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LOTTERY
INSIDER
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| Vol. 31 No. 11 -- Monday June 13, 2005 |
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Veikkaus and Kesko Food to Test Lottery Games at K-food Store Checkouts HELSINKI, Finland (June 6, 2005) -- Kesko Food Ltd and Veikkaus Oy will be the first to test selling lottery games at retail store checkouts in Finland. At the pilot stage, a test group will participate in simple 'prepick' games like Lotto, Jokeri, Viking Lotto and Keno introduced in K-citymarket Malmi in Helsinki.
Customers will be able to play lottery games at the store checkouts starting from the beginning of September. Lottery games will be introduced in the retail store selection and paid at the checkout like any other items. At the checkout, the cashier scans the bar code of the play slip and the point of sale (POS) terminal prints out the receipt and the lottery ticket. Prizes will continue to be claimed, for example, at the store info desk equipped with a Veikkaus online terminal. "Kesko Food is continuously seeking new solutions in order to provide customers with as flexible services as possible. In this new pilot system customers can participate in lotteries conveniently at the same time when they pay their groceries. Thereby store info desks can also concentrate on answering customer inquiries and other customer service," says Kesko Food’s Executive Vice President Harri Sivula. "Veikkaus has been mapping out new distribution channels for games for a long time. The company wants to bring increasingly better services to its customers in the future. This new distribution solution is aimed to establish a system which offers all retail store customers a convenient playing opportunity. The current concept enables us to serve a small proportion of customers only," says Partner Manager Timo Hoivala. K-citymarket Malmi is currently acting as a pilot store for the trial of new paper-like electronic price displays, which have been tested successfully since March. The electronic price display enables product price updating directly from the POS system. SOURCE: Kesko Food media release. New Look in Store
for the New Jersey Lottery TRENTON, New Jersey, USA (June 2, 2005) – Players throughout New Jersey will soon be encouraged to "give their dreams a chance" when the New Jersey Lottery unveils its new tagline and website redesign this week. The Lottery plans to incorporate these new elements as part of the organization's fresh look in 2005. Players can see all these changes by logging on to www.njlottery.net . The new logo treatment features the classic New Jersey Lottery ball adorned with a rainbow of colorful stars and the tagline, "Give Your Dreams a Chance." The logo and tagline were developed by the Lottery's advertising agency, Brushfire.
"Playing the lottery is a fun and exciting way to fulfill your dreams," said Acting Executive Director Michellene Davis, Esq. "Our new tagline encourages players to let those dreams shine while the overall logo redesign puts a fresh spin on a New Jersey classic. Players will soon be seeing it at retailer locations, festivals and events and on all of our television and radio commercials." The new logo also will be prominently featured on the lottery's website redesign: Additional enhancements to the site include an overall layout redesign, color scheme and more straightforward navigation system. The lottery's website receives an average of 40,000 visitors each day and close to 1.5 million visitors each month making it the most visited site among all state agencies in New Jersey and one of the most popular state lottery websites in the country. "We took a fresh look at what the lottery means to players and came up with a logo, a tagline, and a website redesign that express all the excitement and possibilities of the game," said John Leonardi, President, CEO of Brushfire. "The energized look and feel of the website invites people to ‘give their dreams a chance". Many of the website's more popular features now can be accessed without leaving the main homepage. The addition of flash drop-down menus, rollover images and jackpot amounts aligning the top of the website add an interactive twist. Visitors can view winning numbers, and jackpot amounts for each game with a click of their mouse instead of having to click through the website to find the information they desire. What's more, new additions to the homepage also include one of the Lottery's most popular features, the VIP Club, giving members the inside scoop on games, drawing results and the chance to win tickets to sporting events and concerts. With a login dialogue box on the front of the lottery website, accessing and signing up for the VIP Club is as easy as typing "njlottery.net" into your web browser. With over 100,000 VIP Club members already registered, this feature will surely increase membership and ease logging in. SOURCE: New Jersey Lottery. NEW YORK, USA (June 7, 2005) -- Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) announced that the Ohio Lottery has awarded Scientific Games a contract to provide cooperative services including new telemarketing, warehousing and distribution of instant tickets as well as other related services. In addition the Lottery has granted Scientific Games a two-year extension on its existing contract to provide instant lottery tickets. The two agreements together are valued at $48 million over the four years.
