Report: Sazka Group eyes up UK National Lottery licence
Czech firm could potentially take over from Canadian-owned Camelot in 2023
Czech gambling company Sazka Group is reportedly considering a bid to take over the licence for the UK National Lottery.
The Mail on Sunday reported that Sazka is interested in replacing current incumbent Camelot, which is owned by a Canadian pension fund, once the firm’s contract expires in 2023.
If Sazka does take the reins in 2023, it will mark the first time since its 1994 inception that the National Lottery is not run by Camelot.
Sazka Group belongs to investment firm KKCG, which is owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komarek, who is said to be worth over $3bn after earning his fortune in oil and gas.
Sazka already operates national lotteries in Greece, Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic.
A spokesperson for Sazka told EGR Intel: “Sazka Group is aware of the upcoming licence competition for the UK National Lottery. Once the UK Gambling Commission has announced the terms and conditions for [the bidding process], we will evaluate them to determine the Sazka Group response.
“Sazka Group has a record of double-digit growth across all its markets, and a proven track-record in taking on established lotteries and making them better, which would position it well for any potential bid for the UK’s National Lottery.”