Camelot’s horrible year

May 97: Camelot objections to a Panorama programme broadcast in December 1995 are rejected by the Broadcasting Standards Commission. The programme included allegations of bribery by Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson.

April 97: Labour manifesto pledge to find a not-for-profit operator to run the National Lottery.

February 97: Documents leaked to The Mirror reveal Camelot’s plans to “tag-on” overseas markets to play the National Lottery, plans to launch the controversial Keno game and take over Vernons.

February 97: Revelations by Marketing Week and the Mail on Sunday about Camelot’s tie-up with the CardCall organisation lead to internal investigation. The revelations show CardCall founder Michael Zwebner is an undischarged bankrupt following the 1990 collapse of his property company.

November 1996: Marketing Week reveals Camelot has breached its licence by setting up a company called Camelot International Services without Oflot permission.