Judge throws out Richard Desmond’s billion-pound lottery case Legal Media tycoon Richard Desmond has lost his billion-pound legal battle against the Gambling Commission over the 2022 National Lottery license. Desmond’s group, Northern and Shell, and its subsidiary, the New Lottery Company, launched a £1.3bn legal action against the Gambling Commission after it awarded the next licence to Czech gambling group Allwyn. The procurement competition for [...]
I’ve been speaking to CEOs all year – this is what they really think Business After spending a year interviewing some of the UK’s top business leaders, a number of themes have emerged which paint a concerning picture of their confidence in this country’s future prospects – but there is also hope. In 25 episodes of City AM‘s Boardroom Uncovered podcast series in 2025, a large number of the CEOs [...]
Richard Desmond’s group makes Rothschild allegation in £1.3bn National Lottery dispute Legal A high-stakes legal showdown has kicked off over the Gambling Commission’s handling of the fourth National Lottery licence, as the role of financial advisor Rothschild and its prior ties to the winning bidder take centre stage in court. Media baron Richard Desmond’s group Northern and Shell and its subsidiary, the New Lottery Company, launched legal [...]
Boardroom Uncovered: Is playing The National Lottery still gambling? July 23, 2025 The boss of Allwyn UK has insisted the National Lottery is not gambling, despite the company being regulated by the Gambling Commission.
Allwyn UK boss: The National Lottery is not gambling July 23, 2025 The boss of Allwyn UK has insisted the National Lottery is not gambling, despite the company being regulated by the Gambling Commission. Andria Vidler, in the latest episode of City AM‘s Boardroom Uncovered show, sought to set the National Lottery apart from betting giants such as Bet365, Betfred and PaddyPower. Also as part of the [...]
What if the boss of the National Lottery won the jackpot? July 14, 2025 It’s a question that everyone has either been asked or posed themselves – what would you do if you won the National Lottery? Doubtless there are countless answers to that very simple question, although talk might be dominated at the moment by questions over how hard the Labour government would tax that new-found wealth. But [...]
Profit surges at Richard Desmond’s empire ahead of UK lottery court battle June 25, 2025 Profit at Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell has surged ahead of a battle starting in the High Court over the UK’s National Lottery. The media tycoon is taking the Gambling Commission to court in October after missing out on winning the licence to run the National Lottery in 2022. Richard Desmond’s empire is seeking for [...]
Allwyn wins lotto with McLaren deal after F1 partnership February 12, 2025 Lottery operator Allwyn have built upon their Formula 1 partnership this week by striking a deal with constructors’ champions McLaren. The firm, which holds the UK licence for the National Lottery, will add McLaren to their roster of partners having agreed to get on board with Formula 1 ahead of the 2025 season. “We are [...]
Square Mile and Me: Allwyn boss Andria Vidler on her career before the National Lottery October 3, 2024 We dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, Andria Vidler, CEO of National Lottery operator Allwyn, takes us through her career.
Allwyn: We want to get more young people playing the National Lottery September 1, 2024 The National Lottery, once a staple of Saturday night television, is hoping to rejuvenate its ageing demographic with plans to draw in a younger crowd. Andria Vidler, the chief executive of Allwyn, the company now responsible for running the Lottery, has said there is a need for change. The Lottery has “aged,” she said, adding [...]