Lottery leader Allwyn announced that it has teamed up with Instant Win Gaming (IWG), a leading supplier of digital e-Instant and instant win games.

According to the announcement, Allwyn has joined forces with IWG’s co-founders, Rhydian Fisher and Simon Bucknall, and will work with them to unlock new opportunities to innovate the instant win games sector. The deal will strengthen the lottery operator’s content offering, allowing it to bolster its already strong portfolio.

Allwyn added that it has agreed to invest in IWG. Upon closing, the deal will see the former company acquire a 70% stake in the latter business. Allwyn explained that it would finance this venture using its existing financial resources.

The investment is expected to close in the second half of 2024 and is still subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Allwyn noted that no changes will be made to IWG’s team following the conclusion of this deal. As a result, Rhydian Fisher and Simon Bucknall will retain their roles as chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively.

IWG supplies over 25 national and state lotteries with instant win games and has a strong presence in the key North American market. The provider sits at the forefront of innovation and boasts a strong portfolio of games across many categories.

For reference, IWG reported an EBITDA of £18.2 million on April 30, 2023.

The Deal Will Take IWG to the Next Level

Representatives commented on Allwyn’s investment in IWG. The former company’s chief investment officer, Stepan Dlouhy, said that the deal will enable his team to “create and leverage high-quality content throughout the group.” Dlouhy explained that this move is a testament to Allwyn’s ambition to deliver a best-in-class experience to its international player base.

Dlouhy also lauded the expertise IWG’s co-founders have cultivated over the years.

Rhydian and Simon bring a wealth of sector knowledge and creativity and we are excited to collaborate and explore new opportunities.

Stepan Dlouhy, chief investment officer, Allwyn

In the meantime, Rhydian Fisher, IWG’s CEO, said that his team is “thrilled to be partnering with Allwyn.” Fisher explained that the deal will amplify IWG’s success and proposition, generating a lot of value for the supplier’s partners.

Allwyn’s deep expertise and knowledge of the lottery consumer will help us to deliver immediate and significant value for our existing partners, while this step will also create new opportunities for the brilliant games our team develops.

Rhydian Fisher, CEO, IWG

In other news, Allwyn just took over The National Lottery in the UK, launching a new marketing campaign to celebrate the occasion.

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Allwyn UK, the successor of Camelot as The National Lottery operator, announced a major new appointment. According to the announcement, Steve Parkinson, a former Bauer Media leader, will join the Allwyn team as its new brand and marketing director.

In this new position, Parkinson will leverage his expertise to grow The National Lottery and help it generate more funds for good causes. In this position, Parkinson will replace Ivor Burns who is set to step down from his position after 14 years with The National Lottery.

Allwyn pointed out that Parkinson is a former Bauer Media employee who held several senior marketing and business leadership positions. He oversaw the growth and brand development of Kiss, Magic, Absolute Radio, Jazz FM, Planet Rock and more. Parkinson also boasts experience in leading post-acquisition integrations, Allwyn added.

Before joining the UK’s most influential media brand network, Allwyn’s new hire served as EMAP’s marketing and brand director. In this position, he managed a portfolio of consumer brands across multiple channels, as well as a roster of creative and media agencies. His track record also includes a decade at Chrysalis where he held a number of senior roles.

The appointee will bring a wealth of experience in transforming brands to Allwyn UK’s team, as well as extensive knowledge of media partnerships and creative production. His appointment comes ahead of Allwyn’s takeover of The National Lottery and in the wake of Mark Hughes’ appointment as chief security officer.

Parkinson Is Excited to Join Allwyn in Such an Important Time

Parkinson expressed his excitement about the opportunity to join Allwyn at such a pivotal time for the company. He said that he is excited to work with Allwyn on raising money for good causes.

The National Lottery is a huge part of UK life and contributes so much to society through Good Causes funding – so to come on board at the very beginning of a new era, with a new operator, is incredibly exciting.

Steve Parkinson, brand and marketing director, Allwyn

Allwyn’s chief commercial officer, Lucy Buckley, welcomed Parkinson to the Allwyn family, lauding him as a “proven marketing leader.”

We’re excited about what he can bring to Allwyn and The National Lottery, with his wealth of experience in senior marketing roles.

Lucy Buckley, CCO, Allwyn

Buckley also used the opportunity to thank Burns for his enormous contribution to The National Lottery which left The National Lottery’s brands “in great shape.”

