Camelot faced a blow last week, after it lost its legal bid to prevent the handover of a new National Lottery licence to Allwyn.

As a result, a suspension, which was put in place after Camelot challenged the Gambling Commission’s (GC) decision to award Allwyn the next 10-year licence in February 2024, was lifted.

The GC said its priority is now “to continue to work to implement our decision and ensure a seamless and timely transition to the next licence, for the benefit of participants and good causes”.

In March, the GC announced Czech lottery giant Sazka – trading as Allwyn in the UK – had won the fourth licence bid, after being attracted to its digital approach.

National Lottery income drops by £1,000 a store

Blogg stressed that it would be “business as usual” at Camelot for the next 18 months and its “eye won’t be taken off the ball”.

She said: “While there are legal challenges, the court proceedings are separate to how I run my team and it won’t be interfered with.”

Better Retailing’s lottery-industry source warned that independent stores could be struck off as Allwyn adopts a more digital-focus.

“Retail needs an investment of over £100m in technology, how to play, connecting digital and physical shoppers, and how it looks aesthetically,” they said.

“So, I believe they will look to remove low-selling stores from the network and reinvest digitally in connecting to shoppers and find ways for them to play frequently, quickly, and safely without entering a store.”

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