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SAZKA Group teams up with Sir Keith Mills in bid for Fourth UK National Lottery Licence

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

SAZKA Group, Europe’s largest lottery operator, today announced it has appointed Sir Keith Mills as Bid Chair of the UK team for the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition. Sir Keith, a successful entrepreneur whose creative talent conceived the loyalty programmes so ubiquitous today, brings a wealth of experience from his roles across sport, charities, and business. He played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and subsequently, their successful staging. For the past six years he has chaired the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a role he hands over to Lord William Hague next month. He is also Chairman of the Invictus Games, the international adaptive multi-sport event created by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir Keith said, “I am driven by organisations that make a real contribution to society. I chose to team up with Sazka for the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition because I believe the UK National Lottery needs to grow and be engaging if it is to continue to fund the thousands of good causes every year. Our lottery is a national treasure with nearly 26 years of history; however, the landscape has changed immeasurably since it was first launched back in 1994. The challenge now is to ensure the lottery connects with people right across the country, making it fresh and exciting as it once was, bringing new ways that are relevant for today and tomorrow’s generation. I feel passionately that it needs to be restored to the nation’s hearts, especially in these difficult times. I teamed up with Sazka because they have a proven record of taking established lotteries, growing them and evolving them to be relevant for the future. I am cognisant that much has to be done for us to make a winning case in this competition, but I believe that over the course of this process we will be able to demonstrate how Sazka’s expertise coupled with the experienced British team that we are building in the UK will offer the right stewardship for the UKNL for 2023 and beyond.”

As Bid Chairman, Sir Keith will lead a team with world-class bidding and delivery experience, including for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Comic Relief. Sazka has appointed former London 2012 employee, Alastair Ruxton, as the Bid Director, together with British experts in key areas such as Player Protection, Good Causes, Innovation, Digital, Retail and Customer Experience.

Commenting on the agreement, SAZKA Group CEO Robert Chvátal said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sir Keith Mills and have him lead our entry in the Fourth National Lottery Licence Competition. We are hugely excited to be participating in this competition and for the chance to take stewardship of the National Lottery, helping the UK to fall back in love with this vital institution. Operating in five different national markets (Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus) has given us an unprecedented level of insight and experience in running lotteries. In addition, we have consistently increased participation and revenues for the lotteries we operate. We want to bring this deep knowledge and customer insight to revitalise the UK National Lottery increasing sales and money raised for good causes, thereby providing a much-needed long-term boost to community, arts, sports and heritage institutions across the UK.”

After submitting the Selection Questionnaire earlier this month, SAZKA Group has been accepted into the competition by the Gambling Commission, the body running the Competition. The team will now review the final bid application documents and continue to assemble a strong consortium capable of submitting a winning bid in 2021.

About Sir Keith Mills
Sir Keith Mills GBE DL is a British business entrepreneur who founded the Air Miles and Nectar customer loyalty programmes and has established numerous businesses, both in the UK and internationally. In September 2003, Sir Keith was appointed International President and CEO of London 2012 established to bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Having won the bid, he established LOCOG to organise the Games, where he was Deputy Chairman alongside Lord Sebastian Coe. In 2007 Sir Keith established an Olympic related charity, International Inspiration, which he chaired, and in 2008 he established a UK charity, Sported, which he funded and chaired for 10 years. In 2014 Sir Keith established, and was Chairman of, the Invictus Games, working with Prince Harry to deliver a new major international sport event for wounded servicemen and women. Sir Keith Chairs the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Invictus Games Foundation. Sir Keith is also a Director and an investor in a number of private companies.
Sir Keith has received numerous awards including: Master Entrepreneur of the Year, Chief Executive of the Year, and the Sports Industry Businessman of the Year, and was knighted by The Queen in 2006 and again in 2013 when he received the Grand Knight Cross for his services to sport.

