Lastminute.com founder joins Sazka in National Lottery bid

THE Czech group which is aiming to take the National Lottery franchise away from Camelot further beefed up its bid board today by appointing Brent Hoberman to its bid board.

Sazka is in the running alongside incumbent Camelot, with a decision by the Gambling Commission due later this year.

There may be competition from other bidders too.

Hoberman is best known for founding lastminute.com alongside Martha Lane-Fox in 1998.

He joins bid chair Sir Keith Mills and recently appointed former Sainsbury CEO Justin King as advisors to Sazka.

Hoberman said: “Britain needs a National Lottery that is digital-first, technologically-sound, and accessible and relevant to disparate audiences who are accustomed to consuming their media and entertainment across many different channels. I see so much untapped potential, and by teaming up with Sazka Group, a global leader in lottery technology, I’m confident we can build a world class National Lottery.”

Sir Keith said: “Brent Hoberman has a remarkable record of building innovative technology for the betterment of a number of sectors.”

Camelot has always run the Lottery since inception, but could be under pressure this time.