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Starting Dec. 3,
You Get MORE Prizes! MORE Games! More SPORTS!
MONCTON New Brunswick, Canada (November 10, 2004)
MORE Prizing Options
You told us to improve OVER/UNDERs prize structure. So
weve changed OVER/UNDER to an odd-set prize structure, just like
PROLINE.
Starting Dec. 3, youll see an "Over" odd, and an
"Under" odd on the Game List. Now you can bet on long shots and win bigger
prizes, choose to play it safe and win smaller prizes, or play somewhere in
between.
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Lets say you bet $10 on three games. With the old
prize structure you could win $50. But with the new prize structure you choose
your prize by playing the odds:
- Bet on long shots and win $58 (1.80 x 1.80 x 1.80 x
$10.00);
- Play it safe and win $41 (1.60 x 1.60 x 1.60 x $10.00);
or
- Play somewhere in between and still win $50 (1.65 x 1.75
x 1.75 x $10.00).
MORE Games. MORE Sports
Weve super-charged the PROLINE and OVER/UNDER
Game List! Were adding MORE games and MORE sports. Now youll be
able to bet on all the games that keep you glued to the tube.
Starting Dec. 3, the PROLINE and OVER/UNDER Game List
will offer up to 255 games a week! Which means you get:
- Twice as many Basketball games.
- 25% MORE Baseball games.
- New sports: Golf, Tennis, College Football, and College
Basketball.
And to make sure you have the best selection of games to bet
on, were introducing adjustable odds. So when star basketball players
call in sick or baseball managers change starting pitchers, we wont have
to close the game, just adjust the odds.
Please Note:
- All odds will be posted at approximately 5 a.m. and will
stay the same until game time or 3 a.m., whichever comes first.
- Well honor the odd printed on your ticket.
- Adjustments to the odds will be rare.
MORE on alc.ca
Now you can purchase PROLINE and OVER/UNDER online at
www.alc.ca. Just click the PlaySphere logo and complete the registration
process. Before you play online youll have to fund your account. You can
do this by purchasing WebCash from your ALC retailer, or via electronic funds
transfer.
SOURCE: Atlantic Lottery Corporation (www.alc.ca) media release.
B-On
the Innovative Gaming Platform from INTRALOT
ATHENS, Greece (November 10, 2004) --
INTRALOT today announced that will
feature B-On, the first gaming platform enabling multiplayer
entertainment games combined with betting and next generation instant tickets,
at the WLA 2004 Trade Show and Convention in Durban, that is taking place from
Nov.14 to 19, 2004. INTRALOTs B-On gaming platform
features multiplayer mobile and PC gaming capabilities coupled with betting,
tournaments and instant tickets. B-On gaming platform can
support a wide range of game types involving skill, knowledge and chance. In
addition, community features such as friends lists, matchmaking,
presence, chat and instant messaging complement the rich gaming experience.
B-On platform is the first example of how betting and
entertainment convergence is realized in a virtual gaming community of
connected mobile and personal computer users.
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B-On provides game developers with not only
the fundamental network tools to create multiplayer, connected games, but also
the essential infrastructure upon which game service providers can build and
expand their gaming communities and game portfolio.
"We are excited about the opportunity to present to the
lottery industry this unique gaming platform "B-On", which
offers to the players the key perquisites of our era: mobility, knowledge &
skill games and socializing. We have long ago focused our efforts in developing
a platform that convergence gaming with entertainment and socializing. B-On is
this innovative solution that meets the needs of the changing lottery
industry," said Mr Constantinos Antonopoulos, CEO of INTRALOT.
B-On includes:
B-On Multiplayer Gaming Platform and
software development kit. It is a high performance online multiplayer gaming
platform based on proven technology. It offers a complete and sophisticated
network solution for multiplayer on-line gaming, betting, tournaments and
instant ticketing for both mobile and fixed networks real-time action or
turn-based games. It is built to provide scalability and reliability for
thousands of simultaneous players. Key features:
- Small footprint on the wireless handset.
- High end-user quality through efficient use of access
bandwidth and adaptation of data streams to varying network conditions.
- Ability to support all internet network access
technologies.
