Camelot has declined to say whether local jobs are at risk after being told it will no longer run the National Lottery from 2024.

The company, which employs the majority of its 900 staff at the Watford headquarters based in Tolpits Lane, has operated the National Lottery licence since 1994.

Following the Gambling Commission’s announcement that Czech operator Allwyn is the “preferred applicant” to takeover, there has been some uncertainty whether losing the licence could result in a loss of jobs.

When asked about the potential local impact, Camelot could not rule out letting go some workers.

CEO Nigel Railton said the group was “carefully reviewing the Gambling Commission’s evaluation” before deciding on the next steps, and a spokesperson told the Observer they “wouldn’t comment further at this point”.

MP Dean Russell previously raised his concerns to Deputy PM Dominic Raab, stating that Camelot is “one of the largest employers for Watford” and staff have worked “tirelessly” in running the business for decades.