The National Lottery's overhaul continues as the Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by a group of businesses led by Desmond, seeking to challenge the licensing process.
Coulson LJ has turned down each of the three proposed appeal grounds, marking another stage in a years-long fight surrounding one of Britain's largest public contracts.
Desmond's businesses, which spent £17.5 million putting together their unsuccessful bid, had argued that the bidding process contained "manifest errors" and claimed the alterations made following Allwyn's selection meant officials should have run the competition again.
However, the Gambling Commission had previously concluded that the competition was run lawfully and fairly, dismissing arguments that Allwyn or Camelot should have been excluded.
The Court of Appeal's decision clears the way for Allwyn to press ahead with a substantial technology revamp for the National Lottery, which has promised over £350 million for modernization of systems that have gone without a major technology upgrade since 2009.
Allwyn has attributed delays in its original schedule to the project's size and complexity, challenges against the licensing process, and dependence on outside suppliers.
The Gambling Commission has welcomed the decision, stating that it gives resounding support to Good Causes by enabling Allwyn to continue with their plans for investment in The National Lottery without further distraction.
The regulator's priority remains to continue regulating The National Lottery for the benefit of participants and Good Causes.
Allwyn is set to replace Camelot as the National Lottery operator in February 2024, bringing Camelot's 30-year run to an end.
The decision marks the end of a years-long fight surrounding the largest public contract in Britain.
