Major change to National Lottery scratchcard rules could lower your chances of winning
A STRING of major changes to the National Lottery are set to launch – and one could lower your chances of winning.
Camelot, who have been in charge since 1994, are being replaced by Allwyn, as chosen by the Gambling Commission.
The handover on February 1 marks the first time the lottery has changed hands since it was launched nearly 30 years ago.
It is said to introduce a host of different rules but vows to “breathe fresh life” into the draw as the number of winners dwindles.
Allwyn’s UK boss, Andria Vidler, took over the business last October and confirmed the group are not able to roll out many of the bigger changes until next year.
However, there will be new scratch cards and a marketing push surrounding the games, with a new Lotto ad campaign from February.
But, one rule in particular surprised players as it could limit their chances of winning.
From February 1, punters will not be able to buy more than 10 at any one time online.
In year one, there will be incremental changes every month, so that by the time all the tech transition has completed, there will be a lot more that’s visible.”
Andria Vidler
This will be extended to shops across the UK later in the year, in the hope to “limit vulnerable people from over-indulging”, explained Ms Vidler.
There will also be an overhaul of some of the lottery’s retail in-store kit throughout 2024, with plans to trial it in a small number of retailers next month.
By the end of March, a new and improved kit is set to be rolled out in 50 stores, with a full transformation by Autumn.
NEW FOCUS
The group’s fresh marketing campaign will initially focus on the individual draw-based games.
They hope to launch new scratch card initiatives with the idea to turn it into a trend to give these as gifts.
Ms Vidler said Allwyn has drawn on international markets for ideas.
Handover hampered by legal wrangling
It follows delays to a planned switchover to a new technology provider after Allwyn agreed to extend the contract for existing supplier, International Games Technology (IGT).
IGT had challenged the Gambling Commission’s decision to award Allwyn the 10-year licence 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 licence to Allwyn, which was finally settled in February last year when Allwyn bought Camelot, although the two companies have since been continuing to operate separately.
Ms Vidler said: “Until all of these big challenges were resolved, we couldn’t get going.
“The challenges delayed the final award of the licence to Allwyn, which shortened the transition period.”
Allwyn’s winning bid saw it vow to revamp the lottery with new games and draws, increasing sales and money for good causes and pledging to eventually double this funding by the end of the 10-year licence.
Ms Vidler said the firm was still committed to its long-term goal to double money for good causes, but that it was set to fall short of early years targets.
On the delays to its plans, Ms Vidler said: “Of course, Allwyn as a group is disappointed.
“There’s been a lot of frustration with constant delays, but collectively we have got 10 years, it’s not something that will happen week one or day one.”
New products could even include scratch card advent calendars, as seen in the Netherlands.
“In year one, there will be incremental changes every month, so that by the time all the tech transition has completed, there will be a lot more that’s visible,” added Ms Vilder.
BIG CHANGES
The company also announced its original promise to halve the price of a lottery ticket from £2 to £1 is under review.
Highly-anticipated plans for new draw-based games have also been delayed until 2025.
This will impact sales and hold back the amount of money it can give to good causes in the early part of its 10-year licence.
Ms Vidler said the group is trying to ensure that money for good causes will 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 “consequence of the legal issues”.
It comes as Andy Carter, at The National Lottery, said luxury holidays are the most popular treat for jackpot winners.
“I have met lots of winners over the years and dream holidays are always top of the National Lottery wish list after winning a life-changing prize,” he explained.
Andy recommended people go on holiday, especially after scooping up more than £100million, “to let the win sink in”.
He added: “We all use breaks away from home as a time to think and with a new massive bank balance, you need that time.”
NATIONAL LOTTERY WINNERS 2024 HOLIDAY PLANS
- Australia – 25%
- Disney World Florida – 16%
- The Northern Lights in Iceland – 8%
- Safari Experience in South Africa – 8%
- Spain – 8%
- Mexico – 4%
- Vegas – 4%
- Holland – 4%
- Lapland – 4%
- Dubai – 4%
- Italy – 4%
- Japan – 4%