The National Lottery could be suspended for the first time in almost thirty years because of a legal row. 

The jackpot has been run by Camelot since its launch in the early 90s, but in April, the Gambling Commission confirmed plans to transfer the licence to Allwyn Entertainment, a rival operator. 

It’s now been revealed that Camelot has launched a legal challenge to stop the move. 

Lottery ownership was set to be transferred from Camelot to Allwyn Entertainment on 1 February 2024, but legal proceedings will likely cause delays, The Independent reports, which will mean players may miss out on millions of pounds. 

John Tanner, the Gambling Commission's chief executive director, said in court evidence that delays mean ‘the lottery doesn’t operate to its full potential’ and may face periods where ‘it doesn't operate at all’.

Camelot says the Gambling Commission got it ‘badly wrong’ when offering Allwyn Entertainment the lottery licence. 

Since the National Lottery’s launch in 1994, Camelot has been granted the licence three times.

The operator claims to raise £30 million each week for good causes through the National Lottery, which Camelot runs alongside the EuroMillions.

LADbible has approached Camelot and Allwyn Entertainment for comment. 

https://www.ladbible.com/news/national-lottery-could-be-suspended-20220530