Scientific Games has partnered with the Ohio Lottery for the past four years to provide instant ticket printing and services. "We welcome the Ohio Lottery to our Cooperative Services family," said Lorne Weil, chairman and CEO of Scientific Games Corporation. "Over the years, we have shown time and again that our Cooperative Services customers generate significantly higher sales and more funds for beneficiaries than other lotteries. We are looking forward to working in close partnership with the Ohio Lottery to ensure a smooth and successful transition." "The Ohio Lottery Commission congratulates Scientific Games on their successful proposal and thanks all vendors who participated in the competitive process," said Tom Hayes, Executive Director of the Ohio Lottery. "We look forward to working closely with Scientific Games to enhance services to retailers which will in turn increase sales and returns for public education." In calendar 2004, the Ohio Lottery generated $1.2 billion in retail sales of instant tickets. Since 1974, total Ohio Lottery profits have generated $13 billion for public education. About Scientific Games Scientific Games Corporation 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. SOURCE: Scientific Games Corporation media release. Company Contact: Lisa D. Lettieri, Phone: 212-754-2233. JCM American
Opens Office in Reno, Nevada LAS VEGAS, Nevada, USA (June 7, 2005) – Leading currency solutions provider JCM American has opened a sales and service office in Reno, Nev. The office, located at 9410 Prototype Drive, Suite 22, in Reno, is staffed by full-time sales and service representatives and serves territories in Northern Nevada, Northern California, and all of Oregon and Washington. With the office opening, Rob Friedl has joined JCM as Sales Manager. Friedl has an extensive sales background, including a four-year stint in Reno representing pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. Joining Friedl in Reno is Joe Chen as a full-time Service Technician. Chen has an impressive technical background including a degree in electrical engineering. Prior to JCM, Chen worked at NCR in Sparks, Nev., Crime Watch in San Francisco and the Peppermill Hotel/Casino in Reno. JCM Vice President of Sales Mark Henderson said, "It is absolutely critical to have full-time sales and service personnel in these markets. Rob knows the area extremely well, and Joe is as good as they get in our service department. These territories will be very well served by these gentlemen." The office can be reached by calling (775) 852-9244. Friedl can also be reached via email at rfriedl@jcm-american.com. JCM was recently honored by Casino Journal, which named JCM’s UBA bill validator as one of the "Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products for 2004."
About JCM JCM American Corporation is the industry leader in currency
handling systems and provides products, software and services to the gaming,
vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries. SOURCE: JCM American Corporation media release distributed
by Steinbeck Communications. NASHVILLE, Tennessee (June 7, 2005) - Lottery players are revved up for the Tennessee Lottery’s newest game, in which winners can hit the road with their prize, literally.
"Corvette Cash," one of the Lottery’s new instant-ticket games introduced across the state this week, gives players a chance to win one of three C6 2005 Corvette Convertibles instantly. In addition to those top instant prizes, the game offers other instant cash prizes and a chance to win the choice of $100,000 or a fourth C6 Corvette Convertible in a second-chance drawing. "We’re excited about partnering with the popular Corvette name to help raise dollars for education," said Rebecca Paul, CEO and President of the Tennessee Lottery. Players also have the chance to win one of the 1,200 Corvette Prize Packs that will be given away through a series of four second-chance drawings. To enter the drawings, players simply fill out the back of non-winning Corvette Cash tickets, affix postcard-rate postage, and mail. No envelope is necessary; in fact, entries mailed in envelopes will be disqualified. Each Prize Pack includes:
Here’s how the $5 "Corvette Cash" game works:
In addition to Corvette Cash, the Lottery also has two other new instant games available for June: Fortune Cookie, a red and yellow $2 instant ticket, is a game in which players can instantly win up to $25,000. To play, match any of "your numbers" to either of the "lucky numbers" and win the prize shown for that number. Reveal a "lucky symbol" in the "lucky fortune" and instantly win all 10 prizes. Overall odds are 1 in 4. Diamond Dash, a dark blue and light blue $1 instant ticket, is a game in which players can instantly win up to $4,000. To play, scratch the ticket to reveal a "diamond" symbol in the play area and win the prize shown. Overall odds are 1 in 4.71. The Tennessee Lottery began selling its first tickets on
January 20, 2004. Proceeds as of March 31, 2005 have resulted in transfers to
the Lottery for Education Account of more than $291 million, in addition to
more than $2 million for after-school programs. SOURCE: Tennessee Lottery media release. Tri-State Heads or Tails Game to End June 25th! NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA (June 2005) -- The Tri-State Heads or Tails game will end later this month. The last day of ticket sales is Saturday, June 25th. This will concur with the last drawing for the game on Saturday, June 25, 2005.
