Allwyn confirms “advanced discussions” over Camelot UK acquisition

Allwyn has confirmed it is in “advanced discussions” with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) over the potential acquisition of Camelot’s UK operations.

The Czech lottery giant moved to respond to speculation it was eyeing a bid for the business in a £100m deal.

Allwyn is set to replace Camelot as the UK National Lottery licence holder in February 2024 and the acquisition of Camelot’s UK operations in Watford would ease the transition period.

In a statement, Allwyn said: “In response to speculation, we can confirm that Allwyn is engaged in advanced discussions with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) which may lead to it purchasing Camelot’s UK operations.

“If an agreement were to be reached, it would be subject to regulatory approvals. Our shared objective is to reach an agreement which would best serve the interests of the many stakeholders of the National Lottery, in particular the good causes it supports, as well as the employees of Camelot and Allwyn UK,” the statement concluded.

The latest twist in the UK National Lottery saga comes after Camelot withdrew its legal challenge against the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in September to allow Allwyn to begin its transition.

The incumbent licence holder and its technology partner, IGT, launched a series of claims regarding the awarding of the licence to Allwyn by the UKGC.

The legal challenge had threatened to hamper the transition timeline for the new licence holder, with Allwyn arguing delays would have a severe impact on the National Lottery’s contribution to good causes.

Allwyn was initially named as the preferred applicant for the fourth licence in March 2022.