| GTECH Corporation Signs One-Year Online Contract
Extension with the Illinois Lottery Expected Revenues of Approximately $35
Million to GTECH Over Extension Period
PROVIDENCE,
Rhode Island (October 24, 2007) -- GTECH
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Lottomatica S.p.A., announced that it
has signed a one-year extension with the Illinois Lottery to continue providing
online lottery products and services through October 16, 2008. This is the
final exercisable year under the Lottery’s current contract with
GTECH. With respect to its contract extension with the Illinois Lottery,
GTECH expects to receive revenues of approximately $35 million over the
extension period. GTECH has been providing products and services to the
Illinois Lottery since 1989.
“The Illinois
Lottery has been a valued customer of ours for close to 20 years, and during
that time, we have helped them grow total ticket sales to nearly $2 billion in
the Lottery’s most recent fiscal year,” said
W. Bruce Turner, Lottomatica
S.p.A. and GTECH CEO. “We are pleased to continue our relationship and
are grateful for the recognition of our efforts in Illinois.”
Under the terms of the extension, GTECH will continue to
provide the Lottery with central system operation and maintenance; terminal
maintenance; communications network management; marketing support; and retailer
training. About GTECH GTECH is a leading gaming technology and services company,
providing innovative technology, creative content, and superior service
delivery. Lottomatica (Pink Sheets: LTTOY) is one of the world’s
largest commercial lottery operators and a market leader in the Italian gaming
industry. GTECH and Lottomatica together create a fully integrated lottery
operator and gaming technology solutions provider—a combined company with
worldwide scale, considerable financial strength, and industry-leading customer
solutions. Lottomatica is majority owned by De Agostini, which belongs to a
century-old publishing, media, and financial services group. Lottomatica is
publicly traded on the Italian Stock Exchange (LTO), and in 2006, had more than
euro 1.7 billion in revenues and 5,900 employees in over 45 countries when
combined with GTECH. Contact: Robert K. Vincent,
Public Affairs, GTECH Corporation, 401-392-7452. SOURCE: GTECH Corporation
INTRALOT Wins
the Championship of the “Europe Corporate Games
2007” ATHENS, Greece (October
23, 2007) -- INTRALOT is the champion of
the “Europe Corporate Games 2007”, Europe’s largest
corporate sporting competition. The event took place for the 3rd consecutive
year in Athens and hosted more than 2,200 participants from 13 different
countries. INTRALOT supported the “Europe
Corporate Games” for the 2nd consecutive year with its sponsorship and
participation. INTRALOT advanced the spirit of competition and encouraged
cooperation among international companies. 96 INTRALOT corporate athletes
participated in 11 sporting events. The games were also a perfect opportunity
for networking with many companies’ delegates throughout the European
business market.
INTRALOT won the
“Medallist Award” which is granted to the company which wins the most
Medals during the competition. The award recognizes the top sports performance,
as INTRALOT’s athletes won 43 medals (2 gold, 27 silver and 14
bronze). Moreover, the company received the
“Championship Divisions Award”, a distinction to the
Organization which wins the most Medals according to its overall corporate team
size, as well as the “Championship Award”, which goes to the company
with the highest score in any sport. Last but not least, INTRALOT won the
“Best Fans Participation Award”, as numerous employees
enthusiastically supported the team’s efforts. About INTRALOT (www.intralot.com) INTRALOT, a public listed company, is the leading supplier of
integrated gaming and transaction processing systems, innovative game content
and sports betting management, to state-licensed gaming organizations
worldwide. It’s broad portfolio of products & services, its know-how
of Lottery, Betting & Video Lottery operations and its leading-edge
technology, give INTRALOT a competitive advantage which contributes directly to
customers’ efficiency, profitability and growth. With presence in over
than 40 countries, with more than 3,600 people and revenues of €791,4 m.
for 2006, INTRALOT has established its presence in all 5 continents.
For more information please
CONTACT: Ms Persa
Kartsoli, Head Of Corporate Affairs, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210
6106800, email: kartsoli@intralot.com
Pollard Banknote Issued Contract Renewal by the
Wisconsin Lottery YPSILANTI, MI
(October 23, 2007) -- Pollard Banknote
recently received a renewal to its pull tab and specialty lottery products
contract with the Wisconsin Lottery for an additional year. Under the terms of
the initial agreement signed in 2004, a further one-year renewal remains
possible after the current contract expires in June 2008.