And, Tri-State Triple Play Starts June 26th! There's a new game starting at the end of June and it's called Tri-State Triple Play. Triple Play tickets go on sale Sunday, June 26 and the first drawing will be held on Tuesday, June 28th. Tri-State Triple Play tickets cost $2 each. And what do you get for your $2 purchase? You may choose 5 numbers from a field of 1 through 45 or you may have the lottery terminal print you out an "Easy Pick". Once you choose your numbers or have an Easy Pick, the lottery terminal will give you two more Easy Picks - so all in all, you'll get 3 plays on a ticket for $2! What a value! The all-cash rolling jackpot starts at $30,000 and keeps on growing until someone wins! There are two ways to play and nine ways to win with Triple Play! Watch for the 3 Stooges who will be advertising the game! SOURCE: New Hampshire Lottery. Lottery Dynamics Names Surmacz as VP Operations IRVING, Texas, USA (June 6, 2005) – Lottery Dynamics LLC has announced the hiring of seasoned lottery operations executive Andrzej Surmacz as Vice President, Operations. Surmacz joins Lottery Dynamics with 20 years experience in domestic and international sales and operations, most recently as Vice President of Lottery Systems with IGT. In his role at Lottery Dynamics, Surmacz will be responsible for the timely implementation of the company’s patented Lotto Gold+™ and other proprietary programs as the company accelerates its worldwide marketing efforts. He is fluent in English, Polish and Swedish. "Andrzej’s wealth of experience in the technical side of the lottery business is pivotal to our growth strategy as we develop relationships with lotteries worldwide," said Stephan Egli, President of Lottery Dynamics. "We are delighted that he has joined our team."
"As gaming and entertainment converge, it will become increasingly important to enrich the playing experience by offering exciting games with prize values in a secure and responsible environment," said Surmacz. "Lottery Dynamics passion is to increase the value proposition to players in all segments of the market." At IGT, Surmacz was a member of the management team responsible for day-to-day operations for the IGT Video Lottery division. Before joining IGT, Surmacz spent 10 years with GTECH Corp., with responsibility for international sales and technical efforts in a variety of European and Asian projects. He was instrumental in opening new markets for GTECH in Scandinavia and countries such as Poland, Taiwan and the Philippines. About Lottery Dynamics LLC: Lottery Dynamics LLC, based in Irving, Texas, is a company with a mission to re-energize lotto and other lottery games with patented programs highlighting player choice, player value and player excitement. The company’s programs work with any matrix and any currency around the world and are designed to build lottery profits by 40-100 percent over current levels. SOURCE: Lottery Dynamics LLC media release. Soap Stars Launch Lottery Competition LONDON, United Kingdom (June 3, 2005) -- Corrie Stars (Coronation Street) are today rolling out the People's Millions on-air competition allowing ITV West viewers to have a real say on how to make their community a better place to live. John Savident (Fred Elliot), Steven Arnold (Ashley Peacock) and Julia Haworth (Claire Peacock) are bringing the three-year GBP66.5 million initiative into living rooms across the UK. People's Millions kicks off today with a GBP15 million TV competition for grants of up to GBP50,000 from the BIG Lottery Fund. ITV viewers in each region will have the opportunity to vote for the projects they want to receive the good cause money by telephone, text or online.