B-On Lobby System implements the gaming
community features. While games are the driver, community features create the
"game around the game". It is the set of features that increase game interest
and promote repeat play. Gamers play, compete for rewards and recognition, but
also socialize chatting with friends and meeting like-minded people. Some of
the B-On Lobby System features are:
- Peer to peer betting.
- Tournament competitions.
- Matchmaking & Chatting.
- Friends list & Communities.
- Presence.
- Extensive rankings
About INTRALOT
INTRALOT is a leading supplier of integrated gaming and
transaction processing systems, innovative game designs and value added
services to state-licensed gaming organizations and financial services
providers worldwide. With 29 subsidiaries and 1,500 people in 26 countries
and revenues of 320 million, the company dominates in Europe, has
secured a strong position in South America and has established a foothold in
North America, while expanding its presence in S.E. Asia and Australia.
Following a highly successful period of rapid growth, INTRALOT currently ranks
3rd on revenues and 2nd on profits among lottery suppliers worldwide.
SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com). For more information
please contact: Ms. Christina Geronicola, Communications Director Tel.
+30-210-6156000 Fax: +30-210-6106800, email:
geronicola@intralot.com.
INTRALOT CEO
Interviewed by Lottery Insider
 |
| INTRALOT
CEO Constantinos G. Antonopoulos |
INTRALOT CEO Constantinos G.
Antonopoulos was recently interviewed by the Editor of Lottery Insider
(November 9, 2004).
LOTTERY
INSIDER: INTRALOT is currently ranked 3rd, based on 2003
financials results, among lottery systems suppliers, can we start off with you
telling Lottery Insider's readers about INTRALOT's beginnings, how did the
company get into the lottery / gaming business?
INTRALOT:
INTRALOTs involvement in the gaming industry started back in 1988, as
part of Intracom, a leading telecom and IT company in Europe, when we
implemented at that time a new system for OPAP, the Greek State Lottery.
Intracom, as engaged in IT projects, considered the opportunity to expand its
IT business in gaming applications. In other words, INTRALOT is the first
vendor that came from the technology sector. Now, we see more IT companies
doing that and this is good and promising for the industry.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Can you tell our readers a little about your own
background? How and when did you get into the lottery industry? You are
currently INTRALOT's CEO, what other positions have you held in the
company?
INTRALOT:
Since the beginning of my career, I was involved in public procurements, both
from the states side and the private sector. In 1989, when I joined
Intracom, as director of the Development Programs Department, my major task was
the participation of the group in the European Commissions IT Research
& Development Programs. From 1992, I was one of the founders of INTRALOT
and since its establishment I am the CEO of the company. Thinking of it, I must
be the old wolf CEO of the industry from the suppliers side, but
surprisingly I still feel young and motivated.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Over recent years we have seen the number of
players/vendors in the lottery industry shrink through mergers, acquisitions,
etc. Do you think this is healthy for the industry, and what are the advantages
and disadvantages?
INTRALOT: From
a business and financial point of view, it is not defined whether its
healthy or not. However, it is a fact, which does not happen only in our
industry. After the stock markets recession in 2000, it is a common
business practice globally and is happening in all business sectors. In the
lottery industry, it is in process. The fact is that organic growth cannot be
easily maintained. Another type of growth can be achieved through acquisitions,
especially for the leading companies of the industry. I think the problem is
the number of acquisitions. Sometimes there are too many and cant be
absorbed, thus not producing value or economy of scale, as should. INTRALOT is
a company that is driven mostly by an organic growth and secondarily by
acquisitions, which are carefully and selectively chosen. The new lottery
landscape leads to less options for the customers (lotteries), but does not
necessarily diminish competition.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: INTRALOT is probably better known in Europe and South
America, but you recently won your first US lottery contract. Will there be
others?
INTRALOT: I
was at NASPL's annual Conference in October, where I experienced a very
positive attitude towards INTRALOT. It was not just the contract award from
Nebraska Lottery, but the delivery of the project in the best possible manner
that rewards INTRALOTs efforts in the US market. INTRALOT proved to be a
serious and reliable player in a market with only a very few options,
considering also the recent acquisition of IGT-On line. I am confident that new
awards will be coming soon.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Without giving away trade secrets, what do you think
will be the key to INTRALOT winning its next U.S. lottery as a client?
