Investment

Allwyn eyes US expansion in deal to acquire Illinois Lottery operator Camelot Lottery Solutions

By Conor Mulheir - 22 Dec, 2022

European lottery operator Allwyn is set to acquire the Camelot Lottery Solutions (Camelot LS) group of companies from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.

Allwyn, soon to be holder of the UK’s fourth National Lottery licence, agreed to buy the incumbent operator Camelot’s UK operations in November, in a deal intended to help facilitate a smooth handover of the licence.

Now, the operator has revealed further plans to acquire Camelot LS – an affiliate of Camelot’s UK business headquartered in Chicago, which operates the Illinois Lottery and is partnered with the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery to enhance its lottery operations.

The business includes a technology arm that provides products and services to lotteries and their players throughout Europe and North America.

Allwyn confirmed that no changes are planned to the Camelot LS Group leadership team in connection with the transaction, and that the firm’s existing leadership will gain access to Allwyn’s lottery knowhow as a result of the deal.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Allwyn said it expects to complete the transaction during Q1 2023.

Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal added: “We have always viewed the US market as an important part of Allwyn’s future growth story, and the acquisition of Camelot LS Group is the right step. “

“We remain committed to serving our customers, engaging players and growing lottery revenue to benefit the communities they serve,” said Camelot LS Group CEO Wayne Pickup.

“As the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, we work closely with the Department of Lottery to drive responsible and sustainable growth to maximise revenue for the State of Illinois.

“Combining the resources, expertise, and talent of Allwyn and Camelot LS Group will only strengthen the results we help the State of Illinois and all our customers achieve.”

Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal added: “We have always viewed the US market as an important part of Allwyn’s future growth story, and the acquisition of Camelot LS Group is the right step.

“Allwyn’s goal is building better lotteries, and helping them raise more for good causes, through innovation, technology, efficiency and safety in our quest for enhanced player engagement.

“Both Allwyn and Camelot share a passion about the lottery business, delivering value to our customers, and growing lottery returns to communities.”