Partners since 1993 on an array of popular pull tab
tickets, Pollard Banknote’s relationship with the Wisconsin Lottery
reached new heights earlier this year with the successful launch of a new
product line designed around Pollard Banknote’s patented two-in-one Double
Play® game format that combines a traditional scratch-off game on one side
of the ticket and a pull tab game on the other. Helping accelerate sales of this product line was yet another
patented innovation pioneered by Pollard Banknote.
“Our evolving
association with the Wisconsin Lottery signals our sincere interest in
introducing products aimed at attracting the attentions of players and
retailers alike,” said Don Sawatzky, Vice President, Sales &
Marketing, Pollard Banknote. “The successful integration of new
offerings is an example of how our two organizations have come together to
create products that have helped address the Lottery’s mandate of
maximizing proceeds to benefit the state.” Established in 1988, the Wisconsin Lottery has generated more
than $7.3 billion (US) in overall revenue since its inception, 95% of which has
been returned to Wisconsin residents either directly or indirectly to support
the common good. More than $2.3 billion, for example, has been earmarked for
property tax relief over the course of the Lottery’s nearly 20-year
run. About Pollard Banknote Limited
Partnership Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership
(“Pollard Banknote”) is one of the world’s leading full-service
lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America’s charitable
gaming industry. The firm manufactures instant tickets and provides related
programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote
manufactures ticket vending machines, pull tab tickets and bingo paper, and
supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution).
Established in 1907, the firm is owned by the Pollard family and the Pollard
Banknote Income Fund and currently serves more than 45 lotteries worldwide,
including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United
States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.
About Pollard Banknote Income Fund
Pollard Banknote Income Fund (TSX: PBL.UN) is an
unincorporated, open-end trust which owns 26.7% of Pollard Holdings Limited
Partnership, which in turn owns Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership.
For further information: Gordon Pollard (gpollard@pbl.ca) or John Pollard (jpollard@pbl.ca), Co-Chief Executive
Officers, Phone: (204) 474-2323.
Innovation,
Terminals, Technology and Training Camelot’s Third Licence Retail Plans Unveiled:
Faster terminals and more of them – high-speed satellite network –
increase in Scratchcard commission – comprehensive training
WATFORD, UK (October 9, 2007) --
Camelot Group plc today revealed a package
of measures that will transform The National Lottery in retail outlets ready
for the start of the Third Lottery Licence. At a time
when retailer margins in some categories are declining, Camelot underlined its
commitment to retailers, announcing that for the third licence, beginning on
1st February 2009, it will maintain commission on National Lottery Draw-Based
games at 5% and increase retail commission on Scratchcard games by 20% –
from 5% to 6%. Camelot was confirmed as the winner of
the new licence to operate the UK National
Lottery in August, following a two-year competition process. Working
closely with its retail partners, Camelot now has 16 months to transform the
entire National Lottery retail environment, in line with the plans set out in
its successful bid for the third licence.
Finance Director Nigel
Railton is taking responsibility for overseeing the lottery’s transition
to the next licence. Nigel will be in charge of delivering the company’s
most ambitious programme of transformation since the lottery launched in 1994,
while Steve Lucas, as Sales Director, will oversee the detailed plans for
transforming retail ready for 2009. Over the next 16
months Camelot will introduce state-of-the-art technology and networks to allow
new games to be launched more quickly, together with the rollout of a new
terminal and digital screen network across more than 27,000 lottery
retailers. Camelot’s successful bid for the new
licence comes after a £336.9 million increase in sales over the last four
years – and after the announcement last year that retailers have earned
more than £3 billion in commission from The National Lottery since it
launched in 1994. Camelot today confirmed a series of
innovations designed to support its retail partners in preparation for the
official start of the new licence period in February 2009.
New In-Store Equipment New ‘IMAGINE’ terminals
In January 2008 Camelot will start the largest
installation of Draw-Based lottery terminals ever seen in the UK, introducing
the new, smaller, GTECH ‘Imagine’ terminal into stores. By 1 February
2009 Camelot has to replace all existing lottery terminals with this
state-of-the-art new terminal, which has been designed in consultation with
retailers. Benefits include:
- Faster printing time than the
existing ISYS terminal. The new terminal can print three tickets in the same
amount of time the ISYS can print two, cutting queuing times during busy
periods. Touch screen technology also makes the terminals easier to use and
navigate – again dramatically reducing waiting times in-store on draw
nights and at other busy times.
