Big money moves are shaking up the European lottery scene—and the ripple effect stretches all the way to the UK’s National Lottery. Czech billionaire Karel Komarek, through his investment company KKCG, has just sold a slice of his gaming empire in a deal that pegs Allwyn—the group behind the National Lottery—at a jaw-dropping €11.2 billion ($12 billion) valuation.
But here’s the twist: Komarek isn’t stepping away. Far from it. His company KKCG still holds the majority stake, keeping him firmly in control of Allwyn’s future. The buyer? Central European investment fund J&T Arch, which scooped up a 4.27% stake in the business.
A Billionaire’s Playbook
If you’ve never heard of Komarek, here’s why his story matters:
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Back in 2019, KKCG seized full control of the European lottery group Sazka and later rebranded it as Allwyn.
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Fast forward a few years, and in 2022, Allwyn secured the much-coveted license to run the UK’s National Lottery, taking over from longtime operator Camelot.
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To top it off, later that same year, Allwyn went ahead and bought Camelot outright—cementing its dominance in the UK lottery space.
It’s a classic power move. Not only did Komarek win the license, but he also acquired the company that previously held it.
The New Deal on the Table
So what’s in it for KKCG this time? Well, the stake sale brings in a tidy €500 million ($540 million). That’s not just loose change—it’s a war chest that can fuel more acquisitions and expansion.
And speaking of expansion, Allwyn’s not slowing down. The company reported a hefty €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in adjusted earnings in 2024, proving it’s not just about flashy deals—it’s also a money-making machine. On top of that, the group recently snapped up Instant Win Gaming and has its eyes set on a controlling interest in online betting operator Novibet. Clearly, Allwyn is betting big on digital gaming and sports betting to keep its growth engine roaring.
Voices Behind the Deal
Karel Komarek himself called the sale “another significant step for Allwyn,” emphasizing that it shows investor confidence in the company’s growth-first strategy. He added that he sees “many opportunities ahead for significant and sustainable value creation.” In plain English: Komarek believes the best is yet to come.
Patrik Tkáč, co-founder of J&T and chairman of the J&T Arch investment committee, was just as upbeat. He praised Komarek’s ability to turn a local lottery operator into an international powerhouse and highlighted the opportunity for new investors to ride the wave of Allwyn’s expansion.
Why This Matters
At first glance, this may look like just another billion-dollar deal in Europe. But if you step back, it’s actually a case study in how vision, timing, and strategic acquisitions can transform a regional player into a global contender. For the UK, it means the National Lottery is now backed by one of the most aggressive and ambitious operators in the gaming world.
For investors, it’s a chance to get in on a growing entertainment platform that’s quickly moving beyond just lottery tickets and into the booming world of online betting. And for Komarek, it’s proof that his long-term playbook—buy, build, expand—is paying off in spades.
One thing’s for sure: the next few years will be fascinating to watch as Allwyn continues to stretch its reach and rewrite the future of gaming and lotteries worldwide.
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