Camelot losing rights to run the National Lottery in the long-term is a blow not only for its 1,000 plus employees but also the local community.

The company, based on the outskirts of Watford, has delivered unimaginable joy to winners as well as billions of pounds to good causes - and has played an active role in the community.

The decision by the Gambling Commission to award the licence to another operator can only be bad news for Camelot and its staff.

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Camelot is evaluating its next steps but operating the National Lottery is all the company has ever known - it was specifically formed as a consortium to bid for the lottery project in 1994.

With uncertainty about what it means for jobs, the impact on the local community can’t be understated.

Camelot jumped in with a £100,000 donation to kickstart Watford mayor Peter Taylor’s Covid-19 appeal to raise money for charities and organisations.

The lottery operator, which has its licence until 2024, also works with schools, such as Christmas card competitions.

Camelot also sponsors the Beryl bike scheme in Watford but you’d have to wonder what might happen to that sponsorship in a couple of years’ time.

We can only hope that there can still be a bright future for this company and its employees.