About SAZKA Group
The SAZKA Group is a national lottery, instant lottery and digital gaming operator, with our trusted brands and industry-leading technology delivering over €17bn in annual sales. Established in 2012, SAZKA Group is already one of Europe’s largest and fastest growing lottery companies and our strong performance across our markets is helping to fund good causes in the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Austria, and Italy.
Since entering the lottery market in 2012, SAZKA Group has quickly expanded from the Czech Republic into four other European markets. SAZKA Group has consistently taken on established lotteries and made them better, while also expanding into new market segments through market-leading technology platforms. The Group’s unique experience of operating in different jurisdictions enables it to adopt a tailored approach to customer experience in each market, helping to increase sales and returns to good causes.
Responsible gaming and funding good causes are at the heart of SAZKA Group’s business and culture. it promotes responsible gaming in all of its markets and is committed to having a positive impact where it operates. From building children’s hospitals in Greece to support for the Czech Olympic Foundation, SAZKA Group has put its business skills to the benefit of the local community.

Compliance Updates

KSA Completes Its Investigation Into How Minors Could Still Gamble Online Despite Age Restrictions

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

ksa-completes-its-investigation-into-how-minors-could-still-gamble-online-despite-age-restrictions

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has completed its investigation into how minors could still gamble online despite age restrictions. The investigation shows that it is virtually impossible for minors to gamble with legal gambling providers.

Minors are not allowed to gamble in the Netherlands. When age verification is circumvented, it is primarily done via accounts belonging to adult family members and friends. However, the KSA received reports that it was possible for minors to create accounts with legal online gambling providers and launched an investigation in 2025 as a result.

The study examined the registration process at online gambling providers, with a specific focus on identity verification and bank account verification. Transaction data requested from banks allowed for a more in-depth investigation into potential shortcomings.

The investigation shows that there are virtually no serious irregularities. However, in a very limited number of cases, players were able to use another person’s bank accounts or link their own bank account to another player’s account. This could occur almost exclusively in situations where people have exactly the same initials.

Discussions with online gambling providers revealed that they did not have an immediate solution for this. The KSA notes that such a solution is now available and will engage in a technical session with the online providers to discuss what the KSA expects from the sector in this regard. The KSA will also share its recommendations with the online gambling providers at a later date, and these guidelines will be incorporated into the Wwft guidance.

Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board of the Dutch Gaming Authority, said: “The KSA is deeply concerned about minors gambling. Fortunately, it appears that this hardly ever occurs among licensed providers, but we do have clear indications that it is happening nonetheless. This is likely on the illegal market. Illegal providers often apply no or low standards for age verification and advertise specifically targeting this young demographic, for example via TikTok. This is extremely harmful, and the KSA is therefore working hard to combat the illegal supply. We are also placing a stronger focus on educating minors to make them aware of the risks of gambling.”

The post KSA Completes Its Investigation Into How Minors Could Still Gamble Online Despite Age Restrictions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Aigars Jurgelans

Amusnet Announces Strategic Partnership with Concorde Casino Group

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-announces-strategic-partnership-with-concorde-casino-group

Amusnet, a leading provider of next-generation gaming solutions, has announced a new strategic partnership with the Concorde casino group, which operates three casinos in Cyprus: Concorde Tower Casino in Nicosia, Concorde Luxury Casino in Bafra and Concorde Aria Casino in Kyrenia. This collaboration marks a significant step in Amusnet’s strategy to expand its gaming portfolio into the vibrant Cyprus Land-based casino market.

The partnership’s initial phase includes installing 16 of Amusnet’s state-of-the-art Type S 32 slot cabinets across the two locations. Manufactured to the highest standards of the global casino industry, Amusnet’s premium slot machines combine cutting-edge technology, sleek design and exceptional player engagement. The game selection features some of Amusnet’s most popular titles, including Crazy Red, Candy Palace,100 Extra Crown, Art of Gold, Extra Crown, Vampire Beast and Phoenix Star.

