The UK Court of Appeal has rejected an attempt by The New Lottery Company and Northern & Shell to challenge Allwyn’s award of the fourth National Lottery licence, ending their legal efforts to overturn a High Court decision from earlier this year.
The court dismissed the appeal brought by The New Lottery Company (TNLC) and Northern & Shell, which had sought to overturn an earlier High Court judgment upholding the Gambling Commission’s decision to award the licence to Allwyn.
TNLC and Northern & Shell had argued that TNLC should have won the licence competition instead, alleging that the regulator made impermissible modifications to the licence arrangements after the bid process had concluded.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling brings a close to a protracted legal dispute over the fourth National Lottery operating licence, which determines who will run the UK’s flagship lottery for the next decade. The decision means Allwyn’s position as the incoming operator is now secure, barring any further legal developments.
According to reports, the ruling also prevents TNLC and Northern & Shell from filing further appeals, effectively closing off additional legal avenues for the challengers.
The dispute represents one of the most contentious licence competitions in UK lottery history, with the unsuccessful bidders pursuing their challenge through multiple levels of the court system after the Gambling Commission’s original decision.
Allwyn was formally awarded the fourth National Lottery licence by the Gambling Commission, taking over operations from the current operator. The transition marks a significant shift in the management of the UK’s National Lottery, which has raised billions for good causes since its launch in 1994.
Key questions answered
Who challenged Allwyn’s National Lottery licence award in court?
The New Lottery Company (TNLC) and Northern & Shell challenged the award through the court system.
What was the basis of the legal challenge against Allwyn’s licence?
TNLC and Northern & Shell alleged that the Gambling Commission made impermissible modifications to the licence arrangements after the bid process had concluded.
Can TNLC and Northern & Shell continue their legal challenge after this ruling?
No, the ruling prevents them from filing further appeals, effectively closing off additional legal avenues.
How long will Allwyn operate the UK National Lottery?
Allwyn will run the UK’s National Lottery for the next decade under the fourth National Lottery licence.