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Lottomatica Announces 2007-2009 Strategic
Plan
ROME, Italy (January 29, 2007) --
Lottomatica S.p.A. senior executives
–Lottomatica Group CEO W. Bruce
Turner, Managing Director Marco Sala for the Italian Operations, and
Lottomatica Group CFO Jaymin Patel – will present Lottomatica Group’s
2007 – 2009 strategic plan today in Milan during a meeting addressing the
financial community.
The presentation will be followed by
a series of meetings with the investment community commencing in Milan, and
continuing in London, New York, and Boston.
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“Our strategic goals
over the next three years are to drive growth and maintain our global
leadership position in the public gaming markets, to pursue international and
domestic value-accretive growth opportunities, to maintain our investment grade
credit rating, and to continue to return cash to our shareholders through
dividends,” said Lottomatica Group CEO W. Bruce Turner. “To
maintain a global leadership position in the public gaming sector, we must
continue to drive same-store sales growth, as well as acquire licensed lottery
operations as they become available. In addition, we must expand our
instant ticket and licensed content resources and capabilities, and
aggressively enter the sports betting and interactive market.”
“Our overall objective
over the next three years will be to consolidate our leadership position in the
Italian lottery and gaming markets through innovation and the introduction of
new content,” said Managing Director Marco Sala for the Italian
Operations. “The Italian Lotteries segment of the business is
poised for growth, driven by positive developments in instant tickets.
Also, with Lottomatica’s recent entry into the sports betting/horserace
betting market and interactive channels, we are poised to capitalize on this
important segment of the Italian gaming market.”
“We are positioned
well for driving accelerated growth for Lottomatica with our global market
leadership and scale, balanced and diversified international portfolio,
sustainable high margins, a sound strategy to maximize value, and, importantly,
our commitment to return capital to our shareholders,” said
Lottomatica Group CFO Jaymin B. Patel.
LOTTOMATICA GROUP GROWTH
STRATEGY
Lottomatica’s Lottery growth
strategy maybe summarized as follows:
- continue to accelerate same-store
sales growth;
- win new jurisdictions and bid for
operator opportunities;
- develop/acquire new content;
- roll-out new distribution
platforms such as self-service terminals and interactive channels; and
- expand presence across the
instant tickets value chain.
In the Gaming Solutions segment of
the business, Lottomatica will leverage its core lottery and gaming solutions
competencies to drive its video lottery business, and will expand its entry
into the commercial gaming market through the pending acquisition of
Atronic.
In Commercial Services, Lottomatica
will leverage its global infrastructure and retail footprint while increasing
the visibility of its lottery overlay commercial services brands.
GROWTH STRATEGY IN
ITALY
Lottomatica will defend its core
lottery business in Italy, the Lotto game, and drive further growth in the
instant tickets segment with portfolio expansion, increased average price, and
entry into the interactive space.
Lottomatica will also focus on its
concessionaire role in the Italian gaming machines segment, while leveraging
GTECH’s technology and expertise in this area of the business.
In addition, the Company will
develop a leading position in the Italian sports betting/interactive market
through its recent award of the sports betting/horserace betting bid.
Lottomatica will also maintain its
key role in the payment and financial services business in Italy, utilizing
Lottomatica’s widespread distribution network and launching new services
such as money transfers.
KEY FINANCIAL
POLICIES
Lottomatica will focus on
maintaining its investment grade credit rating, as well as preserving an
efficient and competitive capital structure. The Company will also maintain
sufficient financial flexibility to pursue growth, take a disciplined approach
to capital allocation, and deploy free cash flow for growth investments in the
existing business while repaying debt as scheduled and distribute
dividends.
Overall, in fiscal 2007, revenues
are expected to be in the range of €1.65 billion to €1.75 billion.
The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the three-year plan is expected to
be in the range of 7% to 8% including the expected contribution from Atronic
beginning in 2008.
EBITDA for fiscal 2007 is expected
to be in the range of €650 million to €670 million, with a CAGR of 8%
to 9% over the three-year period. EBIT for fiscal year 2007 is expected to be
approximately €415 million to €435 million, before amortization of
step-up costs. EBIT margins are expected to increase approximately 200-300
basis points by 2009.
Lottomatica capital expenditures are
expected to average €260 million to €280 million per year over the
three year period.
