Gambling Commission starts preparations to launch a new era for UK National Lottery

The UK Gambling Commission has started its preliminary global market engagement with businesses and investors interested in the UK National Lottery. The existing licensing period will be over in 2023.

The UK National Lottery is one of the world’s biggest lotteries in the world. An estimated 14 million people participate in the draw-based games a month. The lottery generated £6.9 billion in sales last year alone.

It was launched in 1994, when the world was quite different. The Commission plans to mould its system to cater to the demands of a new world.

In 2019, as part of its 25th anniversary, the Commission will be placing significant importance in ensuring that, through innovative ideas, the next operator maximises returns to good causes for British society and builds on the £38 billion raised since it started, as well as ensuring that playing National Lottery products is as fair and safe as possible.

The Gambling Commission regulates the current UK National Lottery licence and the wider gambling industry in Great Britain, and will begin initial discussions with the existing global lottery market next week at the World Lottery Summit in Buenos Aires (18–22 November). Over the coming months, it will also be planning engagement with wider finance and technology industries in the UK and abroad.

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission said:

“The UK National Lottery is one of the largest lotteries in the world, the fourth licence competition is a unique and exciting opportunity for potential bidders an operator to sustain and build on the National Lottery’s achievements over the last 25 years.”

“The National Lottery is a multi-billion pound operation. Last year saw £6.9 billion in sales last year alone and we believe there is significant untapped potential for growth whilst still retaining the principles of being responsible, safe and fair.”

“In a world where 24-hour communication and technology continues to change at an increasingly fast pace, innovation and creativity will play a key part in making sure the National Lottery remains relevant in the future and are keen to hear from the widest range of businesses and interested parties from across the globe.”

“We are looking forward to meeting businesses, investors and interested parties over the next few months to help us to shape an exciting, fair and healthy competition which will take the UK National Lottery into a new era, and ensure it remains one of the biggest and best lotteries in the world.”