The National Lottery Commission (NLC) is holding a private briefing today for the potential bidders for a 10-year licence to run the Lottery.

The meeting is intended to elucidate details of the bidding process before the final invitation to tender. A decision will be made at the end of the year as to which company wins the contract, which would run from 2009.

It is understood that BSkyB are interested in joining a consortium in order to make a bid and other interested parties are believed to be Cable & Wireless, Sir Richard Branson and Ladbrokes, which has teamed with Greek gaming operator Intralot.

It has been reported that 40 to 50 bidders are expected at the briefing.

The NLC has also recently revealed detailed terms of the bidding competition, which are designed to: “Identify a world class operator with high standards of propriety and player protection, provide a structure which enables bidders to offer innovative solutions, create a level playing field for bidders and ensure the maximum return to good causes.”

The licence has been held by Camelot – which is owned by Cadbury Schweppes, Royal Mail Enterprises, De La Rue, Fujitsu Services and Thales Electronics – since the Lottery’s inception in 1994.

The Lottery has just reported its third successive year of growth with total ticket sales amounting to more than £5bn, an increase of £257m on last year. Details: www.natlotcomm.gov.uk