Allwyn to Overhaul the UK National Lottery in August

Allwyn is preparing to overhaul the UK National Lottery, bringing much-needed modernization to the Brits’ favorite lottery. As a result, the lottery’s services will be temporarily unavailable.

The Lottery Will Shut Down for a Day and a Half

As it turns out, The National Lottery will go offline from 11 pm on August 2, shortly after the Lotto and Thunderball draws, and will remain unavailable for some 36 hours. Allwyn warned that a few older terminals might experience certain delays when resuming operation on August 4.

While this disruption might be unpleasant to lottery might be unpleasant to the lottery’s biggest fans, it will provide Allwyn with the time it needs to make the transition.

Allwyn had vowed to modernize the UK National Lottery when bidding for the license. Despite becoming the lottery’s latest custodian, however, the Czech lottery giant was beset by setbacks that delayed the process. Now, the company is finally preparing to move forward with the planned modernization.

According to the announcement, on Monday, August 4, approximately 8,000 retailers across the UK will switch to new Wave terminals. Retailers that have yet to receive new terminals will temporarily offer updated lottery software on their existing machines.

The Update Is Long Overdue

Allwyn’s director of operations, Jenny Blogg, commented on the importance of the upcoming update. She emphasized that this refresh is long overdue, considering that the most recent major update was in 2009.

Blogg added that, among other things, Allwyn will introduce a “fresh new look” in its 43,500 retail partners. The overall initiative will see Allwyn install new stands, dispensers and signage. As mentioned, Allwyn will also add new cutting-edge lottery terminals powered by a new in-store network by Vodafone.

While these significant updates will mean short-term disruption for players and our retail partners, they will allow us to deliver on our promise to bring new, exciting games to The National Lottery; a better player experience; and our commitment to double returns to Good Causes from £30m to £60m every week by the end of the 10-year license.

Jenny Blogg, director of operations, Allwyn

Allwyn Acquired Stoiximan, Divested Assets in Germany and Australia

In other news, Allwyn just completed its acquisition of Stoiximan, scooping up the remaining 15.51% shares in the company. According to the recent announcement, the transaction will cost Allwyn $223.5 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis, and will be funded with cash resources and liquidity facilities.

At approximately the same time, the company divested casino assets in Australia and Germany, furthering its online focus. In its announcement, it said that it expected $122.5 million from the transactions.