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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has named Allwyn Entertainment Ltd as Preferred Applicant for the fourth National Lottery licence.

The National Lottery is one of the world’s largest lotteries and the current – third – licence is due to expire in 2024. Since launching in 1994, National Lottery players have collectively raised more than £45 billion for 660,000 good causes across the UK, transforming lives and contributing to the arts, sport, heritage and communities.

The selection of Allwyn as Preferred Applicant follows a fair, open and robust competition which received four applications at the final stage. This is the highest number of applications since the first National Lottery licence was awarded in 1994.

Alongside Allwyn, the other applicants were Sisal Spa, Camelot UK Lotteries Ltd and The New Lottery Company Ltd. Camelot UK Lotteries Ltd has been named Reserve Applicant.

Andrew Rhodes, CEO of UKGC, said: “In its lifetime, the National Lottery has raised more than £45 billion for good causes and is rightly seen as a great national asset.

“Our priority was to run a competition that would attract a strong field of candidates. Having received the most applications since 1994, it is clear that we’ve achieved just that.

“I am confident that the success of the competition will lead to a highly successful fourth licence – one that maximises returns to good causes, promotes innovation, delivers against our statutory duties, and which ultimately protects the unique status of the National Lottery.

“We look forward to working with all parties to ensure a smooth handover.”

John Tanner, Gambling Commission Executive Director and Senior Responsible Owner for the competition, said: “The Commission is grateful to all four applicants for their engagement in the competition. We were impressed by the overall standard of applications, including the range and quality of innovation proposed, and the high level of confidence and ambition demonstrated for the prospects of the National Lottery under the fourth licence.”

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