- Greater flexibility and
reliability. Imagine doesn’t have moving parts apart from the printer, so
needs less maintenance. A digital camera instead of a mechanical scanner offers
greater flexibility as the camera allows different sizes and layouts of tickets
to be read – this will be increasingly important in the third licence as
Camelot introduces new types of game with different play mechanisms into the
lottery portfolio.
- Despite being more advanced, it
has a smaller in-store footprint than the current design – this means the
new terminals will need no extension work done to existing counter spaces
in-store.
1,300 more
terminals Camelot is increasing the size of
its retail estate with an additional 1,300 new terminals, on top of the 26,300
already in operation throughout the UK. This will take the overall number of
lottery terminals to a record-breaking 27,600. Camelot will use its existing
selection policy to site the new terminals so that the retail estate continues
to make the best possible returns to the Good Causes while serving local
communities.
Media screens
rollout For the first time, Camelot will
be able to install digital media screens into all lottery outlets in the UK.
Camelot was one of the first major companies to invest in media screen
technology when it first introduced them into a small selection of lottery
stores in 2002. By the end of 2006 it had installed 1,400 into selected outlets
around the UK and is now preparing to put screens into all 27,500 retailers
– the biggest installation of this kind of technology in the UK to
date. Benefits of media screens include:
- Eye-catching, up-to-the-minute
and innovative Point of Sale material for new games and Scratchcards; Rollover
and large jackpot news; advertising support and educational messages.
- Easier POS compliance for
retailers; maximised sales opportunities; rotation of messages within one piece
of Permanent Point of Sale; immediate updates for new jackpot amounts.
- Reduced POS production costs for
Camelot, both financially and environmentally.
Complete re-fit of
in-store furniture and PPOS By the end of 2009
Camelot will have spent £20 million replacing all National Lottery
Playstations and Scratchcard dispensers – and will continue to invest in
outdoor signage throughout the third licence. Communications Technology
New Satellite Communications Network
Camelot is working with international broadband
communications technology supplier Hughes Network Systems, Limited (Hughes), to
replace the existing ISDN network with a broadband satellite communications
network connecting all 27,500 lottery retailers to the Camelot central gaming
systems.
- The new network is designed to be
more reliable, faster and able to cope with all the enhancements that are
planned for the National Lottery up to and including 2019. New game formats
will require the use of much more data in future transactions – something
the existing ISDN system would have been unable to cope with.
- The new network will be less
expensive to operate and with lower maintenance costs, which means more money
for the Good Causes.
- Installation of new equipment and
removal of ISDN technology will be handled by Camelot. The new kit includes a
mesh satellite dish and a modem connected to the terminal.
Retail Support
Package Retailer Margins
At a time when retailer commission in some categories is
declining, Camelot is pleased to announce that for the third licence, beginning
in February 2009, it will maintain retailer commission on Draw-Based tickets at
5% – and increase retailer commission on Scratchcards by 20% to
6%. Retail will remain the biggest sales channel for
The National Lottery in the Third Licence period. Through new games and
innovative play styles, Camelot aims to boost overall sales and returns to the
Good Causes across the full range of lottery products, further adding to
retailers’ cash margin opportunities. Retailers
will continue to get the dedicated specialist advice and support they have
received since 1994 – which helped Camelot to win the Best Supplier award
at this year’s HIM! awards, voted for by representatives of more than
10,000 retailers. Retailers will continue to receive installation and
maintenance of lottery equipment, free training and dedicated hotline services,
as well as new and improved POS through a digital media screen network.
Training and Installations
27,600 new lottery terminals will be installed between
February 2008 and the end of January 2009. The full package of retail training
includes:
- Around 200,000 people trained and
ready to operate the new terminals from day one of the new licence. Training
begins in April 2008; this is the equivalent of 20 years’ worth of
training delivered in nine months at current levels.
- Tailored training to cater for
the individual needs of different types of lottery outlets. The majority of
training will be given in-store by Camelot’s retail sales team. Where this
is not viable or practical for a retailer, group training events will be held
in stores – and in some cases off-site full-day classroom training
sessions will be provided.
- Ongoing refresher training
available through Camelot’s new e-learning tool. The tool was introduced
last year to allow retailers quick and easy access to training at their own
convenience.
