Update: Trial Between Northern & Shell and Gambling Commission Scheduled for Next Year

In an update on the legal dispute between Northern & Shell and the Gambling Commission, the trial timeline has been finalized.

The judge overseeing the case has rejected the Gambling Commission’s request for a split trial and has instead ordered a comprehensive single trial. This trial is set to commence in October 2025, aiming to address all of Northern & Shell’s allegations in one consolidated proceeding.

Northern & Shell, a British publishing group owned by Richard Desmond, initiated legal action against the Gambling Commission following the rejection of its bid to acquire the UK Lottery license. The company alleges mishandling of the National Lottery license competition, particularly highlighting concerns with the selection process during the 2022 procurement process conducted by the Gambling Commission. In its claim, Northern & Shell cites EU law in seeking damages.

The Case Management Conference for this matter occurred last week, during which the judge granted full disclosure of documents and evidence pertaining to the National Lottery contract and bidding process. Had the Gambling Commission’s appeal been successful, the trial would have been divided into separate phases, potentially limiting the evidence that could be presented.

In other legal news, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has raised concerns about the threat posed by alien hacking and scam syndicates (AHaSS) to national security, distinguishing them from legitimate licensed offshore gaming operators (POGOs).