In March this year, Allwyn, formerly known as Sazka Group, was named by the Commission as its preferred applicant for the licence, ending Camelot’s 28-year tenure as operator of the Lottery.
Allwyn’s selection followed a competitive tender process that also involved The New Lottery Company – owned by Health Lottery operator Northern and Shell – and Italy’s Sisal, as well as Camelot.
Camelot launched a High Court appeal over the decision in April, which led to the formal issuing of the lottery licence to Allwyn being suspended.
The High Court lifted the suspension in June, though the legal challenge continued, with Camelot and IGT, which also launched a legal challenge against the decision, approaching the Court of Appeal in regard to appealing the decision.
The Court of Appeal in July then gave permission to Camelot and IGT to appeal the decision to award the licence to Allwyn, which could have delayed Allwyn’s scheduled takeover of the National Lottery in 2024. The High Court had been due to commence hearings over the case this month.
However, Allwyn said Camelot has now opted to withdraw its appeal over the decision, with Allywn agreeing to waive all claims for costs or damages against Camelot.
“Allwyn very much welcomes this decision and looks forward to cooperating with Camelot and the UK Gambling Commission on the transition process,” Allwyn said in a statement. “Allwyn is excited at the prospect of becoming the custodian of Europe’s biggest lottery.”
IGT’s appeal remains and is due to be heard in the High Court next week. Camelot is yet to comment on the decision to withdraw its legal challenge.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/camelot-drops-legal-challenge-over-allwyn-national-lottery-licence-decision/
