Camelot no longer runs The National Lottery as of today after the licence was handed over.

Allwyn has taken control of the National Lottery today (February 1), after it was officially awarded the licence by the UK Gambling Commission.

It marks the first time the game has changed hands since it launched almost 30 years ago.

The multi-national operator had previously confirmed it will retain Watford as the home of the National Lottery and had already got underway replacing the signs outside the former Camelot office in Tolpits Lane.

Aside from a fresh ad campaign with the catchline 'Will You be Next?', and updates to the website, Allwyn hopes that players will notice little difference.

CEO Andria Vidler said: “We feel privileged and excited to begin as the operator of The National Lottery today, and we're proud to call Watford our home.

“The National Lottery has been based here for almost 30 years and we're pleased to be continuing its long association with this wonderful town.

“Since its launch, The National Lottery has made a massive difference to life across the UK and we want to build on that success over the next decade – with more games, more players, more entertainment, more winners and more money for National Lottery-funded projects."

Watford Observer: Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler.Allwyn CEO Andria Vidler. (Image: Allwyn)

Separately, Allwyn admitted to PA news agency that the group will not be able to make any of the bigger changes it had pledged to introduce until next year after its handover was hampered by legal wrangling.

It said that delays to the new games it had hoped to introduce in 2024 will impact sales and hold back the amount of money it can give to good causes in the early part of its 10-year licence.

Ms Vidler said the company was still committed to its long-term goal to double money for good causes, but that it was set to fall short of early years targets.

Its original promise to halve the price of a lottery ticket from £2 to £1 is also under review.

Watford MP Dean Russell said: “Watford is the proud home of The National Lottery, with Allwyn’s operations supporting the employment of 900 local people and boosting our economy.”

He thanked Camelot for its hard work over the years, including support for this mental health first aid awareness training push, and added “I am looking forward to continuing to work with the leadership team at Allwyn”.