Camelot accused of manipulating National Lottery licence competition

Two MPs have urged the Gambling Commission (UKGC) to investigate Camelot for allegedly taking credit for The National Lottery’s returns to good causes initiative. In a letter addressed to the regulator, MPs Carolyn Harris and Richard Holden highlighted a recent ad campaign by Camelot in The House Magazine, a publication issued to staff at Westminster. The MPs claimed Camelot placed its own branding ahead of UK National Lottery branding in an ad campaign inside the publication in an attempt to distort the link between the business and funding for good causes. In extracts reported by the Evening Standard, the letter stated: “It’s unclear to us how an advertising campaign in The House Magazine…serves to promote the National Lottery in order to increase returns to good causes. “We have noticed there have been numerous instances when Camelot has announced initiatives that appear to conflate its role as operator with that of The National Lottery,” the letter added. In particular, the group referenced the operator’s partnership with the Daily Mail to provide computers to disadvantaged children for home schooling and a sponsorship agreement with ITV for three of the broadcaster’s biggest Saturday night shows. “We fear this is creating an unfair process that threatens the credibility of The National Lottery and you as a regulator,” MPs wrote. “We are fearful that if the competition continues to allow the incumbent to mislead audiences as to its role in relation to good causes, it will lead to a situation where Camelot is awarded the licence for a fourth time and no credible bidders will be forthcoming in future competitions. “This is why we are now seeking assurances from the regulator on how you will enforce the rules properly to ensure this is a fair and competitive process,” the letter concluded. The UKGC launched the fourth National Lottery licence tender in August 2020. The winner will take over in 2023. Camelot has run the UK’s National Lottery since its inception in 1994. The firm is understood to have submitted a renewal bid, with Czech lottery giant Sazka Group its most vocal competitor to date. Addressing the letter, Camelot said: “Camelot is doing all it can to maximise returns to good causes and promote The National Lottery brand in accordance with its licence and duties. “The assertions made are wrong and the distinction between the role of Camelot and The National Lottery was accurate and made clear in all materials. At no time has money allocated for good causes been used for Camelot’s benefit. “Criticising Camelot’s decision to use £1m of its own money to support a brilliant initiative by The Daily Mail to provide computers for children’s home schooling, or to help fund a local bike scheme, is a surprise. “The decision to support projects like these is in keeping with Camelot’s commitment to make a positive impact and help where it can,” Camelot added.