INTRALOT:
Besides the innovative solutions & products and the competitive pricing
INTRALOT offers, I think our competitive advantage is customer service. We
value our customers as partners and we commit ourselves in after sales service.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: INTRALOT recently tendered to supply a new gaming
system to the NZ Lottery, and has in fact made the short list to go forward to
the next stage. Does this mean INTRALOT will be looking to expand into the Asia
Pacific region and, can we expect to see a branch or subsidiary established in
the area?
INTRALOT:
INTRALOT strives for its global expansion. The Asia Pacific region is an
emerging market and is top listed in our targeted markets. We have already
established a business office in Beijing, so as to monitor the developments in
the region and we have already undertaken a project in Philippines.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Do you think lotteries should look to a supplier that
can provide a full service, i.e. online system, instant tickets, Video lottery,
etc. or are they better off splitting the contract into the various segments.
In your opinion what are the advantages and disadvantages?
INTRALOT: It
all depends on the size of the lottery. The big and medium size lotteries have
big revenues, which cannot be in risk just for better price, which actually is
very small considering the revenues. Technology is not their core business and
should rely on a partnership with a reliable vendor. The small lotteries care
about expenses and can risk.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: As more and more governments look to raise additional
revenue, Video lottery is considered one of the most appealing additions to the
lottery business. How does INTRALOT hope to take advantage of this
opportunity?
INTRALOT:
INTRALOT has already developed a sophisticated integrated VLT solution. A
showcase of our VLT deployment is Romania, where the state VLTs face a
very competitive open VLT market. Moreover, since the launch of Video Lottery
the Romanian State Lottery (CNLR) has experienced a sales increase of more than
150% in its numerical games. The combination of credibility, technology and
efficient operation are the key factors of such a success.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Given that the majority of western lotteries are
mature, and consumers are reportedly getting tied of the traditional lottery
games, where do you see the lottery industry expanding in the future?
INTRALOT: The
industry is at a turning point. From business to business (B2B) model, we are
heading to the business to consumer (B2C) one. This is the trend not only in
our industry, but also in the whole technology world. The lifestyle is changing
and we have to offer products that are appealing to our new consumers, who are
already familiar with the latest technological trends. Content and mobility are
the key elements of our future. It is a challenging time!
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Finally, where do you see INTRALOT in the next 10
years?
INTRALOT:
Ranking first in the gaming industry, among the top 20 in the entertainment
industry, listed in NYSE and hopefully
having another CEO.
LOTTERY
INSIDER: Mr. Antonopoulos thank you very much for your
time.
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ABOUT INTRALOT INTRALOT is an affiliate
of the INTRACOM Group. INTRACOM is considered one of the largest technological
companies in Europe and one of the top 100 fastest developing companies
world-wide. Based on the Group's expertise in Information Technology and
Telecommunications, INTRALOT has developed a flexible and comprehensive on-line
lottery environment that covers all gaming, wagering and logistical
requirements of a modern lottery organization. INTRALOT is actively
involved in the management and operation of Lottery Organizations. It has been
awarded exclusive licenses to implement and operate lotteries on behalf of
authorities in a number of jurisdictions. The company has been successful on
the basis of its flexible technological platform and the particular attention
it places on gaming content. Most importantly, being an operator has
afforded INTRALOT valuable insight in the real-life concerns faced by a Lottery
Organization. As the operator of a National Lottery, audited by the government
and remunerated through a percentage of revenues, INTRALOT has first-hand
experience of the difficulties confronting a lottery operator. INTRALOT has
faced issues and derived solutions to problems beyond the usual domain of a
lottery supplier.
MDI Expands Stock
Car Racing Lottery Opportunities in New Agreement With NASCAR®
ALPHARETTA, Georgia (November 8, 2004) After four
years of licensing some of the sports most popular drivers to lotteries,
MDI Entertainment has now added the
NASCAR® brand itself to its portfolio of lottery licenses. Under the terms
of the agreement with NASCAR® Inc., U.S. lotteries will be able to license
the official NASCAR® brand name, images and logo for use on tickets and in
related advertising.
The NASCAR® brand will be a featured graphic and
promotional element in MDI-licensed games that highlight the sports
superstars. "Lotteries will also now be able to offer players NASCAR-branded
scratch games that do not feature a specific NASCAR® driver on the tickets,
plus they will have access to an expanded NASCAR® licensed merchandise
portfolio from which to build NASCAR® -themed scratch game prize
structures," said MDI President Steve Saferin.
