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Allwyn has successfully completed the upgrade of 50% of National Lottery retail terminals across the UK, marking a significant step in its efforts to modernize the player experience in stores.
Since the upgrades began, more than 22,000 of the new ‘Wave’ terminals have been installed, replacing older machines that have been in use since 2009.
These upgraded terminals boast several advanced features, including high-speed processors that enable quicker transactions and larger, tilt-adjustable LCD screens for improved visibility. Additionally, the Wave machines are equipped with wireless 1D barcode and 2D code scanners, along with a versatile play slip reader that accepts slips both horizontally and vertically.
Allwyn and Scientific Games Partnership Yielding Results
The upgrades began in August, and by the first month, the company revealed that it had installed over 8,000 terminals and was committed to installing thousands more before the year concludes, though it did not specify a completion date for the entire project.
Following the major August upgrades, Allwyn continued to roll out additional installations. This upgrade involved comprehensive changes to the National Lottery retail network, including new terminal software and a transition to updated platforms.
Notably, the shift to Scientific Games’ Momentum ecosystem has been praised for Allwyn’s effective rollout. Widely recognized as the largest transformation in the global lottery market, the new system now supports National Lottery operations across 43.500 retailers throughout the UK.
Over £400 million invested into National Lottery upgrade
Jenny Blogg, Allwyn’s director of operations, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress made so far in the National Lottery upgrade. She highlighted that this initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing the lottery experience for players, retail partners, and good causes.
“Our wide-ranging transformation of the National Lottery continues at pace, with thousands of Wave terminals being installed every week,” she said. “We’ve now invested more than £400 million upgrading the National Lottery’s outdated operations and technology.
“Not only is this generating a hugely positive response from our retail partners, but it stands us in good stead to deliver on the exciting plans we have for new games, a better player experience and a commitment to double returns to good causes from £30 million to £60 million every week by the end of our licence.”
Allwyn took over the operation of the National Lottery in February 2024 after securing the license in September 2023. The license spans ten years, replacing Camelot, which had managed the National Lottery since its inception in 1994.
A busy year for Allwyn
Allwyn has had a stacked year that has seen it make significant strides not only in the UK but also on the international stage. Earlier this month, the company announced a merger with OPAP, aiming to create a lottery and gaming business valued at around €16 billion. This deal is expected to close in the first half of next year and includes plans for a listing on a major global exchange like London or New York.
In addition to this merger, Allwyn recently acquired a majority stake in PrizePicks, a DFS operator. This acquisition allows the company to expand its footprint in the US daily fantasy sports and betting market, building on its existing operations through the Illinois Lottery.
Earlier in July, Allwyn also sold its land-based casino assets in both Germany and Australia, while securing the remaining minority stake in Stoixman, an online operator serving Greece and Cyprus.
There have also been changes to personnel and operations, with Allwyn establishing its new Digital division, which will be led by Kresimir Spajic, the former CEO of Betfred US.
Source: iGaming Business
