Allwyn reaches halfway point of upgrade programme of National Lottery terminals
More than 22,000 of the new Wave terminals have been installed across the UK.
Allwyn has completed the upgrade of half of all National Lottery retail terminals in the UK, as part of an ongoing project to modernise the in-store experience of players.
To date, more than 22,000 new āWaveā terminals have been installed at locations across the UK. The new machines are replacing terminals that have been in place since 2009.
Features on the new terminals include a high-speed processor for faster transactions and larger, tilt-adjustable LCD screens. Wave machines also offer wireless 1D barcode and 2D code scanners and a play slip reader that can be fed both horizontally and vertically.
Allwyn announced details of the upgrade project in August, with over 8,000 terminals having already been installed by the end of the month. It pledged to instal thousands more by the end of the year but has not put a deadline on when the project will complete.
It pressed ahead with further instals after aĀ major tech upgrade earlier in August. This included wide-scale changes across the National Lottery retail network, such as new terminal software and switching platforms.
Incidentally, the move to Scientific Gamesā Momentum ecosystem was billed as the largest ever in the global lottery market. Momentum now powers National Lottery operations across 43,500 retailers in the UK.
Allwyn National Lottery investment exceeds Ā£400 million
Jenny Blogg, director of operations at Allwyn, welcomed the progress to-date. She said it is part of Allwynās broader strategy to improve the National Lottery for players, retail partners and good causes.
āOur wide-ranging transformation of the National Lottery continues at pace, with thousands of Wave terminals being installed every week,ā Blogg said. āWeāve now invested more than Ā£400 million upgrading the National Lotteryās outdated operations and technology.
āNot 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 Ā£30 million to Ā£60 million every week by the end of our licence.ā
Allwyn took over operating the National Lottery in February 2024, having secured the licence in September 2023. The licence runs for 10 years, with Allwyn having replaced Camelot, which had run the National Lottery since its launch in 1994.
Wider commitment for change at Allwyn
It is not just in the UK where Allwyn has been making significant changes to its business, with several major developments having been revealed in recent months.
Earlier in October, Allwyn International and OPAP agreed to merge and create a lottery and gaming business worth an estimated ā¬16 billion. The deal, which is set to close in H1 next year, also includes plans to list on another global international exchange such as London or New York.
This announcement comes just weeks after theĀ acquisition of a majority stake in daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks. The deal provides Allwyn with access to the US DFS and betting space. Its only other link to the US market is via its Illinois Lottery operation.
Meanwhile, in July, Allwyn International announced theĀ sale of its land-based casino assets in Germany and Australia. It also acquired the remaining minority stake in Greece- and Cyprus-facing online operator Stoiximan.
Aside from this, the group recently established its new Allwyn Digital division.Ā Led by ex-Betfred US CEO Kresimir Spajic, the business aims to evolve Allwyn in a more heavily digital direction, providing bettors with engaging experiences.
