Health Lottery owner and former newspaper baron Richard Desmond is expected to take the Gambling Commission to court over his failed bid to run the National Lottery. 

Northern & Shell, the previous owner of the Express, claims there were flaws in the Gambling Commission’s bid assessment, and is seeking up to £200m in damages. The Gambling Commission is understood to believe the claims have a low chance of success. 

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Regardless of the outcome, the lawsuit has the potential to harm good causes funded by the National Lottery, with the Gambling Commission stating litigation costs and any damages would “come from good causes”. 

Desmond’s claim is unlikely to impact the move of the National Lottery to new operator Allwyn in February 2024 and is not expected to cause issues for partnered retailers. 

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