High Court rejects legal challenges relating to the National Lottery

The High Court has dismissed in full the claims brought by The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC (N&S) against the Gambling Commission over the award of the Fourth National Lottery Licence to Allwyn.

The companies had alleged that the Commission wrongly selected Allwyn as the next licence holder and that TNLC should have been awarded the contract instead. They also claimed that the Commission and Allwyn entered into unlawful modifications to the licence arrangements after the competition concluded.

The case was heard over a lengthy trial before Mrs Justice Joanna Smith between October and December 2025, with a further hearing in January 2026. In a detailed judgment handed down on 17 April 2026, the Court rejected all allegations and ruled entirely in the Commission’s favour.

The judgment concludes that the competition was run fairly and robustly, and that none of the contested implementation‑stage changes amounted to substantial or impermissible modifications under procurement law.

The Commission welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important decision for the future of The National Lottery. It said the outcome provides clarity and allows Allwyn, under regulatory oversight, to continue its investment plans without further distraction.

The National Lottery, one of the largest in the world, has raised more than £52 billion for over 670,000 Good Causes since its launch in 1994, supporting projects across arts, sport, heritage and communities.