Allwyn, the operator of the UK National Lottery, reportedly borrowed millions from Russian banks, including VTB and Sberbank, according to The Guardian. The loans, totaling up to €640 million, were secured in 2020, two years prior to Allwyn becoming the "preferred bidder" for the £6.5 billion lottery contract. The funds were purportedly used to support the operator's lottery operations.
The loans from Sberbank and VTB remained active for nearly a month after the banks were subjected to UK sanctions. Allwyn reportedly settled its debts at the end of March 2022, coinciding with the gaming commission's selection of the company to operate the lottery.
There is currently no evidence suggesting any violation of sanctions or that Russian loans directly funded the lottery bid.
