The UK National Lottery’s new operator, Allwyn, has teamed up with telecommunications leader Vodafone to revamp its technological foundation. This strategic alliance comes as Allwyn aims to rejuvenate the lottery engagement, particularly on mobile platforms. Although specifics remain undisclosed, this collaboration also suggests Allwyn’s intention to disrupt the Irish lottery sector soon.
Vodafone’s proficiency will be crucial in modernizing the current framework, enabling a mobile-centric approach to lottery participation. Acknowledging the essential function of local vendors, Allwyn has promised ongoing assistance for these merchants throughout their ten-year term. This dedication is further reinforced by Vodafone’s commitment to equip retailers with digital literacy instruction, ensuring they can prosper in an increasingly digitized landscape.
The pact outlines Vodafone’s obligation to host the lottery’s information within their secure UK data facilities. Furthermore, Vodafone will be responsible for delivering a resilient Wide Area Network (WAN) solution, seamlessly linking Allwyn’s locations.
Vodafone UK Business Director, Nick Gliddon, stressed the transformative potential of digital technology in reshaping enterprises and enhancing customer interactions. He contrasted this with the lottery’s beginnings, highlighting the stark difference between the unchanged pen-and-paper practices used in local stores and the rapid technological progress observed elsewhere.
Similarly, Robert Chvátal, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Allwyn UK, confirmed the partnership’s importance in realizing their vision presented in their successful bid for the fourth National Lottery license. He voiced confidence in the well-defined scope and meticulous preparation underpinning their collaboration with Vodafone, promising a series of enhancements to the existing technological infrastructure.
Allwyn and Camelot engaged in a heated contest for the United Kingdom’s fourth National Lottery concession, a role Camelot had maintained for the preceding three periods. Unwilling to surrender its grasp, Camelot even pursued legal avenues to impede the proceedings.
Despite their most valiant attempts, Camelot eventually acknowledged their loss and consented to transfer their UK lottery business to Allwyn. This handover is projected to conclude in February 2024.
Allwyn’s aspirations extend beyond the UK’s frontiers. They are also targeting a controlling interest in the Irish National Lottery and are reportedly collaborating with Swiss financial powerhouse UBS to finalize the transaction.
Presently, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) possesses an 80% stake in the Irish Lottery, an agreement slated to persist until 2034. Nevertheless, it is speculated that they are amenable to divesting, with Allwyn, Scientific Games, and Française des Jeux all surfacing as prospective buyers.
admin