Since July of 2000, when the Wisconsin Lottery introduced
the first licensed game featuring drivers who compete in NASCAR® sanctioned
events, 18 U.S. lotteries have offered games featuring the images, race car
numbers and autographs of veterans and rising superstars, such as Dale
Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Burton, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott and reigning NASCAR®
champion Matt Kenseth. In 2005, 32 NASCAR® Nextel Cup Series races are
scheduled at 20 tracks in 17 U.S. lottery jurisdictions.
NASCAR® is the second-highest rated sport on network
television. Among all major sports, NASCAR® ranks number-one in corporate
involvement, fan loyalty and at-event attendance. Women comprise approximately
40 percent of NASCAR®s fan base of 75 million Americans evenly spread
across the country. This year is the inaugural season of the Chase for the
NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup, a new format for choosing the sports champion.
The Chase, which concludes on Nov. 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is providing
more drivers the opportunity to win the championship, more exposure for all 43
teams, and more excitement for fans.
NASCAR® becomes the newest member of MDIs growing
library of major sports properties that also includes the NBA, NHL®, Arena
Football®, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and The
Breeders Cup®.

Formed in 1948, the National Association for Stock Car Auto
Racing, Inc. (www.nascar.com) is the
sanctioning body for one of America's premier sports. NASCAR®s three
major national series are the NASCAR® NEXTEL Cup Series, the NASCAR®
Busch Series and the NASCAR® Craftsman Truck Series. These events are now
broadcast in more than 150 countries. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with
offices in Charlotte, Concord, N.C., Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City and
Toronto, NASCAR® sanctions 1,800 races at 120 tracks in 38 states.
About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation (www.scientificgames.com) is the
leading integrated supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to
lotteries, and the leading supplier of wagering systems and services to
pari-mutuel operators. It is also a licensed pari-mutuel gaming operator in
Connecticut and the Netherlands, and is a leading supplier of prepaid phone
cards to telephone companies. MDI Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Scientific Games Corporation, is the worldwide leader in licensed lottery
games and promotions.
SOURCE: Scientific Games.
EssNet to
Showcase a New Agent Call Centre Solution at WLA Trade Show in
Durban
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (November 5, 2004) --
EssNet today announced that it will feature
AutoHelp, a new agent call centre solution, at the
WLA Dream Africa 2004 Trade Show and
Convention in Durban, South Africa, on November 14 19.
EssNet has developed a product that provides lotteries with
automation of a major part of agent calls to the lottery call centre, taking
care of maintenance requests and orders for new coupons, tickets etc. Lotteries
can achieve substantial cost savings, yet providing an increased service level
by automating routine communication with their agents. The services are based
on the latest speech recognition technology and can easily be tailored to fit
specific needs of any lottery.
EssNets AutoHelp is open for integration with existing
lottery systems and it can also be installed as a stand-alone system.
"Speech recognition services have become popular because
they are easily accessible and have almost full coverage everywhere," says
Claes Peyron, EssNet Director Sales. "Based on our experience, we estimate
that at least 80 per cent of all agent calls to call centres can be automated.
The workload on the call centre staff thus decreases dramatically and they are
free to serve agents with more qualified assistance."
To have a demonstration of EssNet's solution for automation
of agent call centres, please visit the EssNet booth on the show floor in
Durban.
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About EssNet
EssNet is one of the leading suppliers in the lottery
industry. Based in Stockholm, the company provides a full suite of lottery and
gaming products - from new games, a variety of terminals and integrated
solutions for Internet and mobile telephones, to the installation of turnkey
systems. The customers are state-authorised gaming and lottery companies
with licence to operate Lotto, Keno, Bingo, Toto, Odds and other sports betting
and numbers games. EssNet has installations in Europe, the Middle East,
South Asia, South America, Africa and Australia.
SOURCE: EssNet (www.essnet.se). For further information
please contact: Carin Langemark, Director Marketing & Information, Phone:
+46 8 702 57 00, Mobile: +46 70 535 93 52, Email:
carin.langemark@essnet.se.
