The Preferred Bidder

Following a rigorous evaluation period, on 7 August 2007 Camelot Group plc was announced as the Preferred Bidder to become the operator of the next National Lottery licence.

Both Camelot Group plc and Sugal & Damani UK Ltd met the seven Required Standards outlined by the Commission in the Invitation to Apply. Camelot Group plc was considered best able to maximise returns to good causes over the ten year term of the Licence. The Commission also concluded that there was a greater probability that Camelot Group plc would achieve higher sales than Sugal & Damani UK Ltd.

On the basis of the strength of its Bid, the National Lottery Commission was able to confirm Sugal & Damani UK Ltd as a Reserve Bidder. 

On 31 August 2007, we finalised the licence and entered into an Enabling Agreement with Camelot Group plc. We continued to work with Camelot to oversee a smooth transition to the new Licence, which started on 1 February 2009, in order to ensure that the UK continues to have one of most successful lotteries in the world.

Related downloads

• Statement of Reasons

  This statement set out the assessment of the main factors the Commission weighed in reaching its decision. Please note that a minor amendment was made to the electronic version of the Statement of Reasons on 16 August 2007. Note xi has been amended t

  (pdf - 191kb)

• Background: Licence to run the National Lottery

  This note set out the background to the National Lottery Commission,the third licence competition process, including information on the Bids received, and identifies that the Commission prepared a report on the competition.

  (pdf - 115kb)