Steve Lucas, Camelot Sales
Director, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for Camelot and The
National Lottery, and we are more committed than ever to supporting our retail
partners. During the bidding process we have invested enormous time and effort
working with our stakeholders to ensure that our plans for The National Lottery
for the next decade will enable us to build on the fantastic success we’ve
seen over the last 13 years.
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“We have spent a
long time talking to our retail partners to make sure that we provided them
with a terminal that suited their needs now – and in the future.
“At a time when some categories are reducing
retailer commission, for the start of the new National Lottery Licence in
February 2009 we are delighted that we have been able to maintain retailer
commission for Draw-Based Games at 5%. I’m sure that retailers will also
be very pleased to see commission on Scratchcards – now nearly a £1
billion-a-year business – move up to 6%. “Crucially, over the next 16 months, we will install
the technology and will give retailers the training and support packages they
need to make sure that the lottery is constantly fresh in their stores,
available to players when and how they want it – and continues to add
value to retailers’ businesses both in lottery pounds and in that
all-important incremental footfall. “Innovation is the key to long-term growth in
lotteries – and we are extremely proud that Camelot is regarded as the
most innovative lottery operator in the world. We are planning to build further
on that reputation and to give players and retailers alike the kind of lottery
service, systems and games they expect until at least the year
2019.” For further information, please
contact: Charlotte Gibson, Corporate PR Manager: 020 7632 5716 or Ben Rosier,
Head of Media Relations: 020 7632 5743. SOURCE:
Camelot Press Office, Telephone: 020 7632 5711, Facsimile: 020 7240 7314
Veterans’ Organizations VLT Commission Rates
Increase WINNIPEG, Manitoba,
Canada (October 19, 2007) -- Manitoba
Lotteries Corporation (MLC) announced today that the VLT commission rate
for all veterans’ organizations will be increased from 20% to 25%,
effective January 1, 2008. Based on present revenue levels, this increase
translates to a total combined annual increase greater than $700,000 for member
organizations.
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“We recognize the
unique and important contribution Veterans’ organizations have made in the
past as well as the contributions they make today in our communities,”
said MLA Bonnie Korzeniowski on behalf of Greg Selinger, Minister responsible
for Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC). “Today’s announcement
furthers our government's commitment to members of the Royal Canadian Legion
and the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans, so they can continue with their
charitable activities while remaining a strong and a vibrant part of our
communities.” Over the past several years,
the Province and MLC have been working closely with the Royal Canadian Legion
and the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans, both non-profit organizations, to
review the varying components of their VLT program to address the operational
challenges they face in today’s society. “Today’s announcement will certainly provide
additional support to assist our organizations to remain vibrant,”
said Roland Fisette, President of the Manitoba and N.W. Ontario Command.
“I would like to thank the Province for their support to Veterans’
organizations as well as officials of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the
Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans' Associations and MLC for their efforts to
achieve this goal”. In 2002, the Province
allocated 404 VLTs as a separate pool of machines, to be administered by
Veterans’ organizations, at their request. This initiative assured them a
guaranteed number of machines that will not be negatively impacted by future
initiatives that may be considered within the overall VLT program.
The Province of Manitoba reinvests in local communities by
sharing 10 % of MLC’s VLT net revenue. Another 25 % of VLT net revenue is
invested in community economic development initiatives through the Rural
Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and the Urban Economic Development
Initiative (UDI) programs. The remaining 65 % of MLC’s VLT net revenue is
allocated toward government programs in areas such as health care, education
and social services. For further information, please
contact: Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Province of Manitoba Jacqueline
Jubinville, Communications Officer Colin Lemoine, Press Secretary
Communications & Public Affairs Cabinet
Communications 204-957-2500 ext. 2630 or cellular:
204-781-6360 204-945-1494 SOURCE: Manitoba Lotteries
Corporation. Wincor Nixdorf
awarded ISO 27001 certification for its Information Security Management System
– with the Help of atsec Information Security
KONSTANZ, Germany (October 23, 2007) --
Wincor Nixdorf AG is one of the first
companies in Germany to have been awarded certification for its Information
Security Management System by the assessment and certification organization
DQS. This means that the IT services provided by Wincor Nixdorf comply with all
the requirements of ISO 27001, the international standard for information
security management. Certification puts Wincor Nixdorf in a solid position when
it comes to performing an increasing number of tasks on behalf of its customers
within the field of IT services, including the management of relevant processes
and technology.
