UK Gambling Commission hits back at IGT’s latest National Lottery legal challenge
Regulator reaffirms its stance stating that it ran “a fair and robust competition” and that any outcome of the claim won’t affect Alwyn’s licence position
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has refuted claims made by International Game Technology (IGT) in its latest legal challenge against the awarding of the fourth UK National Lottery licence to Allwyn.
The Times initially reported that IGT, that is the incumbent licence holder and Camelot’s technology partner, is now suing the UKGC under European human rights laws, arguing that the decision to award the licence to Allwyn had cost it “marketable goodwill”.
The report noted that if IGT were to win, it could lead to a damages award estimated at up to £600m, payable from the National Lottery’s Good Causes fund.
The UGKC has since confirmed to EGR that it is aware of IGT’s new claim but that it was resolute in its stance.
The UKGC told EGR it maintains its stance that it ran a fair competition for the licence, and that no matter the result of IGT’s claim it will not affect Allwyn’s position as the incoming licensee, which is due to start in February 2024.
A UKGC spokesperson said: “We remain resolute that we ran a fair and robust competition and that our evaluation was carried out fairly and lawfully in accordance with our statutory duties.
“We took every step possible to ensure a level playing field for all interested parties, to enable us to appoint a licensee who that will engage and protect players, run the National Lottery with integrity and ensure the National Lottery maximises support for good causes and its contribution to society through further innovation and investment.
“The outcome of any proceedings will not affect Allwyn’s position as incoming licensee, nor our commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly handover,” the spokesperson added.
The legal challenge from IGT follows a tumultuous period in the courts in which the supplier and Camelot both challenged the UKGC on decision.
That original case did fail, but Camelot withdrew its threat of a second claim after Allwyn bought Camelot from its owner, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, for an estimated £100m.
According to The Times, IGT proceeded to put in this second claim just before Christmas, arguing that its rights under Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act had been breached.