The Big Lottery Fund and ITV have teamed up on the People's Millions initiative to give viewers a vote on which local projects receive lottery funding to transform their local environment. The joint public involvement initiative between ITV and the Big Lottery Fund will across 2005 to 2007 total GBP66.5 million. In the West ITV region two grants of up to GBP50,000 will be awarded this year to community groups who win over the hearts and minds of viewers - and their votes - with their ideas and plans. The projects competing for the awards will aim to make a difference in their community through schemes that will improve amenities, public and green spaces, buildings or natural environment. Every region and sub region across the ITV Network will showcase a shortlist of local community initiatives for viewers to vote on. The selection, voting and announcement of the winners will take place on ITV regional news and on GMTV. The nation-wide competition for the GBP50,000 awards is the first part of the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions initiative and marks ITV's 50th anniversary and the Big Lottery Fund's first birthday. The winning projects will be announced across ITV regional news and on GMTV in early November. Every viewer across the ITV regions will be given the chance to vote for local projects. The People's Millions plans were unveiled today at ITV's Coronation Street Studios in Manchester by Sir Clive Booth, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund and Charles Allen, Chief Executive of ITV PLC. "This is a fantastic way to celebrate our 50th anniversary and I'm delighted that ITV is still playing such a key role both in the regions and nationally with initiatives such as the People's Millions. Viewers are going to have a direct say on the projects they want their lottery good cause money spent on by putting their vote behind their favourite project," said Charles Allen. Sir Clive Booth said: "The Big Lottery Fund is always conscious that the funding which we distribute is public money, contributed by those who buy National Lottery tickets. We recognise the importance of giving the public a key role to play, based on a good knowledge of the projects seeking funding. This joint project offers a fantastic opportunity for the public to learn more about the huge range of good causes which need support, to get directly involved in Lottery funding distribution and to bring real changes to their communities." He added, "We will continue to explore new ways of connecting Lottery players with the decision making process." Mark Haskell Managing Director ITV West said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for ITV West viewers which will help worthy causes right on our own doorstep. We are looking forward to receiving some brilliant suggestions as to where the GBP100,000 can be spent to make a real difference to our local communities."
Mark Cotton Big Lottery Fund Head of South West Region said: "People's Millions is an exciting opportunity for people in our region to get involved in making decisions about lottery funding that will directly benefit their local communities. ITV viewers will be involved in the decision making process as well as having the opportunity to see the real changes that lottery funding is bringing through existing projects in their local area." Also in the following year, on top of the GBP50,000 grants, a grant of GBP1.5 million will be made with GMTV. Finally, a single landmark award of between GBP25 and GBP50 million will be made to one lucky project in 2007. This will be a major scheme, which transforms, regenerates and revitalises. Details of this will be announced on 15 June. The Big Lottery Fund will assess and shortlist projects to go forward for the public vote. Entry deadline for applications for funding to be awarded in 2005, the first year of the scheme, is Monday 11 July 2005. Each ITV region will announce a shortlist of projects in October. From 31 October to 4 November the public will be able to vote for the projects they want funded in their region. There will be between two to four awards in each ITV regional news area. All awards will be for one year. Funding for the People's Millions scheme comes from Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks transformational grants programme. SOURCE: Big Lottery Fund media release. Aristocrat To Debut Tennis Phenomenon Andre Agassi Video Slots LAS VEGAS, Nevada (June 7, 2005) -- Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. and tennis phenomenon Andre Agassi are bringing the excitement and sophistication of Agassi’s winning tennis career to casino floors this summer with today’s debut of Aristocrat’s Agassi-themed video slot game at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Aristocrat’s Agassi game has been approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and will debut this month in a number of Las Vegas and Reno area casinos, including all eight of Station Casinos’ Station and Fiesta-branded casinos in the Las Vegas valley. The penny game combines Aristocrat’s surefire math with a slot theme reflecting the celebrity personality of international tennis star Agassi, only one of five men in the history of the sport to win all four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open Championships). Agassi also won an Olympic gold medal for the U.S. in 1996. Aristocrat’s Agassi slot machines feature a sleek and sophisticated cabinet design with a 19-inch, flat-screen LCD monitor on the top box that incorporates the progressive jackpot meters. Interactive colors and graphics animate and change during jackpot wins and bonus rounds. The games include a standalone, two-level progressive that delivers frequent jackpot wins. Players can add even more excitement by betting maximum lines and making an additional wager, which makes them eligible for one of four interactive, mystery bonus games incorporating multipliers, free games, and player’s choice features. SOURCE: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (http://www.aristocratgaming.com)
edited media release.
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