We'll double money going to good causes, vows new Lotto firm

NEW National Lottery operator Allwyn pledged to double the amount of money donated to good causes as it took control of the business.

- Josie Clarke

However, it has warned previous legal battles have delayed new games until next year, which will initially reduce the amount it can give to deserving projects.

Allwyn's original promise to halve the price of a lottery ticket from £2 to £1 is also under review.

Yesterday's handover ended nearly 30 years of Camelot's management of the operation.

Czech company Allwyn is kicking off with a Will You be Next? advertising drive, which focuses on the original Lotto game, launched in November 1994.

John Tanner, the Gambling Commission's executive director for the fourth National Lottery licence competition, said: "Over time, as Allwyn rolls out its plans, you will see changes which we expect will lead to higher returns to good causes."

Mr Tanner said the commission had been working "incredibly hard" with Allwyn, Camelot and the Government to make sure the handover was "seamless".