UKGC targets a “fairer and safer” National Lottery with fourth lottery competition
UK gambling regulator aims for a “level playing field” for all bidders
Increased player protection and returns to good causes are among the central parts of the competition to run the National Lottery, the Gambling Commission has said.
Speaking at the fourth National Lottery market engagement event, UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said the commission was aiming “to make the National Lottery innovative and enjoyable while also ensuring that we keep it as safe as possible for all players”.
The competition to receive the fourth UK National Lottery licence will officially launch in the first quarter of 2020, following the commencement of discussions with lottery operators last November.
However, the UKGC confirmed these discussions have since been widened to seek the innovation and expertise of businesses “operating outside of the traditional lottery market”.
“If we are to build a National Lottery fit for the future, we must place innovation and technology right at the centre of the competition.” McArthur added.
The UKGC has cited nine draft policy themes as being central to the competition, including player protection, returns to good causes, customer retention, channels of sale, product portfolio, number and length of licences, branding, propriety and the monitoring of performance.
These policy themes will be formally released over the year, ahead of the competition launch, with the UKGC confirming the appointment of a specialist team to manage the process and engage with potential bidders.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to design, build, finance and operate the requisite infrastructure and systems and must show they can distribute and market lottery games.
In addition, successful bidders must be able to ensure “a smooth transition” of the National Lottery from the current operator, Camelot.
The UKGC has said the National Lottery has “strong potential for growth” based on forecast increasing market size and per-capita spend, citing data from market research firm Mintel, who have estimated that the UK lottery market will grow to £9.4bn over the next five years.