“Data protection
and information security are among the most important decision-making criteria
for our customers,” observed Wincor Nixdorf’s Chief Information
Officer Kirsten Dorsch. “The award of ISO 27001 certification is a
clear signal that information security and data protection have top priority at
Wincor Nixdorf and that we are pleased to have our security and performance
tested by an objective and neutral organization.”
Against a background of increasing global
intercommunication and information exchange - and the risks associated with
such activities -, there is growing demand for effective solutions that are
capable of safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality and security of
information. In introducing its Information Security Management System, Wincor
Nixdorf has responded to market requirements. ISO certification also serves as
evidence to both customers and business partners that a corresponding process
has been established and is being regularly monitored. Wincor Nixdorf’s
Information Security Management System meets the entire range of information
security requirements relating to the introduction, operation, monitoring and
maintenance of systems and processes. “Atsec
information security GmbH was involved in the project right from the beginning.
The strategic support we received from their experts was very helpful at every
stage of the project,” said CIO Dorsch. “The project as a
whole provided us with a series of new ideas for the optimization of
information security management, which we subsequently
implemented.” About ISO 27001
The ISO 27001 security standard has its origins in British
Standard BS7799 and forms part of the new ISO 27000 family, which deals with
information security management systems (ISMS). It was launched in October 2005
and is valid throughout the world. The method of certification is based largely
on the well-known ISO 9001:2000 quality standard. ISO 27001 is expected to
achieve the same widespread popularity as ISO 9001. SOURCE: Wincor Nixdorf AG. Lottery Gives Permission for Northern Tracks To
Offer Poker WEST VIRGINIA, USA
(October 18, 2007) -- WV Lottery Director
John Musgrave announced today that
after two days of practice runs and intense evaluation of operations that both
Mountaineer and Wheeling racetracks may offer poker games to the public
beginning Friday. Musgrave’s decision comes
after days of strenuous review and observation by Lottery regulators stationed
at both tracks. “As a regulatory entity, the
West Virginia Lottery serves to protect the interest of the players and the
interests of the State,” Musgrave said, “Our senior staff
members have been on-sight for days, working with the tracks to ensure flawless
operations.” Both Mountaineer and Wheeling
racetracks will begin table gaming operations with poker games. Other table
games such as roulette, blackjack, craps and other specialty games will not
begin until some time around the first of the year. According to Musgrave, in addition to the creation of jobs,
table games in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle racetracks will help
both venues better compete for the area’s tourism market share.
SOURCE: West Virginia Lottery. Texas Lottery® Joins Silver Alert
Network AUSTIN, Texas, USA
(October 19, 2007) –The Texas Lottery
Commission in September joined the newly-opened Silver Alert Network, which
assists efforts by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find missing senior
citizens. The Texas Lottery Commission is working in
conjunction with the Division of Emergency Management at the DPS, the state
agency tasked by Governor Rick Perry with implementing the Amber Alert Network
in Texas.
The Texas Lottery® is
now issuing alerts at the 16,000-plus Lottery retail locations on LED screens
and on the lottery tickets printed at online terminals.
“We’re pleased to participate with the DPS on
this potentially life-saving effort,” said Texas Lottery Commission
Executive Director Anthony J.
Sadberry. “When a local law enforcement agency gets a report of a
missing elderly person, it calls the DPS, which then confirms that the Silver
Alert network should be activated. A message is then sent to GTECH personnel,
who then send a message to the lottery retailers’ terminals.”
“The participation of the Lottery in this
statewide program is the result of Senate Bill 1315, by Senator Carlos Uresti
of San Antonio,” Sadberry said. “Though the legislation does
not mention the Texas Lottery by name, because the Lottery lends assistance in
Amber Alert occasions through the DPS, it is also now part of the Silver Alert
program.” The legislation outlines procedures to be used by local law
enforcement to verify that a senior citizen is missing and has an impaired
mental condition. SB 1315 also stipulates that the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) assist the DPS to implement the alert. For more
information about the Texas Lottery, please visit the official Web site at
http://www.txlottery.org.
SOURCE: Texas Lottery Commission.
CONTACT: Friday,
October 19, 2007 Leticia Vásquez, 512-344-5210, Media Relations,
512-344-5131. Best First Quarter
Ever For Virginia Lottery; Record Quarterly Profits Mean Increased Funds For
Virginia`s K-12 Public Schools RICHMOND, Virginia (October 23, 2007) -- Spurred by an
historic Mega Millions jackpot and exciting new games, the
Virginia Lottery is setting records.