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Lottery juggernaut Allwyn unveiled a new partnership agreement with 0xCollection (Hex Collection), a Basel-based digital, new media and time-based art collection. Under the agreement, the two parties will team up at the upcoming Dvořák Prague International Music Festival to present Dvořák Dreams.

Dvořák Dreams is a new data painting commission by Refik Anadol, a famous Turkish-American digital artist. It honors the memory of the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák and will be presented at the aforementioned festival from September 8 to 13. The Dvořák Prague International Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates Dvořák’s impact on music and culture.

Allwyn’s new tie-up with 0xCollection is in line with its ambition to create a positive impact on society. By teaming up with the collection to support Refik Anadol’s works, the operator will demonstrate its commitment to supporting culture, innovation and contemporary art.

In addition to presenting Anadol’s Dvořák Dreams, Allwyn will sponsor 0xCollection’s inaugural exhibition, Synesthetic Immersion. The collection’s works will be presented in the Arts Space at Borislavka, Prague, from September 7 to October 19 and will feature the pieces of eight new media artists.

Allwyn noted that Dvořák Dreams and 0xCollection works will later embark on a global tour that will run for around two years.

Allwyn Desires to Support Cultural Initiatives

0xCollection’s director, Elle Anastasiou, expressed her team’s gratefulness to Allwyn, saying that the lottery company’s generous support is what made 0xCollection’s debut in Prague possible. Anastasiou added that Allwyn allowed 0xCollection to double down on its commitment to promote technology and art.

Working between leaders in technology and art is at the very heart of our interdisciplinary mission, and through Allwyn’s support, we have been able to further our commitment to public display and education surrounding our current era of technological and artistic brilliance.

Elle Anastasiou, director, 0xCollection

Allwyn’s chief executive officer, Robert Chvátal, said that his company is proud to foster cultural heritage and support diverse talent. He noted that the current agreement with 0xCollection reflects Allwyn’s desire to innovate and make an impact on society.

We are a company that aims to sit at the forefront of innovation, and we apply the same approach to our partnerships, marrying Allwyn’s novel thinking with similarly creative organizations to make a positive contribution to society.

Robert Chvátal, CEO, Allwyn

Allwyn is currently preparing to take over the National Lottery and is working with its former rival Camelot to ensure a smooth transition.

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Sazka – Allwyn International will now have access to CT Interactive’s portfolio of games, which features hundreds of excellent options. The partnership will see both companies work together to strengthen the former’s content library and deliver fresh and worthwhile experiences to players.

Sazka – Allwyn International Gets Content Boost

CT Interactive is happy to enter this collaboration with Sazka – Allwyn International. As Lachezar Petrov, CEO of the supplier said, the company’s main goal is to continue increasing its presence in regulated markets, which is precisely what this tie-up is going to achieve

The news was also welcomed by Michal Jasek, casino product manager at Sazka, who said that the supplier was very excited to see what is next for his company as a result of this tie-up. Tomas Biros, casino brand manager at Sazka was similarly pleased with CT Interactive, calling the company one of the most respected and recognized suppliers in the industry.

Not least, the news was welcomed by CT Interactive business development EMEA Milena Tsankarska who was similarly with this opportunity. She said that since the company’s content was certified in the Czech Republic in March, the company has had the opportunity to significantly scale its presence in the Central European market.

“We are so happy that the local players like our products and very soon we will surprise them with a brand-new portion of exciting games,” Tsankarska said. CT Interactive has been steadily marching forward with its European expansion.

CT Interactive Continues to Expand Its Global Presence

The company teamed up with several prominent operators over the past weeks and months, CT Interactive has launched its content portfolio with BetFlag in Italy, and introduced even more of its games locally, with titles such as Chilli Fruits, 40 Treasures and Lucky Clover among the games featured.

CT Interactive also teamed up with Favbet earlier to expand its presence in the Hungarian market with the operator. The supplier and operator also have an ongoing partnership in Romania.

Meanwhile, games such as HOT 7’s X2, Mystic Momon, Coffee Magic, Fortune Pig, 40 Treasures, and many others, are now part of the content library for Sazka – Allwyn International, as CT interactives continue to strengthen its presence globally.

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Allwyn, the incoming licensee for the Fourth National Lottery Licence, has unveiled its comprehensive plan to assist National Lottery retailers ahead of the changeover scheduled for February 1, 2024. 

