IGT Discontinues Appeal Against National Lottery Tender Process

The UK Court of Appeal has granted IGT’s request to dismiss its appeal against its High Court loss in a case challenging the Gambling Commission’s National Lottery tender.

The decision stems from the UKGC’s 2022 decision to award the fourth National Lottery licence to Allwyn Entertainment. This was challenged in court by both Camelot and IGT, who had lodged a rival bid. Camelot had previously been the operator of the National Lottery since its inception in 1994.

After losing a High Court battle in June, Camelot ended legal proceedings. The operator was later acquired by Allwyn from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan.

However, IGT continued to dispute the tender, appealing the matter to the Court of Appeal where it sought damages from the Commission.

IGT’s decision to withdraw its appeal brings an end to the fraught legal dispute involving the National Lottery tender process, which has been bitterly contested by multiple participants.

“We remain resolute that we have run a fair and robust competition, and that our evaluation has been carried out fairly and lawfully in accordance with our statutory duties,” said the UKGC in a statement.

“Our priority is to continue to work to implement our decision for the benefit of participants and good causes. The Fourth National Lottery Licence is due to be granted on 1 February 2024.”

In the gambling supplier’s High Court challenge to the UKGC, it argued the awarding of the tender to Allwyn represented a violation of Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This is the section which mandates universal protections under the law.

Overall, IGT argued the allegedly unlawful awarding of the contract to Allwyn led to loss of reputation, goodwill and the ability to win similar contracts.