New Hampshire
Lottery Introduces Advance Powerball Subscriptions
NEW HAMPSHIRE (November 2004) -- Just like a Tri-State
Megabucks subscription, for Powerball
you will choose 6 lucky numbers - 5 numbers from a field of 1 through 53 and 1
Powerball Number - from a different field of 1 through 42. You may take these
lucky numbers and subscribe for 26 draws ($25), 52 draws ($50) or 104 draws
($100). You must have a New Hampshire mailing address to subscribe to any of
our games.
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Purchase your own Powerball subscription and keep in mind,
Powerball Subscriptions will make great gifts for the holidays. You may order a
subscription and charge it to VISA/MasterCard by calling our subscription
hotline - 603-271-2825 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Questions about
purchasing a subscription(s) as a gift(s) may be asked of our hotline
attendant. Subscription application forms may also be picked up at any of our
1,200 retailers statewide. Just complete the application form and send in
payment (check, money order, lottery gift certificate or credit card
information). You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase any type of
lottery ticket.
Subscriptions purchased in November will have a start date
of December 29th. Subscriptions purchased in December and beyond will have
later start dates. Upon processing your subscription application, a
confirmation card will be mailed to you. Please review the information on the
card to make sure it is correct. Any prize money won will be mailed to you. And
when you win the jackpot, we'll give you a call with the good news! Don't miss
out on any jackpots, before your subscription begins, buy a Powerball ticket
from your favorite lottery retailer.
SOURCE: New Hampshire
Lottery media release.

Lottery Dynamics
Debuts Lotto Gold+ Program at WLA 2004 Conference in Durban; Program
Ushers in New Era of Lotto Play, Sales and
Profitability
IRVING, Texas, USA (November 9, 2004) Lotto play may
never be the same following the debut of Lottery Dynamics LLCs
evolutionary Lotto Gold+ program at the World Lottery Associations (WLA)
conference in Durban, South Africa which starts on Sunday.
For the first time in Lotto history, players will be able to
choose from multiple-priced tickets to play for proportionate percentages of a
single progressive Lotto prize pool. At the same time, Lotto Gold+
addresses the key element to Lotto success and player participation - Jackpot
size - by offering starting jackpot prize pools three-to-four times current
levels across any game matrix or currency.
Lottery Dynamics took its cue in developing Lotto
Gold+ from the huge success achieved in instant ticket sales worldwide
through higher priced tickets coupled with larger prizes.
Lottery Dynamics driving mission is to bring a new era
of player choice, player value and player excitement to Lotto through
multiple-priced tickets, bigger jackpots, and unique daily win features. The
program allows lotteries to maximize participation at every draw by feeding
players demand for enticing games and prize levels.
"Unique and proprietary program features in combination
with strategic partnerships with some of the worlds leading institutions
enable us to offer a program that we believe will drive any lottery
organizations Lotto sales and profits 40% -100% above current
levels," said Robert Wright, chairman and CEO of Lottery Dynamics. "With
the unique tools and features our program provides, Lotto
Gold+ was designed to revitalize this mainstay of the industry and
level the playing field so Lotto can be truly competitive in this
challenging gaming environment," he added.
Lotto Gold+ is a win-win program for all lottery
constituents:
- sponsoring jurisdictions;
- players;
- vendors;
- retailers; and
- the social programs supported by lotteries worldwide.
There is no added prize cost to the lottery jurisdiction to
implement Lotto Gold+, no necessity to change existing game matrixes and
all prize risk is assumed by Lottery Dynamics and its strategic partners.
Significantly, there is no decrease in either the lottery organizations
percentage income or profit percentages earmarked for good causes.
Lottery Dynamics debut at WLA Nov. 14-19 marks its official unveiling since
launching informally earlier in the year. The company is presently in
negotiations with several lottery jurisdictions to license its patent-pending
programs both for Lotto and other game play.
"WLA is our coming-out party and we invite
everyone to stop at our booth #42 where we will demonstrate one of the key
features of the Lotto Gold+ program multiple-priced tickets
playing within a single prize pool - through a huge R1,000,000 promotion,"
said Wright. Guests at the booth will be given money clips with R30 and can
choose to bet R10, R20 or R30 to play for prizes of R250,000, R500,000 and
R1,000,000, respectively.
