The UK Court of Appeal has rejected the final legal challenge against the Gambling Commission’s tender process for the National Lottery licence. The ruling concludes the extended dispute involving Richard Desmond’s The New Lottery Corporation and Northern & Shell.
The appellate decision resolves the multi-year proceedings concerning the fourth National Lottery licence allocation. TNLC and Northern & Shell have now exhausted all available judicial remedies regarding the commission’s procurement framework.
Legal Proceedings Concluded
The Gambling Commission’s tender structure remains unchanged following the court’s determination. With all appeals exhausted, the licensing cycle will continue under the established regulatory procedures without further judicial intervention.The initial tender announcement triggered the extended review period, during which both entities pursued multiple legal challenges. The appellate ruling now closes that review phase and finalises the current licensing stage.