Ill health sees Lottery chief step down

The Doncaster-based company said the management and running of the lottery will not be affected as Kevin Young, who has worked alongside Mr Millhench for the past 13 years, has been formally appointed as chief technical manager to run the business.

The group is now looking for a new chief executive.

The board said it had been informed by Mr Millhench that "due to ill health he is unable to carry on with his duties and accordingly and regrettably he has resigned from the board".

Mr Millhench will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to the new management. The group's chairman Lord Razzall said: "The board thanks Keith for all his efforts over the years and wishes him well for the future."

The company has begun the process of identifying a new chief executive to run the company as it develops in both its established lottery business and its emerging gaming activities.

It said it hopes to announce the appointment in the near future.

The group has appointed Religare Capital Markets, presently its nomad, to act as joint brokers alongside SVS Securities to assist with the future development of the company.

The group is continuing negotiations with media, sporting, charitable and political organisations to provide its lottery and gaming services to new and important customers.

The company said it expects to announce further football club partnerships soon.

Earlier this month it signed a contract with Scottish Premier League champions Rangers to supply online betting and lottery services.

The Rangers Online Lottery will be run by The Weather Lottery under its newly launched fclotto.co.uk brand, which has been designed for the football market.

The online gaming package created by The Weather Lottery under the brand FCBetz.com will be marketed to the club's fans.

FCBetz.com was launched in August to expand the services offered to The Weather Lottery's existing clients.

The contract win marks The Weather Lottery's sixth consecutive football club partnership agreement in as many weeks.

Agreements have already been signed with Coventry City, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Leicester City and Middlesbrough.

Negotiations are continuing with several other major football clubs and other societies.

The Weather Lottery, which raises funds for non-profit organisations such as sports clubs, charities, schools and universities, began its search for new clients earlier this year.

The group believes this expansion will generate extra revenues.