The Commission has announced the extension following representations from applicants and experience from Phase One.

The amended timeline will see four weeks added to the Phase Two application stage and a further six weeks for evaluation. The Commission says that these changes will provide opportunity for applicants to further refine their proposals and for the Commission to evaluate.

To facilitate these changes, and ensure a smooth transition, the Commission will extend the third National Lottery licence by six months. The Fourth National Lottery licence will begin in February 2024.

The Commission now intends to announce the preferred applicant in February 2022. All dates are indicative and may evolve in line with market feedback and the continued national, and international, impact of COVID-19, all of which the regulator is keeping under constant review. To read the Commission’s announcement in full, click here.