A major change to the National Lottery scratch card rules could reduce the chances of winning
There are a RANGE of big changes coming to the National Lottery that could reduce your chances of winning.
Camelot, who has been in charge since 1994, will be replaced by Allwyn, chosen by the Gaming Commission.
The Feb. 1 transfer marks the first time the lottery has changed hands since its launch nearly 30 years ago.
It is said to introduce a host of different rules, but promises to “revive” the draw as the number of winners dwindles.
Allwyn's UK boss Andria Vidler took over the company last October and confirmed the group won't be able to make many of the bigger changes until next year.
However, there will be new scratch cards and a marketing push around the games, with a new Lotto advertising campaign from February.
But one rule in particular surprised players, as it could limit their chances of winning.
From February 1, punters will be unable to purchase more than 10 online at a time.
There will be incremental changes every month in the first year, so that by the time the entire technology transition is complete, much more will be visible.”
Andria Vidler
This will be extended to stores across the UK later this year, in the hope of “deterring vulnerable people from indulging”, Ms Vidler explains.
There will also be a review of some of the lottery's retail in-store kits in 2024, with plans to test these at a small number of retailers next month.
A new and improved kit will be rolled out to 50 stores at the end of March, with a full transformation in the autumn.
NEW FOCUS
The group's new marketing campaign will initially focus on its individual draw-based games.
They hope to launch new scratch cards initiatives with the idea of making it a trend to give them as gifts.
Ms Vidler said Allwyn has looked to international markets for ideas.
Transfer hampered by legal wrangling
It follows delays to a planned switch to a new technology supplier after Allwyn agreed to extend the contract for existing supplier, International Games Technology (IGT).
IGT had challenged the Gaming Commission's decision to award Allwyn the 10-year license in court, but later dropped the legal action.
There was also an intense legal battle with outgoing operator Camelot over the Commission's decision to award the license to Allwyn, which was eventually settled in February last year when Allwyn bought Camelot, although the two companies have continued to operate separately since then.
Ms Vidler said: “Until all these major challenges were resolved, we couldn't get started.
“The challenges delayed the final award of the license to Allwyn, shortening the transition period.”
Allwyn's winning bid promised to revamp the lottery with new games and draws, increase revenue and money for charities, and pledge to eventually double this funding by the end of the ten-year license.
Ms Vidler said the company was still committed to its long-term goal of doubling its funding for charities, but it would fall short of its early years targets.
Speaking about the delays to the plans, Ms Vidler said: “Of course Allwyn as a group is disappointed.
“There has been a lot of frustration with the continued delays, but collectively we have 10 years. It's not something that will happen week one or day one.”
New products can even be scratch card advent calendars, as we see in the Netherlands.
“There will be incremental changes every month in the first year, so that by the time the whole technology transition is complete, much more will be visible,” Ms Vilder added.
BIG CHANGES
The company also announced that its original pledge to halve the price of a lottery ticket from £2 to £1 is being revised.
Long-awaited plans for new draw-based games have also been postponed until 2025.
This will impact sales and limit the amount of money it can give to charities in the first part of its ten-year license.
Ms Vidler said the group is trying to ensure that money for charities does not 'go backwards' this year, but that this funding is directly affected by sales growth.
She said players would not notice any “Big Bang changes” from day one, adding that the delays to new games were a “result of the legal issues”.
It comes as the National Lottery's Andy Carter said luxury holidays are the most popular treat for jackpot winners.
“I have met many winners over the years and dream holidays are always at the top of the National Lottery wish list after winning a life-changing prize,” he explained.
Andy advised people to go on holiday, especially after raking in more than £100 million, “to let the victory sink in”.
He added: “We all use breaks as a time to reflect and with a new huge bank balance you need that time.”
NATIONAL LOTTERY WINNERS HOLIDAY PLANS 2024
- Australia – 25%
- Disney World Florida – 16%
- The Northern Lights in Iceland – 8%
- Safari experience in South Africa – 8%
- Spain – 8%
- Mexico – 4%
- Vegas – 4%
- Netherlands – 4%
- Lapland – 4%
- Dubai – 4%
- Italy – 4%
- Japan – 4%