The UK Gaming Commission is seeking “fresh ideas” to revamp the National Lottery.
The Commission confirmed last week that it was searching for bidders for its National Lottery 2023 concession to replace Camelot Group Plc, who have been operating the lottery since its inception 1994.
As of today, Camelot states that it has raised around £38 billion for good causes and funded some of the biggest social projects for the UK including the London 2012 Olympics, the National Arts Council and The Heritage Fund.
However, the firm came under fire from Parliament after a 2017 report from the National Audit Office (NAO) discovered that ticket sales increased 27% to £7 billion. Camelot, meanwhile, maintained increased profits of £72 million (An increase of 127%) while returns for good causes only rose by 2% to £1.5 billion.
Then in August this year, the UK Gambling Commission fined the firm £1.5million for several digital shortcomings in which the National Lottery app published incomplete lotto results, draws and raffles prizes.
Under advice by the Public Accounts Committee, the Commission reportedly wants to restructure the framework for operating the National Lottery. They’re looking to shorten the license but allow for more concessions to make necessary adjustments to secure greater returns for good causes.
Neil McArthur, the Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, said: “We believe there is significant untapped potential for growth whilst still retaining the principles of being responsible, safe and fair.
“We are looking forward to meeting businesses, investors and interested parties over the next few months to help us to shape an exciting, fair and healthy competition which will take the UK National Lottery into a new era, and ensure it remains one of the biggest and best lotteries in the world.”
The news comes after the UK Gambling Commission discovered that almost 90% of all pubs fail to stop children from gambling on their premises.
The Gambling Commission discovered the figures after launching an investigation and licensing local authorities to check whether pubs were following UK law. The Commission also sent a letter to the British Beer and Pub Association today, outlining the Commission’s findings and calling for improvements.
