The National Lottery could be suspended for the first time in its 28-year history in a row over ownership.
The Gambling Commission said in submissions to the High Court that a legal challenge by Camelot, its current operator, against the loss of its licence to Czech rival Allwyn could delay the handover, which is planned for February 1, 2024.
John Tanner, the watchdog’s executive director, warned that the delay could leave Allwyn with insufficient time to set up its operation, saying it needed at least 19 months to prepare.
Fingers crossed: A delay in the handover from Camelot to Allwyn could result in the lottery being suspended for a period of time
He added that a delay meant there was a ‘real risk that there will be a period when the National Lottery does not operate at all’, meaning players, as well as good causes that receive funding, could be deprived of cash, it was reported yesterday.
The commission is asking the High Court to reverse a previous ruling that suspended the handover process pending the outcome of Camelot’s legal challenge.
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