Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell lost a £1.3 bn lawsuit against the UK Gambling Commission, which ruled the National Lottery licensing process was fair. The High Court dismissed the case, finding the regulator’s competition was methodical and unbiased.

The judge’s 280‑page judgment highlighted that Northern & Shell’s bid suffered from internal deficiencies and that the Commission’s adviser, NM Rothschild, had no conflict of interest, ending any perceived bias.

Allwyn, the Czech‑owned winner of the 10‑year contract, welcomed the ruling as it removes lingering doubts about the integrity of the lottery tender. The decision solidifies the Commission’s authority to award future state‑franchised contracts.

Northern & Shell plans to appeal, but the court’s clear verdict signals a decisive setback for the media magnate’s challenge to the lottery’s regulatory framework.