National Lottery Retailers to Transfer Agreements to Allwyn by December 2023

Under the existing arrangements, all Retailer Agreements are signed with Camelot. However, with Allwyn set to assume operating duties, retailers will need to transfer their agreements electronically to Allwyn by December 18, 2023. This process will enable them to continue offering National Lottery services without any interruption.

Allwyn will assist National Lottery retailers in electronically transferring their agreements through an online portal, while Camelot Retail Sales Executives will visit retailers to explain key changes and address queries before signing the new agreements.

The new Retailer Agreement will maintain commission levels for National Lottery Draw-Based Games, Scratchcards, and prize payments at the current rates. Payment terms for all games will also remain unchanged. Furthermore, bonds and Direct Debit mandates already established with Camelot will be automatically transferred to Allwyn.

Katharine Challinor, Allwyn’s Retail Director, expressed gratitude to National Lottery retailers for their continued support and acknowledged the significant role they play in raising £30 million ($38.7 million) every week for Good Causes across the UK.

Allwyn and Camelot Forge Detailed Timeline for National Lottery Transition

Allwyn and Camelot have created a detailed six-month timeline for a smooth transition. It includes ongoing site surveys by Momentum In-store until September’s end. There will also be pre-planned Lotto and EuroMillions event draws, and exciting National Lottery Christmas activities, including festive Scratchcards and special event draws, to sustain The National Lottery’s strong performance during the Third License period.

After the Agreement transfer deadline on December 18, retailers can anticipate receiving a ‘Welcome to Allwyn’ pack in the New Year. The pack will contain more information about the changes expected from February 1, 2024, including initial details about new and improved National Lottery games starting in March 2024. Retailers will also receive information about the required digital training ahead of the changeover.

With Allwyn poised to assume the National Lottery duties following the ten-year license awarded by the UK Gambling Commission in September 2022, the company has fully acquired the business of the current license holder, Camelot UK. Camelot has been the sole operator of the National Lottery since its inception in 1994, winning all three of the previous license contests. 

Additionally, in March, Allwyn successfully acquired the Camelot Lottery Solutions Group, solidifying its position as a leading brand in Europe and marking its entry into the US market. Allwyn has also set its sights on acquiring a majority stake in the Irish national lottery, aiming to solidify its presence across the British Isles.

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Allwyn’s UK business will be led by a new CEO, as announced by the company. The company’s interim UK CEO Robert Chvátal will step down from his position to return to his usual duties as CEO of the group.

Chvátal will be succeeded by the experienced Andria Vidler who will assume office on October 1. In her new position, she will be responsible for Allwyn’s pending takeover of the UK’s National Lottery. The Czech operator is set to assume responsibilities for Britain’s largest lottery in February 2024.

Before being selected as the CEO of Allwyn UK, Vidler served as Tag Worldwide’s chief executive officer for the EMEA region. Prior to that, she served as the CEO of Centaur Media.

As operator of the National Lottery, Allwyn will be responsible for generating more money for good causes, much like Camelot, its predecessor.

At first, Camelot, the incumbent National Lottery operator, was opposed to the UKGC’s decision to select Allwyn as its successor. After a few months of conflict, which CEO Chvátal confidently braved, Camelot conceded, allowing the regulator to crown Allwyn as the next National Lottery operator.

Allwyn eventually acquired Camelot, ending the two companies’ hostilities for good.

Vidler Will Be a “Fantastic Asset” to the Company

Vidler commented on her new appointment, saying that she is very excited to join Allwyn. The hire said that serving the National Lottery and making sure that it continues to deliver benefits to society is a task that resonates with her.

The upcoming CEO concluded that she is looking forward to working with Allwyn’s and Camelot’s teams.

I can’t wait to get to work alongside partners and colleagues from across our Allwyn and Camelot teams to make this vision a reality.

Andria Vidler, CEO appointee, Allwyn UK

Justin King, Allwyn UK’s chair, welcomed Vidler on board, praising her extensive experience in growing entertainment brands and helping them “adapt to the realities and opportunities of a data-enabled multichannel landscape.” He is certain that Vidler will be a great addition to Allwyn’s team and a “fantastic asset” to the National Lottery.

Robert Chvátal, Allwyn’s CEO, shared that he feels that he is leaving Allwyn UK in good hands.