SOURCE: Lottery Dynamics LLC. CONTACT: Karen Lazarovic,
VP Corporate Communications, Email:
klazarovic@lotterydynamics.com.
Boss Media to
Deliver Mobile Gaming System to William Hill
SWEDEN (November 9, 2004) -- Boss Media AB and William Hill
have signed an agreement to set up a pilot installation for a mobile gaming
system. The added module will allow William Hill's customers to enjoy Black
Jack, Video Poker and Slots via mobile phones. The added channel installation
is set to go live in the next few weeks.
The games are developed in Java and will communicate with
the gaming server. The added mobile channel will enable a player to play their
favourite games on various Nokia and Sony/Ericsson phone models. William Hill
is already experienced in mobile gaming, as they operate a successful
WAP-betting and WAP-games proposition. With this expansion William Hill will
now be able to offer its customers the same real-time casino style games that
are available via PC over the Internet. Players will be able to log in and play
using their existing account and funds.
"The possibility to play when, where and what you want
really comes true on a mobile handset. The new technique with GPRS and color
screens offers a very attractive user interface. These two factors will allow
mobile gambling to become an important part of the total online gambling
business," says Peter Bertilsson, CEO of Boss Media.
"We have already enjoyed success through WAP-betting and
with increased penetration of Java-enabled devices there exists great
opportunities to take proven Internet-based games and migrate to mobile. We
also believe that offering account integration affords further proof of William
Hill providing real ubiquity of access of its product range," says Peter
Nolan, Group Director at William Hill.
Founded in 1934, William Hill is once of the best-known
names in the UK betting industry. It is one of the leading providers of
fixed-odds bookmaking services, offering odds and taking bets on a wide range
of sporting and other events, as well as offering Amusement with Prizes
machines and Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in licensed betting offices and
operating an online casino. It is a market leader in all major betting channels
in the UK with an established international presence through its online
business. William Hill has nearly 1,600 betting shops across the UK, most of
which are open seven days a week. William Hill PLC is listed on the London
Stock Exchange (Symbol: WMH.L). For further information visit the William Hill
corporate website, www.williamhill.co.uk.
Boss Media has previously provided William Hill with a range
of online casinos in several languages and various currencies, and in both
downloadable and web-based versions. Boss Media has also furnished William Hill
with a "Super Back Office" solution.
About Boss Media AB
The Group Boss Media AB (publ) is one of the world's leading
suppliers of systems for digitally distributed gaming entertainment. Boss Media
develops gaming solutions for such distribution channels as personal computers,
interactive video terminals, mobile phones and digital TV. Licensees are
offered a customized gaming system, an integrated payment system as well as
related services. The Boss Media-share is listed on the O-list (Attract 40) of
Stockholmsbörsen (Stockholm Stock Exchange). More information about Boss
Media is available at www.bossmedia.se.
For further information, please contact: Peter Bertilsson,
President and CEO, Boss Media AB (publ), telephone: +46 (0)470 70 30 01 or +46
(0)70 993 25 54, e-mail: pbe@bossmedia.se.
SOURCE: Media release distributed by Alert Investor
Relations AB (http://www.alertir.com/).
MDI and World
Series of Poker Sign Exclusive Lottery Licensing Deal World Famous
Tournament Combines with MDIs Patented Hold Em Poker® Play
Styles to Make a Very Hot Lottery Game Theme Even Hotter
ALPHARETTA, Georgia (November 10, 2004)
MDI Entertainment, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Scientific Games (NASDAQ:
SGMS), announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with a
subsidiary of Harrahs Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET) for the rights to
license the legendary WORLD SERIES OF POKER to lotteries
worldwide.
The agreement, which runs through 2007, will enable
lotteries to use the World Series of Poker name and imagery in association with
their Hold Em Poker®/Texas Hold Em theme games, along
with opportunities for lotteries to award seats at actual World Series of Poker
tournaments as player prizes.
"The poker popularity that has swept the world over the
last couple of years owes everything to the World Series of Poker and its
long-standing coverage on ESPN," said MDI President Steve Saferin. "That
first spark created a wildfire of consumer appeal for watching and playing
Texas Hold Em Poker® games that has grown to phenomenal proportions
and shows no signs of letting up."
