Allwyn, the designated successor for managing the UK National Lottery, has teamed up with communications titan Vodafone to modernize the lottery system. This action aligns with Allwyn’s comprehensive plan, encompassing a significant venture into the Irish lottery sector (details to follow!).

Through this collaboration, Vodafone will utilize its proficiency to construct a contemporary, mobile-centric lottery framework, providing the current infrastructure with a much-needed technological overhaul. Allwyn is committed to empowering local vendors, a crucial component of the lottery network, and Vodafone will equip these retailers with digital competency instruction to adjust to the shifting environment.

In the background, Vodafone will house the lottery operations within its UK server facilities and furnish the indispensable wide area network (WAN) links to Allwyn branches.

Nick Gliddon, Vodafone UK Business Director, emphasized the weight of this alliance, declaring, “We recognize the significance of technology in revolutionizing enterprises and enhancing client encounters. Since the lottery’s inception, technology has progressed remarkably, yet the manner in which retailers engage with the game has largely stayed static.”

Robert Chvátal, Allwyn UK Interim Chief Executive Officer, reiterated this view, stating, “This accord solidifies the collaborations we unveiled during the bidding procedure for the fourth National Lottery permit. We now possess a distinct strategy with Vodafone to implement thrilling enhancements to the technology underpinning the National Lottery.”

Allwyn and Camelot engaged in a fierce competition for the United Kingdom’s fourth National Lottery permit, a role Camelot had maintained for the preceding three periods. In an attempt to retain control, Camelot initiated legal proceedings to delay the transfer.

Despite their most valiant attempts, Camelot eventually acknowledged their loss, clearing the path for Allwyn to assume control of the UK lottery management. The changeover is projected to be concluded by February 2024.

Further expanding their portfolio, Allwyn is rumored to be pursuing a controlling interest in the Irish National Lottery. Speculation is rife that they are engaged in discussions with Swiss financial powerhouse UBS to bring this acquisition to fruition.

Presently, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) possesses an 80% share in the Irish Lottery, an agreement scheduled to continue until 2034. Nevertheless, rumors imply they are amenable to a sale, igniting a bidding contest that has attracted attention from Allwyn, Scientific Games, and Française des Jeux.