SAZKA THROWS HAT INTO UK RING

Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, Czech lottery and betting operator Sazka Group has officially declared its interest in bidding for the UK National Lottery license. Incumbent Camelot Group has run the National Lottery since its 1994 inception but its current license expires in 2023 and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) formally opened the bidding process in August.

Sazka CEO Robert Chvatal said his company, Europe’s largest lottery operator, had submitted its application to the UKGC by last week’s deadline. Sazka was now busy hiring a UK-based team and building the necessary relationships to deliver “a compelling case which is based on a clear understanding of the needs and desires of all stakeholders and customers.”

Sazka is the first operator to formally declare its interest, although Camelot is presumed to want to retain its UK crown. UK Health Lottery operator Northern & Shell and Australia’s Tabcorp have also been tipped as likely bidders in this contest, the winner of which will be announced next September.  

https://calvinayre.com/2020/10/08/business/a-month-before-us-elections-anti-gambling-politicians-hold-on-tight/