High rollers ready to gamble on winning control of the UK’s lottery
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After 27 years, 60% of UK adults still play the lottery. They spend up to £18,200 a year on the app. The Gambling Commission is in the midst of a competition to decide who will run the next national lottery licence. It is due to start in 2024. Camelot, the company owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, has won all three licence competitions to date. Czech-owned Sazka Group, media tycoon Richard Desmond and Italian lottery operator Sisal are also in competition. MPs on DCMS select committee launched an inquiry into the future of the national Lottery.
The winner of the lottery will be announced in February next year. Final bids must be in by mid-October. One bidder has a deal with a technology company that would replace the countertop scratchcard cases and lottery ticket booths with electronic terminals that recognise a lottery player’s phone. The Gambling Commission is already under pressure over addiction.
