to appeal against the High Court’s decision to greenlight Allwyn’s transition to become the fourth National Lottery licence holder.
In the latest twist to the ongoing legal battle, the incumbent licence holder and its technology partner, IGT, have successfully reimplemented the suspension on the transition.
On June 29, the High Court lifted the suspension, which was in place due to legal proceedings, which allowed the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Allwyn to work towards a smooth transition period.
However, the appeal from Camelot and IGT will see a hearing take place during September and will once again halt the planned progress.
Camelot and IGT have until 4pm on Friday 15 July to compile an undertaking for damages.
Camelot had vowed to continue its legal battle despite the High Court’s decision, with a separate ongoing legal case at the High Court to resume in October.
The High Court case relates to Camelot and IGT pursuing damages against the UKGC.
Camelot alleges the UKGC failed to “correctly and lawfully apply” published evaluation methods, or applied an unpublished evaluation method across three key metrics in Allwyn’s proposal.
Reacting to the Court of Appeal’s decision, both Allwyn and the UKGC expressed disappointment at the decision.
A UKGC spokesperson said: “We are, obviously, disappointed with this outcome, but respect the court’s decision. The appeal process will generate challenges for the transition to the fourth licence and further delay to the award of the licence to Allwyn.
“We regret the decision by third parties to bring legal proceedings following the outcome of a highly successful competition for the fourth National Lottery licence, actions which could impact transition to the fourth licence and, ultimately, funding for good causes,” the spokesperson added.
Justin King, Allwyn UK chair, said the delay would only further impact the Good Causes fund and implored Camelot and IGT to recognise this in the appeal.
He said: “We are obviously disappointed by today’s decision. It creates the likelihood of further delay as the appeal will not be held until September. It is common ground that this delay will damage the introduction of the benefits the fourth licence brings for Good Causes.
“As the court ruled, Camelot and IGT must now provide an undertaking for damages by 4pm Friday. We call on them to either ensure that undertaking includes Good Causes, or instead in the interests of the Good Causes and the National Lottery, to gracefully accept the ruling of Mrs Justice O’Farrell.
“This would allow the suspension to be lifted and the Gambling Commission to move forward with awarding the fourth licence to Allwyn,” he added.
EGR has contacted Camelot for comment.