The UK Gambling Commission has officially confirmed that International Game Technology PLC (IGT), an online gambling operator, has withdrawn its appeal against the allocation of the fourth National Lottery license in the country to Allwyn Entertainment.
IGT had initially sought to appeal this decision in the UK Court of Appeal, and on September 21, 2023, had formally requested permission to do so. The basis for the appeal was rooted in the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) decision to grant the fourth and final National Lottery license to Allwyn, a decision contested by IGT in the High Court. However, on July 28, 2023, the High Court ruled that IGT did not have the right to appeal this decision.
In the most recent update, IGT requested permission to withdraw its appeal, and the Court of Appeal granted this request on January 9, 2024. Additionally, IGT confirmed that it would no longer pursue damages from the Gambling Commission.
In response to this development, the UKGC issued a statement, affirming their commitment to a fair and robust competition process. They emphasized that their evaluation had been conducted in accordance with statutory duties, and their priority is to implement the decision for the benefit of participants and good causes. The issuance of the Fourth National Lottery License is scheduled for February 1, 2024.
The National Lottery, established in 1994, is one of the world's largest lotteries, contributing over £47 billion to 670,000 good causes across the UK. Allwyn, the recipient of the license, has pledged to invest in the National Lottery, anticipating growth and innovation across products and channels, ultimately leading to increased contributions to Good Causes, with a commitment to participant protection and propriety.
Allwyn's commitment to innovation and contributing to good causes highlights the potential for positive impact within the National Lottery system.
In my opinion. This choice demonstrates a dedication to respecting legal requirements and giving participants' and charitable causes' interests top priority. I'm hopeful that Allwyn Entertainment's handling of the National Lottery will result in more innovation and expansion, which will eventually help players and charitable causes.
It's a relief to see the UKGC's commitment to fairness in the National Lottery license allocation. Hopefully, this resolution ensures continued support for vital causes across the UK.
The withdrawal of IGT's appeal and confirmation of Allwyn Entertainment for the fourth National Lottery license underscore the UK Gambling Commission's commitment to a fair competition process. Allwyn's pledge to invest in the National Lottery promises growth and innovation, benefiting good causes and participant protection.
Appreciate the update. It's intriguing to see the resolution, and I'm curious to witness how Allwyn's commitment to innovation will unfold for the National Lottery on February 1, 2024.