Today Executive Director Sheila
Hill-Christian announced that the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 was the
best first quarter in the Virginia Lottery’s 19-year history. Lottery
profits topped $120.6 million during the combined months of July, August and
September, breaking the old record by more than $17 million.
A major factor in the
record-setting figure is the Mega Millions jackpot that grew throughout the
month of August, finally reaching $330 million for the August 31 drawing. With
jackpot fever running high in Virginia, Mega Millions tickets were selling at a
rate of about 9,100 tickets per minute statewide on the day of the drawing.
“With the best first quarter results in 19 years,
the Virginia Lottery is off to another excellent start for this fiscal
year,” said Ms. Hill-Christian. “We experienced strong sales
in all Lottery product categories in a quarter that historically produces the
lowest sales.” It was just last month that
Governor Kaine joined Ms. Hill-Christian to announce that the Lottery profits
for education during the 2007 fiscal year were the second best in the
lottery’s history – in spite of competition from the new lottery in
North Carolina. The Virginia Lottery had sales of $1.36 billion in fiscal year
2007, and raised more than $437 for Virginia’s public schools K-12.
Since 1999, all Virginia Lottery profits have been
designated solely to K-12 public school education in the Commonwealth. In that
time, the Lottery has turned over more than $3.4 billion for Virginia’s
public schools, currently representing about 7 percent of annual state funding
for public education in Virginia. In 19 years, the Lottery has awarded more
than $10 billion in prizes to players and more than $1 billion in retailer
commissions. SOURCE: Virginia Lottery press
release. Scratch and Win Tickets Give Chance to See Opening
Ceremonies at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Canada (October 22, 2007) -
Today, British Columbia Lottery Corporation
(BCLC) is pleased to release First Tickets to 2010, a new $5 SportsFunder
Instant Win ticket offering players the chance to win the very first tickets to
the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony.
"We are very proud to offer British Columbians the
first chance to get tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event," said
Dana Hayden, BCLC President & CEO.
"The thrill and excitement of the Olympic Games is inspiring and moves
people to participate in sports. Through SportsFunder lottery games, BCLC is
offering the opportunity to support amateur athletes, many of whom aspire to
compete at the Olympic level."
With a total of 100 pairs
of tickets to be won, players have a 1:5,000 chance of winning tickets to the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony. In addition to offering
the chance to win tickets to the Opening Ceremony and $1,000 spending money,
the new $5 SportsFunder First Tickets to 2010 also features $1 million in cash
prizes. The overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1:4.
"On the evening of February 12, 2010, the eyes of the
world will be on us as we celebrate Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter
Games Opening Ceremony. VANOC is proud to partner with BCLC to give British
Columbians a chance to attend this extraordinary event, while helping our kids
and amateur athletes have increased access to sports", said John Furlong,
CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games (VANOC). Over the next two years, BCLC
will offer British Columbians the chance to win thousands of tickets to the
2010 Winter Games by playing SportsFunder lottery games. Proceeds from the sale
of SportsFunder lottery games support amateur sports in B.C. through
KidSportTM, Team BC, Youth Sport Travel Assistance, and Coach and Leadership
Development. KidSportTM provides financial assistance to children who wish to
play sports but cannot afford the registration fees. Team BC gives athletic
development support to provincial teams representing B.C. at Canada's premier
multi-sport events. Tickets used for SportsFunder
lottery games will be purchased by BCLC and drawn from their allotment as a
VANOC Official Supporter within the Olympic Family quota. As is required of all
Olympic Organizing Committees, approximately 30 per cent of the tickets will be
held for key partners that participate directly in the staging of the Games -
commonly referred to as the Olympic Family. The Olympic Family includes
athletes and their families, National Olympic Committees and international
sports federations, media and broadcasters who tell the story of the Games to a
global audience and VANOC sponsors whose financial investment contributes
directly to staging the Games.
"This is also a good
example of how an Olympic partner may purchase from the Olympic Family ticket
allotment but the tickets ultimately end up in the hands of the public,"
added Furlong. About BCLC
BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation reporting to the
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General through a Board of Directors.
Its mission is to offer responsible gaming entertainment, generating income for
the public good. About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing,
financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic
Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver
and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the
2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.
VANOC's marketing program is focused on securing mutually
rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to
host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport.
VANOC's Worldwide TOP Partners include Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, McDonald's,
Omega, Panasonic, Samsung and Visa. VANOC's National Partners are Bell Canada,
Hbc, RBC Financial Group, GM Canada, Petro-Canada, and RONA.
VANOC's Official Supporters include Air Canada, British
Columbia Lottery Corporation, Canadian Pacific, the Insurance Corporation of
British Columbia, Jet Set Sports, Ricoh Canada Inc., the Royal Canadian Mint,
and Teck Cominco Limited. VANOC's Official Suppliers are 3M, Birks, Dow Canada,
EPCOR, Haworth Canada, Nortel, TransCanada, Vincor Canada, Weston Bakeries and
Workopolis. For more information, please contact: BCLC
Owen Gormley, Cell: (604) 220-2915, Email: ogormley@bclc.com SOURCE: British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
GameTech
Announces Appointment of General Manager of Summit Gaming
Division
RENO, Nevada, USA (October
22, 2007) -- GameTech International, Inc., a leading designer, developer and
marketer of electronic bingo equipment, bingo systems and video lottery
terminals (VLTs), announced today that Tim Carson, President of GameTech's
Summit Gaming Division, resigned effective Friday, October 19, 2007.
GameTech has named Kevin Peterson as General Manager to
assume responsibilities for the Summit Gaming Division of GameTech
International effective Monday, October 22, 2007. Previously, Mr. Peterson served as General Manager for United
Coin in Reno, Nevada, overseeing their Northen Nevada routes.
Prior to his position with United Coin, Mr. Peterson was
Director of Business Development for Nova Gaming. He also has held the position
of Director of Sales for Innovative Gaming. SOURCE:
GameTech International, Inc.
Lottery Raises $1 Billion For
Education!
Strong sales continue, pushing proceeds for education across
major milestone NASHVILLE (October 24, 2007) -
Continued strong sales pushed Tennessee
Lottery proceeds for education to over $1 billion this week. "What an
incredible milestone!" said President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove. "More than
one billion dollars for education in the state is something all Tennesseans can
celebrate." By statute, the Lottery transfers quarterly proceeds to the
Lottery for Education Account every quarter.
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The most recent quarterly proceeds for the
quarter ending Sept. 30, 2007 resulted in $67.7 million for the account-an
amount that was 8.79 percent higher than the same quarter one year ago. "We
continue to introduce new and exciting games and offer superior customer
service," said Hargrove. "With this billion-dollar milestone, our goal
to continue growth year-after-year continues to be met." According
to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), the organization that
oversees the Lottery-funded scholarship programs, more than 68,000 students
will receive awards to higher-education institutions in the state this year. In
addition, thousands of students have benefited from pre-kindergarten and
after-school services provided with Lottery funds. In addition to the funds
generated for education programs, Lottery proceeds are used pay prizes to
players and sales commissions to retailers who sell Lottery products.
The Tennessee Lottery began selling its first tickets on January 20, 2004.
Funds are used for specific education programs, including college scholarships,
pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. For more information, please visit
www.tnlottery.com. For information about Lottery-funded scholarships, visit
www.collegepaystn.com.
SOURCE Tennessee Lottery Press Release
For Further Information Contact:
Kym Gerlock 615-324-6556 Office 615-604-2827
Hot Marketing
Topics to be Debated at La Fleur’s 11th Annual Lottery Conclave
(Miami, Florida) BOYDS, Maryland,
USA (October 29, 2007) -- La Fleur’s Magazine will host La Fleur’s
11th Annual Lottery Conclave at the J.W. Marriott in Miami, Florida, November
4-7, 2007. The conclave is hosted by La Fleur’s Magazine with the
participation of the Florida Lottery. Pollard Banknote Limited and Scientific
Games are Program Sponsors of the conclave.
The educational conference
will feature presentations on Hispanic market outreach, super price point
marketing, Big Box retailing, prize integrity programs, higher price online
game strategies, table game and Hold’em poker marketing, new medium
marketing, VIP programs, Internet bingo, raffles and more. The full conference
program can be downloaded at www.lafleurs.com. All new
to the program is a special presentation on text message marketing, currently
one of the “hot new concepts” among lottery marketers. Get the ad
agency’s perspective on campaign strengths, weaknesses and future
prospects from the presentation by Matt Carpenter, Account Executive for Ayres
Kahler. The Nebraska Lottery and Ayres Kahler have
conducted multiple text messaging campaigns to support its “Street
Team” marketing efforts for the emerging market, including sporting events
(UNO Hockey Game and Lincoln Saltdogs baseball) as well as special events
(SWitt campaign at Nebraska State Fair and UNL Big Red Welcome).
A brief roundup of presentations follows below:
- Pat Koop, Chief Marketing
Officer, Florida Lottery, will kick off the program with a discussion on how
the industry continues to share best practices and how Koop’s return to
Florida will take advantage of that as the lottery moves into a new
direction.The Florida Lottery ranks among the top 25 lotteries worldwide in per
capita total sales and the top 10 in total sales. The lottery turns 20 years
old in January 2008. With extraordinarily high brand recognition among the
state’s 18.4 million residents, the Florida Lottery has been able to
dramatically expand its marketing with innovative higher price point instant
games, variable prize payout authority for online games and showcase
games.
- Jeff Anderson, Director, Idaho
Lottery, will provide an insider’s perspective on the changes occurring at
the lottery since the change in administration.
- Art Macias, Executive Director,
Arizona Lottery, will focus on the launch of a Lotería Arizona scratcher
ticket. A second edition went on sale in fall 2007. The Arizona Lottery
believes it is critical to expand its reach to include a diverse player base,
particularly with the emerging, acculturated Hispanic market.
- Ileana McClay, Marketing
Integration Manager, Florida Lottery, will delve into the Florida
Lottery’s vast experience in marketing lottery products both through its
general population advertising agency and its Hispanic advertising firm, with a
special emphasis on how to develop a bond with the consumer.
- Robert Tirloni, Products Manager,
Texas Lottery, will discuss the lottery’s launch of the the first $50
scratcher ticket in North America. Sales have been brisk, attracting upscale
“dabblers” and premium players.
- David Harrison, Director of
Sales, Washington’s Lottery, will focus on how Washington’s Lottery
has been proactive in developing strategic partners for marketing and sales
campaigns.
- Joan Borucki, Director,
California Lottery, will cover the California Lottery’s efforts to recruit
Costco as a retailer. She will report on the status of the lottery’s pilot
project to test a new business model with CVS drug stores and describe the
lottery’s new gift card program.
- Alex Campbell, Director, Prize
Integrity Program, Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corp., will focus on the
current status of OLG’s Prize Integrity Program. It was created in
response to the 23 recommendations made by Ontario’s Ombudsman.
- Art Kiuttu, Regional Vice
President, Sales & Marketing, MDI-Scientific Games, will make a Program
Sponsor presentation on the firm’s electronic handheld games.
- Sina Aiello, Director, Licensed
Games, Pollard Banknote Limited, will make a Program Sponsor presentation on
the company’s licensed properties.
- Ed Trees, Executive Director,
Pennsylvania Lottery, will give an advertising overview plus sales results for
its new terminal-based game called Treasure Hunt.
- Steve Beck, Deputy Director,
Marketing & Product Development, South Carolina Education Lottery, will
discuss the upcoming launch of its first $5 online game, Mega Match 6.
- Libby White, Deputy Director
Marketing, West Virginia Lottery, will update attendees on the launch of West
Virginia Lottery table games in a racetrack environment.
- Leslie Kanerva, Category Manager,
B.C. Lottery Corporation, will give a status report on its Pacific Hold’Em
Poker game which was launched in 2006 for its “hospitality” channel
(e.g. bars and pubs).
- Buddy Roogow, Director, Maryland
Lottery, will discuss the pilot test of a Hold’Em Poker monitor game and
plans for expansion.
- John Mellein, Marketing Director,
Minnesota Lottery, will look at how the lottery has taken a different tack in
developing its VIP Club called Lucky, MN.
- Brian Sullivan, Marketing
Communications Manager, Oregon Lottery, will look at new media marketing to
reach the younger market plus potential challenges.
- Lynda Zuliani, Director,
Advertising & Communications, Loto-Québec, will look at how
Loto-Québec incorporates the Internet as a medium for advertising its
expansive product mix.
- Joey Cormier, Category Manager,
Sports & Interactive, Atlantic Lottery Corp. will discuss the launch
of its iBingo product on its branded PlaySphere Internet platform in May 2007.
There will be three case
studies presentations on the effective marketing of short-term raffle games by
Montana Lottery Director George Parisot, D.C. Lottery Chief Operating Officer
Jay Young and South Dakota Lottery Director ofAdvertising & Public
Relations Mike Mueller. The conclave will conclude
with an Advertising Showcase. SOURCE: La Fleur’s
Magazine. 
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