Editorial note: this guide is general information about how bingo, competitions, lotteries and gambling work in the UK. It is not advice, and it does not describe any specific promotion offered by Fortune Games. Rules, prices and regulations can change, so always check the operator’s current terms.
Who runs the National Lottery?
The UK National Lottery is run by Allwyn, which took over on 1 February 2024 under what is called the Fourth Licence. It replaced Camelot, the company that had run the lottery since it launched in 1994. The lottery itself is owned by the state in the sense that it is created by law and tightly regulated; an operator simply wins a long licence to run it, overseen by the Gambling Commission.
From Camelot to Allwyn
Camelot operated the National Lottery for three successive licences from 1994 to early 2024. Following a competitive tender, the Gambling Commission awarded the Fourth Licence — a roughly ten-year contract — to Allwyn, a large European lottery operator. Allwyn ran the games, the technology and the retail network from 1 February 2024. The handover did not change the games’ basic purpose: raising money for good causes while paying prizes, with the operator earning a margin for running everything to the standard the licence requires.
Who oversees it
The Gambling Commission is the independent regulator. It runs the licence competition, sets the conditions the operator must meet, and monitors performance — including protecting players and making sure money for good causes is paid correctly and on time. Money raised for good causes goes into a separate fund and is distributed by independent bodies, not the operator. So while one company runs the day-to-day lottery, it does so under public oversight, with the proceeds and player protections governed by law rather than by the operator alone.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the UK National Lottery now?
Allwyn has run it since 1 February 2024 under the Fourth Licence, taking over from Camelot, which operated the lottery from its launch in 1994.
Why did the operator change?
The right to run the National Lottery is awarded by competitive tender for a fixed licence period. The Gambling Commission ran the competition for the Fourth Licence and awarded it to Allwyn.
Who regulates the National Lottery?
The Gambling Commission. It awards the licence, sets the conditions the operator must meet, protects players and ensures money for good causes is paid correctly.
Does the operator keep the good-causes money?
No. Money for good causes goes into a separate fund and is distributed by independent bodies. The operator runs the games and earns a margin under the terms of its licence.
Related guides: How does the lottery work? · Where does lottery money go? · Is the lottery rigged?
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, never a way to make money. Please play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare. You can also visit BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) or self-exclude from UK-licensed online operators through GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk).