• GTECH Signs One-Year Contract Extension With The California Lottery. Full Story
• Mexico’s Pronósticos Joins US Lotteries Using Smartplay’s Origin™ System. Full Story
• Potential privatisation in the light of the French gambling market's liberalisation. MECN Report. Full Story
• Aristocrat Expands Team To Capitalize On Latin American Growth. Full Story
• $357 Million Raised For Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries. Full Story
• It’s All Gravy Baby! Oregon Lottery Raffle Is Back. Full Story
• California Lottery Wins Financial Reporting Award. Full Story
• IGT and AC Coin & Slot Realign Corporate Partnership. Full Story
• Pennsylvania Casinos Show Revenue Increase for September. Full Story
• Missouri Lottery to Provide 'Tools 4 School'. Full Story
• New Mexico Lottery Changes Roadrunner Cash® to Increase Starting Jackpot, Reduce Odds. Full Story
• GET READY! Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets Go on Sale October 18. Full Story
• Managed Gaming Solutions Receives Patent for Ukraine. Full Story
• What’s Up Interactive Launches Second Microsite for Georgia Lottery. Full Story
• Rhode Island Lottery Receives Highest Governmental Recognition. Full Story
• Lottery Brings Monopoly To Life Like Never Before!. Full Story

Lottomatica’s GTECH Subsidiary Signs One-Year Contract Extension With The California Lottery To Provide Retail Equipment, Messaging Devices, And Enhanced Player Services

GTECH’S G2 Division To Provide The California Lottery With New Player Platform; First Foothold For GTECH G2 In The U.S. Lottery Market

GTECH Expects To Receive Revenues In The Range Of $40 Million To $50 Million, Commencing In The Fourth Quarter Of 2013

ROME (Italy) – PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (U.S.) – (October 7, 2009) – Lottomatica Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GTECH Corporation, announced that it has signed a contract amendment with the California Lottery to provide products and services focused on innovative messaging devices and enhanced player services, as well as gaming system equipment and related services for an additional one-year period commencing October 14, 2013.

In July 2008, GTECH signed a four-year contract extension with the California Lottery which was to expire on October 13, 2013; this latest amendment extends the contract until October 13, 2014. This one-year contract amendment is expected to generate $40 million to $50 million in revenues for GTECH commencing in October 2013.

The contract will allow California to be the first Lottery in the nation to deploy this wide range of innovative messaging devices to keep its players informed and to create enough excitement to add new players. California will acquire a total value of more than $17.3 million in messaging devices and enhanced player services.

“When we signed our four-year extension with the California Lottery in 2008, the Lottery’s long-term business plan called for retailer recruitment, thus the contract extension contained necessary equipment to support the anticipated retailer expansion plans,” said GTECH President and CEO Jaymin B. Patel. “However, due to the current challenging business climate, our focus in support of the Lottery has now shifted to sustaining the Lottery’s retailer base and investing in ways to increase revenue and brand awareness via the Lottery’s existing retailer network. Working with the California Lottery, we have developed a business strategy to attract players at retail locations through innovative messaging devices, and we will offer more robust programs and services for players through the implementation of GTECH G2’s player services platform to support the Lottery’s future player loyalty programs. All of this combined will allow the California Lottery to be the first in the nation to deploy such innovative ideas.”

“By offering a host of retail solutions and enhanced player services, we will be able to answer the demands of California’s lottery retailers and players, and continue to ensure we raise much-needed funds for education,” said California Lottery Executive Director Joan Borucki.

Through GTECH G2’s new player platform, the California Lottery will be able to expand its Jackpot Captains and Second Chance Game programs by creating a player loyalty program that will provide functions such as tracking player activity so that additional services, including customized promotions, can be offered to players.

Also under the terms of the amendment, GTECH will increase the flow of information to California Lottery players through the deployment of 7,500 LED jackpot signs to drive awareness of the Lottery’s draw games.

GTECH will deploy 550 Instant Showcase™ units to provide enhanced retailer accounting and increased instant-ticket sales, as well as 500 contemporary lottery play centers embedded with multimedia digital signage technology to attract more players and sales interest at Lottery-specified retailer locations. The Company will also install its Enterprise Series MultiMedia screens on the existing 1,350 Lotto To Go™ self-service machines for both consumer information and security.

GTECH will continue to provide ongoing services to the Lottery including the operation and maintenance of the Lottery’s integrated gaming system; installation and maintenance of 60,000 gaming equipment units in more than 21,000 retailer locations across the state; software development and support for core gaming and administrative applications; and marketing and research services.

GTECH has been the online lottery services provider to the California Lottery since 1986. Since its inception in 1985, the Lottery has contributed approximately $21 billion to California schools.

About Lottomatica Group

Lottomatica Group is a market leader in the Italian gaming industry and one of the largest Lottery operators in the world based on total wagers and, through its subsidiary GTECH Corporation, is a leading provider of lottery and gaming technology solutions worldwide. Together, the companies are the only vertically integrated full service lottery group. Lottomatica Group is majority owned by De Agostini, which belongs to a century-old publishing and media services group. Lottomatica is listed on the Stock Exchange of Milan under the trading symbol “LTO”. In 2008, the Company had approximately €2.1 billion in revenues and 7,500 employees in over 50 countries when combined with GTECH.

For further information:

SOURCE: GTECH Press Release

Mexico’s Pronósticos Joins US Lotteries Using Smartplay’s Origin™ System

EDGEWATER PARK, New Jersey (October 8, 2009) - This week, Smartplay International, Inc. shipped two new Origin™ Digital Draw Systems off to sunny Mexico City in anticipation of Pronósticos’ new raffle game launch.

Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública will take possession of their new drawing system before the end of this week.  Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública is a state gaming agency operating and distributing both lottery games and sports pool betting services for the country of Mexico.  Rhode Island and North Carolina also recently chose new Origin™ Systems for various raffles and special event drawings.

The Origin™ System is currently in daily use by the New Mexico Lottery, Arizona Lottery, Washington State Lottery, Ohio Lottery, and Tennessee Lottery. Significantly, the system has been selected as the means to conduct raffles by New Jersey Lottery, New Mexico Lottery, New York Lottery, Ohio Lottery, Tennessee Education Lottery, Arizona Lottery, Washington State Lottery and Virginia Lottery as well as Rhode Island.

“This has been a record year in sales of the Origin™ System,” stated Smartplay Vice President Thomas Markert. “We’ve seen an increase in the desire of lotteries to add flexibility and variation to their game offerings. The Origin™ System is a cost effective way for them to get both features in one purchase.”

The Origin™ uses a flexible drawing platform which has been certified over thirteen times by Gaming Laboratories Incorporated, three times by Secure Software Incorporated and twice by KPMG of Vancouver, Canada.

Officials from Pronósticos made two visits to Smartplay in Edgewater Park, NJ as their products were being completed. Pictured (L to R) Michael Rado, Smartplay Director of Technical Products; César Cajica of Mexico’s CENAM; José Luis Jiménez of Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública; Dr. Ismael Castelazo of CENAM;  Gerardo Oteiza  of Pronósticos para la Asistencia Pública; Matt Dillon of Smartplay, and Thomas Markert, Smartplay Vice President

The standard Origin™ System allows for flexible game matrixes as part of its code, therefore there is no additional software certification needed to add or change the matrix of current games.  And unlike competitive products, Smartplay’s Origin™ system comes complete with standard animations depicting virtual drawing machines selecting winning numbers.  These graphics may be easily incorporated into a broadcast.

Established in 1993, Smartplay is dedicated to the creative design, development and manufacture of lottery drawing equipment. The product line has evolved over the years in response to clients’ needs by incorporating the latest technology. Smartplay has thereby maintained a position as international leader in the area of lottery drawing machines and customized game show equipment. Smartplay is consistently chosen above other manufacturers due to a reputation for quality and reliability. Smartplay is proud to be the choice of the world’s most prestigious lotteries.

SOURCE: Smartplay International, Inc., Edgewater Park NJ, USA, CONTACT: Mariana Burachok, Marketing +1 609 880 1860, Email: mariana@smartplay.com.

La Française des Jeux - potential privatisation in the light of the French gambling market's liberalisation?

When markets are opening up and allow private operators to compete against state-owned companies, one key question always comes up: Can a state monopolist survive in a tougher market environment and should the government consider privatisation? While the French government is currently focusing on the pending liberalisation of its online gambling markets, by the middle of next year it will have to consider again whether to privatise the French state lottery La Française des Jeux (LFDJ).

Short overview of the market liberalisation in France

The unresolved conflicts between the EU and France regarding France's gambling monopoly seem to have prompted the French government to rethink things fairly quickly in 2009. In March 2009 a draft bill was presented that included the following main points:

• Interactive betting and poker to be liberalised. Three key sectors of the online gambling market are slated to be opened: sports betting, horse race betting (pari-mutuel betting only), and so-called "jeux de cercle" (mainly online poker).
• No changes to lotteries and casino games - Lotteries will continue to be under the LFDJ monopoly, and slot machines and other casinos games will remain available only in land-based casinos.
• Five-year licenses - A government agency will issue licenses to gambling/betting operators; these licenses will be valid for a period of five years with an option to renew.
• No restriction on the number of licenses - The number of licenses issued should not be limited.
• Other EU licenses are not valid - Licenses from other EU member states will not be recognised automatically as valid for online gambling operations in France.
• Start in 2010 - It is assumed that the actual start date will be near the end of the first quarter of 2010 or even in the summer of 2010.

La Française des Jeux will have to deal with tougher market conditions

Although LFDJ's key lottery business will remain untouched by the liberalisation (and probably also beyond), the tougher competition in the sports betting and poker sectors is sure to affect LFDJ's overall business development. First of all, LFDJ will have to hold its ground in the growing markets of sports betting and online poker with its current and/or new offers, and second, the new online games will undoubtedly take away market share from the traditional gambling sectors.

What is already clear now is that the competition in the French market will be fierce. According to MECN, ca. 80% of the gambling operators and experts surveyed consider the French market a key market for their future business. More than 75% of the operators surveyed are planning to obtain a French online poker and/or sports betting license. Nevertheless, most experts surveyed believe that both, LFDJ and PMU, will be able to stand up to the competition and will play an important role in the future post-liberalisation markets.

The privatisation of La Française des Jeux - many rumours but no clear statements so far

Shortly after the planned liberalisation was announced, the potential privatisation of LFDJ became a topic of discussion. But so far, only very little clear information on this issue has been made public:

• The current share structure of LFDJ will change significantly if the French state reduces its 72% stake. The remaining shares are currently split up as follows: 5% of shares are owned by the LFDJ Employee Investment Fund; 20% are in the hands of former Loterie Nationale lottery tickets issuers; ... 3% are retained by Soficoma (sales agent organisation).
• In mid-2008 the information leaked that the French government would evaluate plans of the privatisation of LFDJ through an IPO. In September 2008 rumours spread that LFDJ chose Merrill Lynch as financial advisor.
• According to information provided by LFDJ, the privatisation process was put on hold in late 2008/early 2009 as a result of the international financial and economic crisis.
• LFDJ explained also that until beginning of 2009 no government proposals had been made regarding a tender process/procedure.
• According to Les Echos, in mid-September 2009 Budget Minister Eric Woerth stated that "the privatisation of LFDJ is not related to the liberalisation draft … the privatisation is not an immediate subject".
• The following companies have been named by experts and the press as possible investors in LFDJ: Lagardère, Bouygues, Intralot, and Vivendi.

According to a recent MECN survey, nearly two thirds of the surveyed experts believe in a privatisation of LFDJ in the near future.

Conclusion - no privatisation in the very short term but worth keeping an eye on

It seems that LFDJ is currently well positioned to compete successfully under tougher market conditions. Therefore, the government is understandably focusing on the pending liberalisation instead of increasing the complexity of the situation by planning a simultaneous privatisation of LFDJ. Thus, detailed plans for privatisation seem to have been pushed aside for the time being. However, in our view, this situation can change quickly as soon as the liberalisation is wrapped up, the economic harsh times come to end, and/or the French government rethinks (or has to rethink) its standpoint regarding the lottery monopoly.

MECN's reports on lottery privatisation and the French gambling market

The above article is based in large parts on MECN's updated report "Privatisation of state-controlled gambling operators - 2nd edition" and the new report "The French Gambling Market".

More information under http://www.privatisation.mecn.net and http://www.france-gambling.mecn.net

Aristocrat Expands Team To Capitalize On Latin American Growth

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (October 1, 2009) -- Aristocrat Technologies is gearing up to expand its presence in the Latin American region with three key appointments. Based in the United States, Alvaro Nores will support both the existing Argentinean office as well as the newly created Mexican office in his position of Vice-President Latin America.

Carlos Carrion, the current Marketing Manager for Aristocrat in Latin America, will assume the post of Director of Sales and Operations – Mexico and will move to our new office in Mexico City in November. Stepping in to replace his Las Vegas-based role is Olga Pleguezuelos, who moves across from Aristocrat’s London office.

The new appointments have been made to support Aristocrat’s highly successful Latin American office based in Buenos Aires and led by the General Business Manager for Latin America, Juan Pablo Irarrazaval, and Sales Manager Alejandro Saraintaris – and assist with the expected growth and expansion of business in this region.

Commenting on the new appointments, Aristocrat Americas’ Chief Operating Officer, Seamus McGill said: “Latin America is a key region in Aristocrat’s global development and we anticipate significant growth there over the next few years. The recruitment and promotion of these highly skilled professionals will complement our existing team and position us well for growth”

SOURCE: Aristocrat Technologies.

$357 Million Raised For Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries

LINCOLN, Nebraska (October 2, 2009) - The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $7,718,275, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $357,072,925 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of September 28, 2009, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

• Education Innovation Fund, $1,425,609;
• Nebraska Scholarship Fund, $1,786,523;
• Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $3,212,132;
• Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $721,828; and
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $572,183.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently divided between the Education Innovation Fund and Nebraska Scholarship Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

• Education Innovation Fund, $125,377,718;
• Nebraska Scholarship Fund, $39,718,498;
• Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $146,635,217;
• Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $13,409,766; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $8,470,730.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $1 billion in total sales (since 1993) in March of 2006.

SOURCE: The Nebraska Lottery.

It’s All Gravy Baby! Oregon Lottery Raffle Is Back

SALEM, Oregon (October 5, 2009) - Turn up the boombox, and get ready for the dough! Raffle is back, and we’re celebrating with some “flava.”

This Thanksgiving, someone will win $1 million. In addition, 1,010 winners will receive cash prizes. Better yet, only 250,000 tickets will be sold, which means your odds of winning are even better.

How To Play

• Raffle tickets go on sale October 4.
• Purchase your $10 ticket at any Lottery retailer or Lottery To GoTM.
• Remember, only 250,000 tickets will be sold, so get yours early.
• Keep your ticket in a safe place, and wait for the winning numbers to be announced on November 24, 2009.
• Be sure to visit our web site periodically and follow the countdown to the big announcement.

Did You Win Some Bling?

Don’t forget to sign the back of your ticket to ensure your claim to any prize you may win!

Here’s how you can find out if you’ve won

• Check the “Did I Win?” terminal
• Visit oregonlottery.org
• Call our toll-free number: 1-866-DID-IWIN (1-866-343-4946)

How To Claim Your Dough

Prizes up to and including $600 can be paid at any Lottery retail location. Raffle prizes over $600 must be collected at the Lottery office in Salem beginning at 8 AM the business day following the drawing.

All prizes can be claimed in person or by registered mail. You have up to one year from the date of the drawing on your ticket to claim your prize.

Click here to check out the You Tube Video of the Oregon Lottery New Commercial for the lottery’s Thanksgiving Raffle, On Sale From October 4, 2009.

SOURCE: Oregon Lottery.

California Lottery Wins Financial Reporting Award

SACRAMENTO, California (October 5, 2009) -- For the sixth consecutive year, the California Lottery has received a prestigious award for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award is a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) given for the Lottery’s comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in state and local government financial reporting,” Lottery Director Joan Borucki said. “To win the award once is a great honor. To win it for six straight years is a testament to the great work done year in and year out by the Lottery’s Finance team.”

 To be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

About The California Lottery (www.calottery.com)

More than 95 cents of every Lottery dollar is returned to the community in the form of contributions to education, prizes and retail commissions. The California Lottery contributes at least 34 cents of every dollar that players spend on Lottery products to public education and returns more than 50 percent of sales to players in the form of prizes. Since its inception in 1985, Lottery players have contributed nearly $21 billion to California schools out of total sales of nearly $56 billion. Retailers benefit too, earning $3.6 billion in compensation since 1985.

CONTACT: Bill Ainsworth or Alex Traverso, (916) 324-9639.

SOURCE: The California Lottery (LPR 337-09).

IGT and AC Coin & Slot Realign Corporate Partnership

RENO, Nevada (October 2, 2009) -  International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) and AC Coin & Slot announced today a restructuring of the companies' long-standing relationship. Under a new agreement, IGT has purchased the distributorship for new IGT machine sales in Atlantic City and the Caribbean from AC Coin & Slot for $20.6 million, including $10.6 million in cash consideration. Also, IGT and AC Coin & Slot have amended the terms of the AC Coin & Slot proprietary game agreement.

The original 1983 agreement between IGT and AC Coin & Slot granted AC Coin & Slot exclusive rights to distribute IGT games in Atlantic City. The agreement was later amended to include the Caribbean. In 1994, the two companies entered into an agreement that allowed AC Coin & Slot to utilize IGT base machines in all of its proprietary bonusing slot games.

Under the new agreement, IGT will now have direct access to sell games to casino customers in Atlantic City and the Caribbean. The combined transactions will provide AC Coin & Slot with the resources and opportunities to develop the core of its business and continue future growth and product development.

The new terms enable AC Coin & Slot to sell proprietary games outright, as well as offer a lease-to-own, or traditional lease structures. The company will retain the right to utilize IGT's award-winning base machines and platforms to continue to develop its future product offering. AC Coin & Slot is now also free to seek alternative platforms to develop games in certain other gaming jurisdictions worldwide as well as seek out new partnerships in the Class II, and Central Determination Systems markets.

"This restructuring provides IGT the opportunity to sell direct to our casino customers in Atlantic City and the Caribbean," said Craig Billings, vice president of corporate finance and investor relations for IGT. "We look forward to working directly with these valued customers and to supporting AC Coin & Slot as they continue to seek new efficiencies and growth opportunities."

"This is a true win-win for both companies and reflects the dramatic growth and evolution AC Coin & Slot and IGT have experienced in 25 years since the original agreement," said Mac Seelig, president and founder of AC Coin & Slot. "We are incredibly excited to embark upon this new phase of growth."

About IGT

International Game Technology (www.IGT.com) is a global company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products.

Statements in this release, which are not historical facts, are "forward looking" statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although IGT believes that the expectations reflected in any of its forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. IGT's future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. IGT does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Information on risks and factors that could affect IGT's business and financial results are included in their public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About AC Coin & Slot

In business since 1978, AC Coin & Slot® is the largest slot manufacturer and diversified casino supply company on the East Coast and one of the largest privately-owned companies of its kind in the world. The company offers turnkey solutions for casinos that encompass some of the highest earning proprietary bonusing slot machines and community games in the industry today; AC Coin & Slot holds over 130 patents on these products. The company also holds over 180 gaming licenses in all major gaming jurisdictions in North America, and the Caribbean and is licensed in all Canadian provinces. AC Coin & Slot utilizes proven IGT pay tables in all bonusing slot machines. The company continues to provide some of the best custom interior signage, sculpted displays, ergonomic seating, and slot bases, all of which can be combined to form custom-themed slot environments. For further information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.ac-coin.com.

Craig Billings, Vice President, Corporate Finance/Investor Relations of International Game Technology, 1-866-296-4232; or Aimee Schultz, Director of Marketing/PR of AC Coin & Slot, +1-609-641-7811 ext. 199

SOURCE: International Game Technology.

Pennsylvania Casinos Show Nearly 30 Percent Revenue Increase for September

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (October 2, 2009) --The amount of gross revenue generated in September 2009 through the play of slot machines at nine casinos rose 29.85% over the previous year, according to figures released today by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The nine casinos in September 2009 generated $172,845,995 in gross revenue compared to $133,115,452 in September 2008 when seven casinos were in operation. Taxes in September, based on the 55% rate, were $95,068,077, an average of $3.16 million per day returned to Pennsylvania taxpayers. The casinos collectively retained $77,786,918 of the gross revenue for the month.

The amount of gross revenue generated in September 2009 through the play of slot machines at the seven casinos that were also operating in September of the previous year was also up with a 4.28% increase.

Comparative gross terminal revenue for each of the casinos operating in both September 2008 and September 2009 are as follows:

The average daily number of operating slot machines at these facilities was 16,831 in September 2008 and 24,924 in September 2009.

Board Chairman Greg Fajt said Gaming Control Board staff continue to perform an exceptional job in meeting the demands of overseeing the growing slots industry, and are poised to regulate the expansion into table games should that be the wish of the State Legislature.

"Our staff is an integral part of making sure that the new slots industry is growing and able to facilitate the ability of the casinos to increase both revenue, including those dedicated to property tax relief, and employment," Fajt says. "This level of professionalism and hard-work has us prepared to handle the additional demands that appear to be in front of us in making sure table games are rolled out in an effective manner that will ensure additional growth in tax revenue and job opportunities for Pennsylvanians."

Fajt adds that some additional staffing will be required to ensure that table game oversight is performed in a manner that fully protects the interests of the public.

"We are working with the legislature on making sure we have the needed staffing additions to not only help table games come on line within a reasonable timetable, but to make sure personnel is sufficient to maintain the level of integrity, safety and accountability that are now being provided in our oversights of slots."

The Gaming Control Board provides weekly updates of casino revenue on its web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us. In addition, videos and information on the operation of the PGCB, problem gambling efforts and assistance, future meeting schedules and past meeting transcripts, and a link to request a speaker are among the many items available to the public on the web site.

CONTACT: Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey, (717) 346-8321.

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Missouri Lottery to Provide 'Tools 4 School'

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (September 25, 2009) - The Missouri Lottery is proud to currently provide 86 percent of the funding for Missouri’s A+ Schools Program, which has helped more than 44,100 students attend community college or a career or technical school since 1997.  To highlight the student achievement required to participate in this program, the Missouri Lottery has created a special prize drawing just for A+ students. 

During the “Tools 4 School: The A+ Giveaway” promotion, one grand-prize winner will win $1,000, and three first-prize winners will receive $400 in prize money to put toward a laptop, iPod touch or other school essentials. 

From Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, students who are using or have used A+ funds to attend a post-secondary institution are invited to enter the promotion at Molottery.com.  No purchase is necessary.  To enter, students should complete the online entry form in full, share how they benefited from the A+ program and attach a photo. 

Some entries may be used as feature stories on the Lottery’s Web site to depict the far-reaching positive effects the A+ Schools Program continues to have on Missouri students and our communities.

“A lot of people probably don’t realize how hard these students work to participate in the program,” said Larry Jansen, executive director of the Missouri Lottery.  “In addition to meeting attendance and grade requirements, they also provide many hours of valuable mentoring services within their own communities.”

Full details and rules for the “Tools 4 School: The A+ Giveaway” promotion can be found at Molottery.com.  For more facts about Missouri’s A+ Schools Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, visit www.dese.mo.gov.

SOURCE: Missouri Lottery.

New Mexico Lottery Changes Roadrunner Cash® to Increase Starting Jackpot, Reduce Odds

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (September 29, 2009) -- The New Mexico Lottery is changing the in-state Roadrunner Cash ® game to create a larger starting prize and jackpots that grow larger, faster.

Changes taking effect Oct. 4 for the Oct. 5 drawing include:

• A starting jackpot of $25,000, up from $20,000;
• $1 prize for matching two of five numbers;
• Reduced overall odds of 1 in 8, down from 1 in 66.

To offer these enhancements, more numbers will be added to the game. Players will pick five numbers from 1 to 37, up from 34.

Also, the lottery will eliminate the game’s “bonus ball,” a feature that increased prizes. Sunday drawings will be discontinued.

“These changes add up to a more exciting game with more opportunities to win,” said Lottery CEO Tom Romero.

Unlike the multi-state Powerball® and Hot Lotto® games, Roadrunner Cash is played only in New Mexico. Under the game’s new format, players can win four ways – by matching five numbers to win the jackpot, four numbers to win $200, three numbers to win $5 and two numbers to win $1.

The price for a Roadrunner Cash wager will remain at $1. Multi-draw tickets purchased between now and the launch of the game’s new format will include only those drawings remaining through Oct 3. Starting Oct. 4, players can resume purchasing a multi-draw ticket for as many as 12 advance drawings.

Roadrunner Cash was introduced in February 1998. The record jackpot is $687,000 from November 2006.

$410 Million for Education

All net revenues from the sale of New Mexico Lottery games fund a college-tuition program for New Mexico residents attending the state’s public colleges and universities. Since 1996, the lottery has raised $410 million for education and more than 54,000 students have attended college on Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

SOURCE: New Mexico Lottery.

