Effective strategic decision-making and a sustainable approach to gaming and social responsibility are central to the DNA of Allwyn, Europe's largest and fastest-growing lottery group.
in the group's portfolio
total bet volume
in five markets
Allwyn (formerly the SAZKA Group) became involved in the gaming industry in 2012, when it acquired a 100% stake in established Czech lottery company Sazka. In the following years, it expanded into other European markets and gradually came to dominate the lottery and gaming industry in a further four countries. Allwyn now includes OPAP, with branches in Greece and Cyprus, and in which it owns a 48.1% stake, Austrian company CASAG, in which it owns a total stake of 59.7%, and LOTTO Italia, in which it owns a stake of 32.5%. In 2022, the group was selected as Preferred Applicant to run the fourth UK National Lottery license by the Gambling Commission. In November 2022, Allwyn announced the acquisition of Camelot UK from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board. This deal will help ease the transition from third to fourth UK National Lottery licence.
Responsibility in all markets
Since its inception, Allwyn has made sure that it is responsible and has a positive impact on society in the countries in which it operates. Its responsible gaming strategy focuses on three key pillars: creating a safe environment for all gamers, protecting minors and other vulnerable groups, and educating the general public.
Allwyn operates in markets where lotteries have an established tradition and are a popular form of entertainment. For example, in Austria 84% of the adult population plays the lottery, in the Czech Republic 73%, and in Greece 56%. Success in these markets is also due to close contact with customers - in total, it operates 64,200 points of sale in five countries. This means that in these markets there is one point of sale for every 1,424 inhabitants. The densest network is in the Czech Republic, where there are 12,500 points of sale – one for every 856 inhabitants.
A major recent trend has been the shift of lotteries to the digital world. By 2020 the Allwyn Group had more than doubled the number of its online customers. It intends to increase its focus on this segment in the future. Allwyn places great emphasis on innovation, technology and aims to target the “meta world” as well.
Entry to the New York Stock Exchange
In January 2022 Allwyn announced its intention to enter the world’s most prestigious stock exchange, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This step will support the company's global growth strategy, including possible acquisitions and bids for licenses in the markets in Europe and the USA. In addition, the company will have better access to finance in capital markets.
It was in connection with this strategy that the Sazka Group was rebranded to Allwyn. The new name refers to a Celtic word meaning 'good friend'. At the same time, it is a pun – “all win”, i.e. “everyone's a winner”. The new name is understandable worldwide and evokes positive emotions. And that’s what Allwyn wants to be.