£350 Million Tech Overhaul at National Lottery Faces Mid‑2025 Delivery Uncertainty

Regulatory bodies are now closely monitoring the situation, and concerns are growing over Allwyn’s ability to meet its targets.

When Allwyn took over the National Lottery license from Camelot, the company made bold predictions. It promised to nearly double the contribution to charity from £17.9 billion to £38 billion over the next decade, aiming for an annual contribution of about £3.8 billion. However, as the project has progressed, those numbers have been revised down. Allwyn now projects a weekly contribution increase from £30 million to £60 million, which equates to just over £3.1 billion annually. This would be a far cry from the initial promises.

The Gambling Commission, which awarded the license to Allwyn in September 2022, is reportedly considering action due to Allwyn’s failure to meet its initial commitments. Among these was a pledge to slash ticket prices for the main lottery draw from £2 to £1, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.

In addition, internal reports suggest that the company has faced “severe micro-management” from the Gambling Commission, which some insiders believe has hampered operational efficiency. This tension between regulatory oversight and Allwyn’s ability to operate freely is adding complexity to the situation.

The delays in the £350 million overhaul are also raising concerns for stakeholders who rely on lottery funding, including charities and community organizations. With mid-2025 now looking like the target for the overhaul’s completion, the uncertainty surrounding its delivery could affect critical funding, putting much-needed projects at risk.

Allwyn’s Q1 results showed steady growth, thanks in part to a strong performance from the UK National Lottery, offering a glimmer of optimism despite ongoing concerns about delays in the tech overhaul. While physical ticket sales remain important, a growing number of players now interact with the National Lottery through online lottery sites, increasing pressure to deliver a seamless digital platform.