GET READY! Holiday Millionaire Raffle Tickets Go on Sale October 18; Best Chance EVER to Win $1 Million

Holiday raffle to be first of its kind for Kansas Lottery

TOPEKA, Kansas (October 5, 2009) - Kansas Lottery players are anxiously awaiting October 18. That’s when the Lottery’s first-ever raffle game goes on sale. Only 150,000 Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets will be sold, giving Kansas Lottery players their best chance ever to win $1 million!

“The Kansas Lottery is excited to be offering its players a raffle game for the first time,” said Executive Director Ed Van Petten. “Several other lotteries have conducted successful raffles and we anticipate a raffle will do well in Kansas, especially when players look at their chances of winning a million dollars.”

Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets will sell for $20 each. Each Quick Pick ticket will contain a unique 6-digit raffle number. Once the 150,000 tickets are gone, they’re gone. Sales will continue through December 30, 2009, if not already sold out. The Holiday Millionaire Raffle drawing will be held on New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2009. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

*Prizes based on sell-out. If not all tickets are sold, prizes will be pari-mutuel.

Players must retain their original Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets to claim a prize. All $500 prizes can be cashed at a retailer location. The $1,000,000 and $50,000 prize winners must claim at Kansas Lottery headquarters in Topeka or at the Kansas Lottery office in Great Bend.

“We’re encouraging players to consider purchasing Holiday Millionaire Raffle tickets as holiday gifts for friends and family,” Kansas Lottery Marketing Director Colleen O’Neill said. “What a unique gift – and what a great opportunity to give a gift that could change someone’s life before the end of the year!”

On December 31, 2009, the Grand Prize winning raffle number for the drawing will be announced first on these stations: KSNT 27 News/KTMJ 43 (Topeka), NBC Action News KSHB-TV 41 (Kansas City), and 3 KSN (Wichita). A list of all winning raffle numbers will be available on www.kslottery.com after 12:00 noon on December 31, 2009.

CONTACT: Sally Lunsford (785) 296-5708, Email: sally.lunsford@kslottery.net.

 SOURCE: Kansas Lottery.

Managed Gaming Solutions Receives Patent for Ukraine

LONDON, U.K. (October 06, 2009 – Managed Gaming Solutions Plc (“MGS”), a leading provider of mobile & interactive gaming and micropayment solutions, was granted a patent for “Method for Gaming and Gaming System” in Ukraine. The newly issued patent specifically covers several aspects of the innovative method of mobile gaming invented by MGS.

The entertaining and user-friendly gaming solutions are completely server hosted, and are designed to deliver rich interactive gaming experiences while keeping maintenance to a minimum.

“We are very pleased with the latest patent granted for the Ukraine, which further strengthens our Intellectual Property portfolio in the fast growing eastern European and Eurasian regions. This gives us a clear advantage over our competitors and we are convinced that we are on the right track towards becoming a leader in the regulated mobile gaming market,” states Tero Turunen, Chairman of the board of MGS.

For more information about the company and its services and products offered please visit www.mgscorporation.com.

For any further information, please contact our Investor Relations Team directly:

esVedra consulting GmbH, t: +49. 89. 28 80 81 33, f: +49. 89. 28 80 81 49, Email: info@esvedragroup.com

About MGS Plc (www.esvedragroup.com)

MGS Plc is a technology & service provider for mobile and interactive gaming, and for mobile micropayments sector. The company provides its customers with complete gaming solutions for a variety of cross media platforms; and a full payment software platform for the micropayments transactions. The main focus lies on lottery games, games of chance played via mobile handsets; and on variety of micropayment and micro-credit products.

SOURCE: MGS

What’s Up Interactive Launches Second Microsite for Georgia Lottery

Atlanta interactive marketing agency What’s Up Interactive has launched the second microsite for Georgia Lottery Corporation, www.PlayFalconsLottery.com.

ATLANTA, Georgia (October 6, 2009 – Atlanta interactive marketing agency What’s Up Interactive has launched the second microsite for Georgia Lottery Corporation, www.PlayFalconsLottery.com.  The site is a hub for the instant game’s second chance drawings, offering prizes like a VIP suite at the Georgia Dome for an Atlanta Falcons game, or an AirTran Airways flight to a Falcons away game for 10.

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Designed to reflect the excitement of the large cash rewards and extravagant second chance drawing prizes, PlayFalconsLottery.com is the second project What’s Up has launched for Georgia Lottery since their partnership began this summer.