Andria’s experience of developing and managing compelling brands, content and campaigns that connect with audiences in a fast-changing digital environment made her the ideal choice for our new CEO.

Robert Chvátal, CEO, Allwyn

Chvátal concluded that Vidler will be able to draw on Allwyn’s UK talents while also taking advantage of the reliable Allwyn Group platform.

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The 80% is more specifically 81.4% and represents the sum of €1.58bn even with the company’s[ UK results falling nearly 2% to €1.01bn.

Explaining the rapid jump in numbers, a company statement read: “In Q1 2023, we completed the acquisitions of Camelot UK, the current operator of the UK National Lottery, and Camelot LS Group, the current operator of the Illinois Lottery under a private management agreement. These acquisitions have a significant impact on consolidated metrics of the Group and comparability with previous periods.”

Most Markets Up

Most markets were up for the provider with Italy falling a scant 0.6% while Greece and Cyprus together saw a 14.6% increase to €552.9m, Austria contributing €388.4m, (+19.3%) and home base the Czech Republic producing €125.4m, an increase of 17.2%.

Allwyn CEO, Robert Chvatal commented: “I am pleased to report that Allwyn had a strong start to the year, reflecting our ongoing focus on driving organic growth as well as continued progress in our inorganic growth strategy, with the results of the first quarter including the contribution from a total of seven lottery markets. Meanwhile, we have remained focused on our responsibilities to all our stakeholders and on safer gaming.”

The chief summed up the massive growth in revenues by explaining that 17% came from pre-existing geographic markets as well as first-time contributions from the UK market. The Camelot purchase included not only Camelot UK but also the Camelot LS Group. The latter operates the massive US Illinois lottery under a private management agreement there.

He explained how existing market success was further powered by digital channels as well as physical retail sales and the falling off of some Covid-19 impacts from last year that is no longer affecting current sales.

“We once again saw the resilience of demand for our products, even in an environment where consumer spending remains under pressure. We continued to deliver strong margins and generate robust free cash flow, reflecting our favorable cost structure and focus on cost and capital efficiency. The completion of two landmark acquisitions in the first quarter underscores our continued success in executing our inorganic growth strategy. The acquisition of Camelot UK, the current operator of the UK National Lottery, supports the successful delivery of the National Lottery through 2023 and over the next decade.“

Camelot LS was owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board of Canada prior to Allwyn’s acquisition. In early December 2021, the Czech gambling group then known as Sazka Entertainment began to conduct business under the corporate identity of Allwyn for all of its properties assets when named as the “preferred bidder” for the fourth UK National Lottery license.

In a short time, the former Czech Republic-based company (now headquartered in Switzerland) has been operating in new markets globally it has included the US through the Illinois lottery, its first foray into the US lottery landscape once wholly dominated by Scientific Games and GTECH/Lottomatica (now IGT via acquisition).

Chvatal explained the importance of expanding lottery operations into such markets: “<Camelot LS Group provides> interesting strategic optionality through its in-house iLottery technology.”

In financial dealings, he noted: “The continued strength of our financial performance supported our successful financing activities after the end of the quarter, with Allwyn issuing €665m and $700m long-dated bonds in a single transaction. This financing represented our first US-dollar bond issuance, further diversifying our sources of funding, as well as significantly extending our debt maturities and further simplifying our capital structure.”

In closing, Chvatal said he was very pleased with the start to 2023 and said it placed the company well for continued success throughout the rest of the year as well as for “the next chapters of our growth story.”

Source: Allwyn Entertainment reports 80 per cent jump in revenues with addition of Camelot G3 NewsWire, June 15, 2023

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Czech-based lottery group Allwyn International announced its preliminary results for the first quarter of 2023, posting a huge increase in revenue to reflect strong organic growth across all existing markets.

Driving Organic and Inorganic Growth

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, Allwyn registered total revenue of €1.65 billion ($1.78 billion), up 80% compared to the group’s Q1 2022 revenue figure. The increase Allwyn attributed mainly to the acquisitions of Camelot UK and Camelot LS Group both of which concluded during the reported quarter.

Commenting on the results, Allwyn’s chief executive officer, Robert Chvatal, was pleased to see the business perform strongly from the beginning of the year, driven by its “ongoing focus on driving organic growth” alongside progress in its inorganic growth strategy, stressing that all seven lottery markets contributed to the result.

