Allwyn to maintain commission levels, as retailers given December deadline to sign new agreements

Upcoming National Lottery operator Allwyn is to maintain existing commission levels and remove monthly leasing fees for some retailers when it takes over in February 2024.

The firm has been ramping up communication and support to stores, who have been given an 18 December deadline to switch their existing National Lottery agreement from Camelot to Allwyn, who will oversee the fourth National Lottery licence for 10 years.

Under the new agreement, commission levels for draw-based games, scratchcards and prize payments will remain the same, while payment terms for all games will also see no changes. Monthly leasing fees for existing ‘Compact Lottery Terminal’ retailers will also be removed, equating to an annual saving of £600 for some store owners.

Allwyn has been proactively contacting retailers as part of nationwide site surveys, informing them of how they can complete transfers to the new agreement online. The firm has urged retailers to ensure they conduct this transfer to avoid any interruption to their National Lottery service, with communication ramping up in the coming months.

The process will give retailers access to an “online portal” where they can read the new retailer agreement, while retail sales executives will talk through any key changes and answer any queries through store visits. Retailers can access the portal through a computer, tablet or smartphone. How to videos and written guides will also be available to help store owners through the process. Any existing bonds or Direct Debit mandates will also be transferred automatically.

The new agreement reflects changes in the law and the transition to the fourth licence. These changes include:

• Simple name changes to reflect Allwyn as the new operator
• Modernisation of some of the language used in the agreement
• The updating of some conditions to align with recent changes to laws, especially in areas such as data protection and record keeping
• The merging of the agreements Camelot had for its two different terminal types into one

The lead up to the 1 February takeover will also see pre-planned Lotto and EuroMillions event draws through the summer and autumn, followed by festival scratchcards and special event draws for the Christmas period.

Retailers will receive a welcome pack in the new year, providing information on further training and upcoming National Lottery games. Allwyn retail director Katharine Challinor said retailers would not be required to do anything until they’ve received details of the online portal.

She added: “Retailers will soon be hearing from us on how they can easily transfer their existing Retailer Agreement. Their Camelot Retail Sales Executive will also visit their store to guide them through the process and answer any questions they might have. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank National Lottery retailers for their continued support and the role they play in raising £30 million every week for Good Causes across the UK.”