The partnership started with the installation of 16 of Amusnet’s state-of-the-art Type S 32 slot cabinets at the group’s first two casino locations, Concorde Tower Casino in Nicosia and Concorde Luxury Casino in Bafra. Manufactured to the highest standards of the global casino industry, Amusnet’s premium slot machines combine cutting-edge technology, sleek design and exceptional player engagement. The game selection features some of Amusnet’s most popular titles, including Crazy Red, Candy Palace, 100 Extra Crown, Art of Gold, Extra Crown, Vampire Beast and Phoenix Star. The partnership continues with the installation of 8 Type S J55 slot cabinets at the newest Concorde Aria Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026.

“Our expansion into the Cyprus Land-based market is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to quality with Concorde Casino. This partnership provides us with a strong foundation of excellence and mutual trust. The collaboration allows us to continue our mission of providing exceptional gaming experiences, seamlessly introducing the success of our online portfolio to their premium Land-based venues,” said Borislav Marinov, Head of Business Development, Land-based at Amusnet.

“At Concorde Casinos, we are always looking for ways to diversify and strengthen our product offering. In my view, Amusnet brings a product that is particularly well-suited to players who are already familiar with and enjoy online slot games, helping us connect Land-based entertainment with modern player preferences. I am impressed by Amusnet’s innovations, the quality of their products, and the high level of technical support they provide. We are pleased to have them as a partner and look forward to developing this cooperation further,” said Aigars Jurgelans, Slot Director at Concorde Casinos.

The post Amusnet Announces Strategic Partnership with Concorde Casino Group appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

ADI Predictstreet

DAZN Enters into Strategic Partnership with ADI Predictstreet

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

dazn-enters-into-strategic-partnership-with-adi-predictstreet

DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, and ADI Predictstreet, the new dynamic prediction market, have entered into a landmark strategic partnership to deliver a new era of interactive engagement to fans around the world.

DAZN will integrate ADI Predictstreet, the Official Prediction Market Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026, into its platform, enhancing DAZN’s ecosystem of live and on-demand sports viewing, real-time scores, news, betting, gaming and FanZone.

DAZN’s footprint provides unparalleled distribution for ADI Predictstreet’s prediction market infrastructure. Through this partnership, prediction becomes a native part of the fan experience—embedded before, during, and after live events—allowing fans to engage with market sentiment, probability, and collective insight in real time.

This collaboration brings together two FIFA partners to create a seamless ecosystem where sport and prediction converge. Embedded directly into DAZN’s live streams, ADI Predictstreet will enable interactive prompts, real-time sentiment tracking, and dynamic prediction experiences tied to the world’s biggest sporting moments.

ADI Predictstreet, powered by ADI Chain’s blockchain infrastructure, is a new forecasting market platform that is programmed and trained on FIFA’s official historic data, allowing fans to predict things such as match outcomes, tournament statistics, and breakout players throughout the competition using an educated approach.

While the FIFA World Cup 2026 will serve as a launchpad, the partnership extends across DAZN’s premium sports portfolio. ADI Predictstreet will roll out across major leagues and events, driving deeper, more continuous fan engagement.

Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, said: “DAZN is redefining sports entertainment by making it more immersive, interactive and connected for every fan. Partnering with ADI Predictstreet allows us to embed real‑time prediction directly into the live viewing experience, turning insight and sentiment into a native part of how fans engage with the world’s biggest sporting moments. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a catalyst and our platform as the engine, this partnership is a major step forward in how fans experience sport.”

Dimitrios Psarrakis, CEO at Predictstreet, said: “This partnership marks a defining moment in how audiences will experience sport. By combining DAZN’s unmatched reach with ADI Predictstreet’s real-time participation layer, we are transforming fans from spectators into active participants. This is not just an evolution of engagement, it is the creation of a new category where technology, collective intelligence, and global events intersect at scale.”

Designed to reward insight and informed participation, and with community building and interactive engagement sentiment at its core, ADI Predictstreet offers supporters new ways to engage with iconic sporting moments across DAZN’s sporting portfolio, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Underpinning this ecosystem is ADI Chain, an institutional-grade digital infrastructure designed to support high-volume, real-time transactions with transparency, security, and scalability at its core. This foundation enables ADI Predictstreet to operate seamlessly at global scale, supporting millions of users across live environments while maintaining a trusted and robust digital framework.

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