Camelot Wins Six-month Extension on its National Lottery Licence

The Camelot Group is set to sign a six-month extension on its contract to operate the UK’s National Lottery as the tender process for the next licence has been delayed by three months due to challenges caused by Covid-19.

A Camelot spokesperson said that the operator has received notice in writing from the UK Gambling Commission to extend the licence to run the National Lottery.

“We remain focused on continuing to build on the strong performance we have achieved over the last three years and delivering even more money for good causes, funding which is vitally important during this unprecedented time,” the spokesperson said.

A UKGC spokesperson confirmed that the launch of the tender has now been officially delayed by three months, primarily due to challenges caused by Covid-19.

UKGC did not disclose exactly when the process would commence, but it did state that the Selection Questionnaire, which marks the first phase of the competition, would not be issued before August. Given that the last target was the first half of the year, this seems to suggest that the tender will launch in either late September or early October.

“Having considered the market’s feedback on challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to delay the launch of the competition by three months. As a result, the Selection Questionnaire will not be issued before August and we will review the circumstances up until that point. During this period of high uncertainty, the extended timetable is designed to enable potential applicants to make adequate preparations for a fair, open and robust competition,” the UKGC spokesperson said.