The completion of two landmark acquisitions in the first quarter underscores our continued success in executing our inorganic growth strategy.

Robert Chvatal, CEO, Allwyn

Chvatal noted that the acquisition of Camelot UK ensured the operation of the UK National Lottery over the next decade, while Camelot LS Group opened the door to the US market.

Excluding the effect of both acquisitions, consolidated revenue was €1.07 billion ($1.16 billion), registering an increase of 17% year-over-year. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was €325.5 million ($351.5 million), up 20% from Q1 2022.

The increase was attributed to the further progress in digital channels and Allwyn’s customer proposition in physical retail and was supported by ongoing product and technology innovation. The result was also influenced by the negative pandemic impact in Q1 2022.

On a pro-rata basis, total revenue was €2 billion ($2.16 billion), posting an increase of 176% year-over-year, while Adjusted EBITDA posted an increase of 62% to €280.2 million ($302.6 million), highlighting further the massive impact of both acquisitions.

In fiscal 2022-23, Camelot UK experienced a remarkable year in sales and revenue growth, achieving its second-best annual profit since its launch in 1994 and surpassing the previous year’s result by almost £100 million ($126 million).

Differing Business Models, Inflation, Energy Cost

Allwyn stated that the business models of both Camelot UK and Camelot LS Group differ from those of their other existing markets making consolidated metrics incomparable directly to prior periods. Furthermore, as both acquisitions were completed during Q1 2023, future quarter comparisons will be also affected.

Another factor that influenced the results was the impact of inflationary pressures on the general consumer sentiment, albeit very limited, due to resilient revenues supported by the low price point of Allwyn’s products, low average spend per customer, and a large number of regular players.

Last, profitability was supported by the low proportion of energy in the company’s cost base while a significant portion of the cost base is directly linked to revenues.

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The Czech operator started the year on a high note, scoring win after win. The company won the auction to take over the UK lottery, closed out the acquisition of the Camelot Lottery Solutions Group, and set itself up for further expansion. Recent news suggests Allwyn plans to compete for control over the Irish national lottery, solidifying its hold over the region.

The Operator Enjoys Substantial Momentum

As the newest official operator of Britain’s National Lottery, Allwyn gains access to a substantial market well worth the initial investments. The company plans to modernize the country’s lottery offerings, prioritizing customer safety and superior player experiences powered by cutting-edge tech. To that end, Allwyn announced a partnership with Vodafone to facilitate a mobile-first approach and revitalize the lottery’s aging infrastructure.

The Czech group’s other recent victory came after acquiring its primary regional rival Camelot. The move hastened Allwyn’s entry into the UK market, giving the company a substantial head start in its revitalization efforts. Since Camelot LS Group is based in Chicago, the deal significantly simplifies a potential Allwyn foray into the US market.

Entering Ireland Would Be Another Significant Milestone

Despite the potential for overseas expansion, Allwyn’s eyes remain set on the Old Continent. According to a recent report by the Financial Times, the operator seeks to further grow its influence across the British Isles by purchasing a majority stake in the Irish national lottery. However, the process is shaping up to be anything but straightforward. 

The Irish lottery is owned by The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), the same entity which previously held Camelot. The OTPP has opted for an auction, hoping the promise of untapped value and over a decade of lottery license left would attract sufficient investor attention.

High-profile operators like The Lottery Corporation, Française des Jeux, International Game Technology, and Scientific Games have already expressed interest, meaning Allwyn has an uphill battle ahead if it wants to compete. However, the company’s substantial experience, solid financials, and industry-leading solutions may be sufficient to give it an edge over the competition.

Allwyn Has All It Takes to Compete with Industry Heavyweights

The operator is well-prepared for a rigorous bidding process, relying on substantial revenue growth to fuel such expansion efforts. Allwyn’s preliminary 2022 financial results revealed a 23.8% year-on-year revenue growth, reaching €3.22 billion ($3.51 billion). With EBITDA also rising 20.8% to €1.17 billion (1.27 billion), Allwyn is more than capable of competing with other industry heavyweights.

The group can pursue plenty of other avenues besides Irish expansion. Allwyn’s substantial experience in countries like Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Italy has given the company insight into what it takes to succeed in diverse and challenging markets. With the Camelot acquisition complete, Allwyn can grasp the first available opportunity to expand its reach, whether in Ireland or overseas.

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