Allwyn takes over as operator of the UK National Lottery

Today marks the start of the Fourth National Lottery Licence in the United Kingdom and the assumption of National Lottery operations by Allwyn.

It is the first time that responsibility for operating the National Lottery has changed hands since its foundation 30-years ago.

During this time, over £92 billion has been paid out in prize money and more than £48 billion invested in almost 700,000 community, sport, arts and heritage projects.

“We are thrilled to become the new operator of The National Lottery,” said Allwyn UK chair Justin King CBE. “It is a privilege and a responsibility that we take incredibly seriously. Over the next 10 years, our commitment is to increase returns to National Lottery-funded projects and build a legacy of change for good.”

Allwyn aims to build on the success of the last three decades and is committed to investing significantly over the coming 10 years to “reignite the magic” that lies at the heart of the National Lottery.

“On Thursday we start the important process of doing more with the National Lottery for the benefit of future generations,” said Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler. “It will be a journey that will take time - but one that has many incredible milestones along the way, offering us more opportunities to reflect on all the good that comes from it.

“This year is particularly significant, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the National Lottery’s 30th birthday. We want the birthday year, and the decade that follows, to be full of more unmissable and unforgettable moments for more people in more ways.”

The new operator said that high streets will continue to play an important role in lottery sales over the coming decade, with a number on enhancement set to be introduced to provide greater support to retailers.

In addition to in-store changes, Allwyn is also investing in a broader technology transformation programme to support the modernisation of the National Lottery, including the move to a new technology platform powered by Scientific Games.

“People up and down the country have been playing the National Lottery for almost 30 years and it will continue to be one of the nation’s favourite pastimes,” said the Stuart Andrew MP, UK Government Minister for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society. “Allwyn’s new licence will see The National Lottery fund even more important initiatives through its commitment to raising millions more pounds for good causes.

“From mental health services and maintaining heritage and the arts, to supporting our Olympians and Paralympians, The National Lottery will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of millions.”