Charles Garland, a prominent figure in entertainment akin to Simon Cowell and the X-Factor, has partnered with Sazka Group in their bid to operate the UK National Lottery.
A major force in European lotteries, Sazka has formed a high-powered advisory council, including Garland, Brent Hoberman (the mind behind Lastminute.com), and former Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King. Led by the seasoned Sir Keith Mills, this group aims to rejuvenate the UK National Lottery.
Leveraging his extensive background in developing global entertainment initiatives, Garland will collaborate closely with Mills to devise a plan to expand the lottery’s reach and re-engage the millions of players who have strayed in recent times. Their objective is to breathe fresh life into the lottery’s perception, making it more pertinent and captivating for contemporary audiences.
Garland emphasized the task at hand, noting, “The National Lottery was once a pillar of British amusement, but in an era of streaming services, audio shows, and interactive gaming, it must evolve to match how individuals consume leisure.” He strongly believes that Sazka, with its demonstrated history of turning around struggling lotteries into cherished national institutions, is the ideal candidate to spearhead this digitally-focused revival. Their ambition: to make the UK populace fall head over heels for the National Lottery once more.
The Czech gaming powerhouse, Sazka Group, has formally announced its bid to manage the UK’s National Lottery. Holding a significant footprint across Europe, encompassing nations like Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Italy, Sazka is keen on broadening its operational scope. The UK National Lottery, overseen by Camelot since its 1994 launch, will reveal the recipient of the latest license this coming September. Sazka emerges as the initial contender to publicly express its interest in vying for this highly sought-after contract.