“Always More to Do”: UKGC Wants More Money and Effort from the National Lottery

Sarah Gardner, acting chief executive officer of the UK Gambling Commission, wants Allwyn UK to step up its game and do more to increase the sums that it generates for good causes. At the same time, the CEO wants the operator to maintain high standards for player protection. “Progress Has Been Made” Speaking at Allwyn’s Participant Protection Conference, Gardner acknowledged the challenges the National Lottery operator has faced since taking over the fourth license, but made it clear that even more work was necessary. “All of us being here today is strong evidence that progress has been made. But of course, there is always more to do,” Gardner said. Without a doubt, Allwyn has had a rough start to its 10-year license. Former chief executive officer Andria Vidler stepped down in September after overseeing the completion of a long-delayed technology overhaul. The project, described as the largest technology upgrade in National Lottery history, was completed earlier this year after delays and reportedly cost around GBP 450 million ($594.5 million). Phil Walker, formerly William Hill’s UK and Ireland chief, has since taken over as interim CEO. His appointment has also attracted scrutiny because of his recent links to City Gaming Limited, a major operator of adult gaming centers. The Money Pressure Gardner’s comments come as Allwyn faces pressure to increase lottery sales and, in turn, its contribution to good causes. During the 2025/26 reporting year, Allwyn generated GBP 1.8 billion ($3.13 billion) for good causes. The amount was broadly in line with its first year running the National Lottery while remaining well below the necessary level to match its original license ambition of GBP 38 billion ($50 billion) over the full 10-year period. That target has since been replaced by a longer-term ambition of reaching GBP 60 million ($79 million) a week for good causes by the end of the license. Recent figures have made that goal harder to assess, with sales dropping by 12.5% year on year in the first quarter of the 2026/27 reporting period. Gardner pointed to the launch of Powerball as an example of Allwyn trying to drive innovation and increase returns. She said the importance of generating money for good causes “cannot be overestimated.” “Teething Problems” At the same time, the regulator expects innovation to go hand in hand with stronger safeguards aimed at consumers. Gardner made sure to explain that the technology overhaul had brought opportunities to improve player protection across both retail and online lottery products, while accepting that the transition had experienced “teething problems.” “We expect Allwyn and the National Lottery to be at the forefront in terms of determining and demonstrating best practice when it comes to protecting players,” she further added. Last year, the UKGC increased its control over adult gaming centers, asking all licensees to comply with their obligations regarding self-exclusion.