A fight over who gets to run the National Lottery could see it suspended for the first time.

The licence to oversee the game was given to lottery operators Allwyn in March, but the current holders Camelot are challenging the decision in court.

The case could go on for months, possibly years, which may lead to the draws being suspended during a potential handover in two years time, The Sun reports.

There are concerns some players who scoop winnings when the lottery is in the hands of Camelot may not be able to claim their prize if it's no longer under their control.

There are also fears it could mean some charities will lose out on money raised by the competition.

Camelot claims the Gambling Commission's decision to give the lottery licence to Allwyn was "badly wrong" and claimed the company was "unlawfully appointed".

A High Court ruling — expected this week — will decide if a suspension of the lottery should be put in place in February 2024 if court proceedings remain unresolved.

It will be the first time the game has been suspended in its 30-year history.

The commission insists it ran a “fair and robust” competition for the licence - which will run for 10 years - and said there was “regret” that Camelot has gone to court.

Allwyn, a company backed by Czech billionaire Karel Komarek, has said before that it was “complying fully with the Gambling Commission on all aspects of the process”.

It pledged to give £38 billion to good causes.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/national-lottery-could-suspended-first-27038780