By Business & Finance Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) today signed the licence to operate the National Lottery for the next 20 years.
The new operator – whose investors are Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), owner of the Camelot Group, An Post and An Post pension funds – will take over the full operation of the National Lottery following transition. The first installment of the €405m upfront payment will be made to the State in the coming days.
Premier Lotteries Ireland brings together the expertise of the Camelot Group, a world-leading lottery operator, and An Post, the current operator of the National Lottery. Both An Post and the Camelot Group have proven track records of growing lottery sales in Ireland and the UK respectively, as well as demonstrated global leadership in responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility.
Premier Lotteries Ireland will build on these strengths to bring new innovations to the lottery, further enhancing the player experience and maximising returns to good causes. Premier Lotteries Ireland will invest in state of the art technology to facilitate the retail network in growing sales, as well as digital innovation.
A key focus will be on growing the online channel to provide National Lottery players with more choice. Premier Lotteries Ireland is well-positioned to deliver on this, given the expertise and experience of Camelot in the UK, where it currently manages Europe’s largest online lottery in terms of sales.
At the signing of the licence Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of this process. We have a new operator that brings together valuable domestic experience together with international expertise. I think Premier Lotteries will grow the business in a responsible manner and we can look forward to a greater annual revenue stream for good vauses.”
Celebrating the licence signing, Dermot Griffin, CEO designate, Premier Lotteries Ireland, said: “I am delighted the Government has awarded Premier Lotteries Ireland the licence to operate the National Lottery. Premier Lotteries Ireland will invest in the National Lottery and its Retail Network, providing state of the art technology to facilitate game innovation. In addition, we will provide players with choice through the development of the online channel. These opportunities will allow us to grow the National Lottery, increase returns to Good Causes, and create jobs in Ireland. Premier Lotteries Ireland will continue to operate with the existing National Lottery branding, maintaining the highest levels of integrity and responsible gaming.”
