Lottery board rejects Camelot bid

"The Commission is minded to refuse to grant consent to Camelot's application to undertake ancillary activities on the basis of the EU/competition law concerns it raises," the National Lottery Commission said on Friday.

Camelot wants to offer mobile top up, calling cards for international telephone calls and electronic fund transfers, among other services, through its terminals.

The commission added that its decision was only provisional at this stage and that it would make a final ruling by September 3.

In response Camelot said the commission's decision was flawed and that it was confident its proposals do not breach either European or competition law.

"Camelot remains convinced that its detailed and carefully-considered plans, based on thorough and robust legal advice, should allow it to offer commercial services through National Lottery retailers," Camelot said in a statement.