"Industry estimates are that 50 million to 80 million
Americans play poker," according to a recent story in the Washington Post.
MDI-licensed Hold Em Poker® instant lottery games have been hot
sellers since their recent introductions in Ohio and Kentucky, and several
other state lotteries plan to launch similar games in the near future.
The roots of the World Series of Poker go back to 1970, when
the first tournament at Binions Horseshoe Casino in downtown Las Vegas
took place. And while the Horseshoe remains the focal point for the World
Series, Harrahs recently announced it is expanding the tournament beyond
its traditional Las Vegas home with the World Series of Poker Tournament
Circuit, a nationwide series of poker events culminating in the 2005 World
Series of Poker next summer.
Jack Binion, whose father Benny created the original
tournament, will host the 2005 events. The inaugural Tournament Circuit event
will kick off January 7, 2005 at Harrahs Atlantic City with other events
scheduled through May at Harrahs casino properties in Rincon/San Diego,
Vegas, Lake Tahoe and New Orleans. The tournaments are expected to be taped and
aired on ESPN, according to Harrahs.
In addition to signing the new licensing deal with the World
Series of Poker, MDI recently entered into a similar agreement with the World
Poker Tour.
About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation (www.scientificgames.com) is the
leading integrated supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to
lotteries, and the leading supplier of wagering systems and services to
pari-mutuel operators. It is also a licensed pari-mutuel gaming operator in
Connecticut and the Netherlands, and is a leading supplier of prepaid phone
cards to telephone companies. MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Scientific Games Corporation, is the worldwide leader in licensed lottery
games and promotions.
SOURCE: MDI Entertainment. CONTACT: Bob Kowalczyk,
Phone: 678-297-5169.
SC Lottery
Reintroduces Clean $weep Promotion
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, USA (November 8, 2004) --
South Carolina Education Lottery
(SCEL) players have been asking the lottery to return the Clean $weep
promotion, and its here! Plus the values of the prizes are BIGGER and
BETTER!
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Clean $weep is a great opportunity to encourage South
Carolinians to be environmentally responsible while having fun! This
anti-litter initiative was developed by SCEL along with Palmetto Pride. It
gives lottery players the ability to help reduce lottery litter, while earning
them a chance to win.
Since Clean $weep is all about being environmentally
responsible, Lennox Industries is partnering with this promotion and has
donated some of their top environmentally friendly products.
To participate in the Clean $weep promotion, players must
collect 10 non-winning instant game "scratch" tickets. Players must also
completely fill out the back of at least one ticket and mail it to the
lottery.
Twelve entrants (three selected from each drawing) will win
their choice of one of the sponsor's prizes. The draw dates are:
- December 29, 2004
- February 23, 2005
- April 27, 2005
- June 29, 2005.
Entries must be received by SCEL no later than 5:00 PM on
the day before each draw. Each envelope is considered one entry. An entry is
good for only one drawing. Tickets not meeting the qualifications mentioned,
will be disqualified.
For complete details and rules, visit our website at
www.sceducationlottery.com and
click on Clean $weep.
SOURCE: SCEL media release.
Nebraska
Lottery's New Game Features The Fun Zone
NEBRASKA, USA (November 1, 2004) -- As the holidays
approach, the Nebraska Lottery is
introducing a group of seasonal Scratch games. The latest game, $2 Crazy
Kringle Cash shows three stylized scenes of Santa on a motorcycle, riding a
surfboard, or driving a van.
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In addition to 10 chances to win on each ticket, Crazy
Kringle Cash features The Fun Zone, which gives players the chance to win extra
prizes through the Nebraska Lottery website.
The Fun Zone
By visiting www.nelottery.com accessing 'The Fun Zone'
and entering the serial number on the back of each Crazy Kringle Cash ticket,
players who have joined the MVP Club can either win an instant prize or be
entered in a grand prize drawing scheduled for December 31. The Fun Zone prizes
range from free tickets to cash or merchandise.
There are more than 130,000 prizes ranging from $2 to
$10,000 in Crazy Kringle Cash. The odds of winning one the two top prizes in
the game are 1 in 240,000, and the overall odds of winning something are 1 in
3.63. The Fun Zone does not affect the odds of winning a prize instantly in the
game.
SOURCE: Nebraska Lottery media release.
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