With a name for assisting in the design, organisation and implementation of lotteries for various state governments in India, and nearly three decades of experience in lottery marketing, the Delhi-headquartered Sugal & Damani seems likely to place a bet on running the UK National Lottery. Applications for the new 10-year licence, commencing in 2009, are due in today and the present licence holders Camelot will face some stern competition.

Greek company Intralot, with a presence in 20 countries and five continents plus an active expansion plan, is also expected to compete. The Australian firm Tattersall’s expressed an interest in running the UK lottery and presently operates lotteries in four Australian jurisdictions, South Africa and five Pacific Island nations.

Apart from being the leader in Indian lotteries in a population area of over 200 million, Sugal & Damani have interests in Finance, Tourism, Diamond Jewellery, Leasing and Engineering Goods. The company also has a history of charitable activity. Whilst Sugal & Damani are rumoured to have been in talks with British partners, Camelot has been extending its partnerships with BSkyB and Microsoft.

The competition for the third National Lottery licence was designed to specifically attract a world-class operator with high standards of propriety and player protection; provide a structure to enable bidders to offer innovative solutions; create a level playing field for bidders; and ensure the maximum return for good causes. The bid deadline is today and the choice of preferred bidder should be announced by the end of June 2007. (E-02.09.07)

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