As reported by Sky News, Czech gaming giant Sazka Group, which operates lotteries across several European markets, has announced a partnership with public affairs group Flint Global to assist it with its potential bid to replace Camelot as the National Lottery operator in 2023.
Sazka confirmed that Flint Global was among its advisers on its potential National Lottery bid, with the delayed tender process expected to be formally launched in the autumn.
Among Flint Global’s senior employees is Dame Sue Owen, who spent over five years as permanent secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), however, sources close to the public affairs group have insisted that she was not involved in the Sazka mandate due to it being signed prior to her employment with the group.
Back in April, a letter published by Whitehall’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) stated that Dame Sue “should not advise, or undertake any work for any company or organisation, with regard to any policy, regulation or other measure falling within the scope of DCMS’s responsibilities which was considered, formulated or introduced during her time in office as permanent secretary at DCMS” for two years after her departure from the civil service.
With this being said, a source close to the group has reiterated that when Dame Sue joined Flint Global, a decision was made that stated she would not work on the Sazka Group account in light of the terms of her ACOBA conditions.
Regarding Sazka’s expected bid for the National Lottery licence, the group is expected to go against current operator Camelot as well as Richard Desmond, whose business interests include owning the Health Lottery.
In a statement, a Sazka spokesman said: “The UK National Lottery has a proud quarter century history since its establishment in 1994.
“Knowing that the UK government would be opening tenders for the Fourth National Lottery Licence to operate the UK National Lottery, Sazka Group has been considering for some time how we could bring our innovative approach to serve this wonderful institution.
“As the leading operator of lotteries in Europe, Sazka could offer the expertise and resources required to deliver a state-of-the-art operation alongside some fresh thinking that would boost the National Lottery’s appeal among the public over the next decade to secure more money for good causes.
“Whilst we consider whether we will formally enter a bid, we are in communication with the UK’s Gambling Commission regarding the process and are working with various companies and advisors (of which we can confirm Flint is one).”
