On 17 April 2026, the High Court dismissed all claims brought by The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC against the UK Gambling Commission. The legal challenges contested the Commission’s decision to award the Fourth National Lottery Licence to Allwyn, with TNLC arguing it should have won the competition. The claimants also alleged that the Commission and Allwyn had made impermissible modifications to the licence arrangements after the award.
The trial, heard by Mrs Justice Joanna Smith between October 2025 and January 2026, resulted in a full ruling in favour of the Gambling Commission. The court found that the Commission conducted a fair and robust competition and that no contested licence changes were substantial or breached procurement regulations. The UK Gambling Commission welcomed the judgment, stating it supports Good Causes by allowing Allwyn to proceed with investment plans without further distraction.