Unplayed/incomplete Interactive Instant Win Games (IIWGs)

Background

a) Compliance with approved procedures
For processes that are key to the operation of the National Lottery, Camelot must develop a written procedure and submit it for approval by the NLC.  Camelot is then required to carry out the processes in line with the corresponding procedure at all times. The only exception to this rule is where the National Lottery Commission has given its consent for any process or part of a process to be conducted differently to the approved procedure.

b) Compliance with Game Rules
Camelot is required to comply with the Rules for Interactive Instant Win Games (IIWGs).  One provision in the Rules is that in the event that a play for an IIWG is purchased by a player but not played to its conclusion, the IIWG will be automatically played out after 60 days and the player will receive any prize that he/she is entitled to.

Condition
Condition 2(8) of the licence granted under Section 5 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended) requires compliance with approved procedures.

Condition 3(1) of Schedule 3 of the licence granted under Section 6 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended) requires compliance with the Rules for IIWGs
 

Description
On 19 December 2006, Camelot archived data relating to “try” IIWGs.  These are versions of the IIWGs that are free to play, but for which no prize can be won.  Following a number of player calls, Camelot identified that in archiving “try” game data, all data relating to unplayed or incomplete live games in those game-series had also been archived. 

On 18 January 2007, Camelot restored the live games to the players’ accounts.  On doing so, it identified that, once restored to the live system, any incomplete games did not play out after 60 days in accordance with the approved procedure and game rules and, as a result, players did not automatically receive the prizes they were entitled to.

Regulatory Action
Having written to Camelot and considered its response, the Commission concluded that there had been a contravention of the licence requirements.  A licence breach was recorded on 6 November 2007.

Outcome
The Commission noted that games did not automatically play out after 60 days and players did not automatically receive their prizes in accordance with the approved procedure and the game rules. The Commission is satisfied the majority of prizes have been paid to players and is in discussion with Camelot as to the best approach to pay the outstanding £42 of prizes that are due to be shared among 24 players.