“This is a game-changer,” says Richard Warner, CEO of What’s Up. “The prizes are incredible, you’ve got three of the most powerful brands in Georgia and players are going to have a lot of fun! We’re proud to be a part of the action.”

The first microsite What’s Up designed and developed for Georgia Lottery was www.sitandwingames.com: the online portal for their new roster of games that can be played at select social establishments around the state.  The site features interactive How to Play and How to Win tutorials for Deal or No Deal, Lucky Dough, and Rolling Jackpot, a retailer locator and calendar of events.

"Our Atlanta Falcons $500,000 Touchdown instant game and the corresponding second chance drawings are great fun for football fans and lottery players," said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Margaret DeFrancisco. "As with all of our games, the ultimate winners are the students of Georgia. Every dollar we raise benefits lottery-funded Pre-K and HOPE Scholarships."

What’s Up is now in the process of designing and developing a new and refreshed GaLottery.com, slated to go live this winter.

About What's Up Interactive

What’s Up Interactive is a relationship-driven interactive marketing agency dedicated to growing our customers’ businesses. What’s Up delivers creative Web site design, development and technology; multimedia solutions including video and podcast production and innovative search and social media marketing. Our clients include The Coca-Cola Co., Georgia Lottery, Georgia Aquarium, and Fox Television Stations, among many others. To learn more, please visit http://www.whatsup.com, and follow us on twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/whatsupdotcom.

About the Georgia Lottery Corporation

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corporation has returned more than $11 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs including Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia's Pre-K Program. More than 1.1 million students have received HOPE, and more than 940,000 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program. For more information, please visit the Media Center on the Georgia Lottery Web site at: www.galottery.com.

SOURCE: What’s Up Interactive (Press Release).

Rhode Island Lottery Receives Highest Governmental Recognition

CRANSTON, Rhode Island (October 8, 2009) -- The Rhode Island Lottery, the state’s third largest source of revenue, was recognized by an independent auditing association for maintaining its high standards in accounting and financial reporting.

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The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the Rhode Island Lottery by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008.

After being reviewed by an impartial panel of auditing professionals, the Rhode Island Lottery earned the award for demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate the public and others to use the report for research and other uses.

In addition to the business and operational components, the CAFR contains interesting historical lottery information, as well as future objectives to better serve the Rhode Island community.

The Rhode Island Lottery was the first State Agency to achieve the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting in 1997 and has received this recognition consistently each year since 1997.

The Rhode Island Lottery CAFR is available at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI or at www.RILOT.com.

CONTACT: Melissa Ferriola, (401)463-6500 ext. 139.

Lottery Brings Monopoly To Life Like Never Before!

New instant-ticket game offers a chance to play Virtual Monopoly Bonus game for fun and the opportunity to win more prizes!

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (October 6, 2009) - The Tennessee Lottery brings the phenomenally popular game of Monopoly to life like never before with its newest instant-ticket game, available this week at retailers throughout the state. Not only can players scratch for a chance to win cash prizes of up to $100,000, but they have the chance to play the game virtually online for more chances to win additional prizes.

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“This is the first game of its kind for the Tennessee Lottery and we’re excited about attracting new players with the virtual component,” said President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove. “As always, we continue to offer exciting new products to maximize dollars for the education programs we fund.”

Like all instant games from the Tennessee Lottery, “Monopoly” offers players the chance to win additional prizes by registering non-winning tickets at www.tnlottery.com. Every non-winning “Monopoly” ticket registered will be entered into a second-chance drawing for $100,000. However, with “Monopoly,” players have an additional option to play an online version of the game to be awarded entries into a series of second-chance drawings for cash and premiere editions of the popular board game.

For additional details about “Monopoly” and other games, please visit www.tnlottery.com.

About the Tennessee Education Lottery

The Tennessee Education Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Net proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets, currently averaging over $5 million per week, fund specific education programs, including college scholarships, pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. Since the Tennessee Lottery began selling tickets on Jan. 20, 2004, it has raised more than $1.5 billion for these programs, and returned to Tennessee communities more than $3.2 billion in prizes and more than $357.4 million in retailer commissions.
For information about Lottery-funded scholarships, visit www.collegepaystn.com.

Contact: Kym Gerlock

615-324-6556 Office

615-604-2827 Mobile

SOURCE: Tennessee Lottery