A consistent dividend policy is
included in the three-year plan with an expected dividend distribution in the
range of €120-130 million yearly.
By 2009, net debt is estimated to be
in the range of approximately €2.2 to €2.4. In addition, the Company
expects over €500 million in cash balances by the end of fiscal year
2009.
SOURCE: Lottomatica S.p.A.
Big Wednesday Jackpots – AMEX Platinum Card
Added
NEW ZEALAND (January 31, 2007) --
Big Wednesday has jackpotted tonight, with an American Express Platinum card
loaded with $250,000 added to the prizes on offer next week,
NZ Lotteries Chief Executive, Todd McLeay says.
“With the top prize not
won this week, the Big Wednesday prize pool has jackpotted to include the
quarter-of-a-million dollars American Express Platinum card.”
“Our next Big Wednesday
winner will never have to look at a price tag again,” says Mr McLeay.
At the next draw, on 7 February
2007, Big Wednesday players will be in to win:
- $2 million;
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage;
- Audi Q7 and
- $250,000 AMEX Platinum Card
While the top prize was not struck
in tonight’s draw, a lucky player won an Audi A4 in Big Wednesday’s
second chance draw.
The winning serial number is
520-17681664-13XX
For more information: Katy Bell,
Tel: 04 8027082, Mobile: 021 582 330.
SOURCE: NZ Lotteries.
INTRALOT Supports Problem Gambling Fund
ATHENS, Greece (January 31, 2007) --
INTRALOT S.A., recognizing the socially
sensitive issues related to the gaming sector and promoting the notion of
responsible wagering, recently contributed – via its subsidiary INTRALOT
USA- to the Montana Council on Problem Gambling (MCPG).
The Montana Council on Problem
Gambling (MCPG) is a non profit agency, dedicated to alleviating gambling
related social and personal distress through the provision of a toll-free 24
hour help line and referral service to their outpatient treatment
program. This program has trained therapists in 22 Montana
communities. The Council is dedicated to fund treatment groups across
Montana and provide training for mental health professionals who lead these
groups.
Given the opportunity of this
sponsorship, INTRALOT’s CEO, Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos said:
“INTRALOT, as a distinguished member of the gaming industry and a
responsible corporate citizen, supports the efforts of the Montana Council on
Problem Gambling to help further the important education and outreach
activities of the Council”.
Mr. Tom Little, INTRALOT USA
President and CEO stated: “As the new operating system vendor for the
Montana Lottery, INTRALOT supports the mission of MCPG to educate and increase
availability of services for Montana problem gamblers and their families. When
INTRALOT won the lottery contract, we vowed to build a long and beneficial
partnership with all of Montana. This contribution demonstrates our good
intention in this process and desire to give back to the communities in which
our employees live.”
About INTRALOT (www.intralot.com)
INTRALOT, a public
company listed on the ASE, is a leading supplier of integrated gaming and
transaction processing systems, innovative game content and value added
services to state-licensed gaming organizations worldwide. Its broad portfolio
of products & services, its know-how of Lottery, Betting & Video
Lottery operations, its experience in sports games and its leading-edge
technology give INTRALOT a competitive advantage which contributes directly to
customers’ efficiency, profitability and growth. INTRALOT’s footprint
straddles five continents with 39 subsidiaries, 8 business offices, over 3,600
people and revenues of €700(Ε) for 2006.
For more information: Ms Evi
Ioannidou, Communications Director, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210
6106800, email: ioannidou@intralot.com.
SOURCE: INTRALOT S.A.
MDI Entertainment and King Features Extend Agreement to offer Betty
Boop
Animated Character is Lottery
Favorite
ALPHARETTA, Georgia, USA (January
25, 2007) – The legendary icon Betty Boop™ will remain available to
lotteries now that MDI Entertainment, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games
(NASDAQ: SGMS), has extended its agreement with Hearst Holdings, Inc.
“Betty Boop is one of
MDI’s most popular brands,” said Steve Saferin, MDI president.
“Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day ticket, a holiday-themed game
or just a whimsical addition to a lottery’s instant ticket line up, Betty
Boop has consistently performed well and is a favorite with
players.”
To date, 25 states have launched
Betty Boop tickets with many lotteries re-launching the game using different
animated scenes with Betty in different poses. She is currently on-sale in
three states with another one launching next month.
Betty Boop was the first female
flapper cartoon. She made her debut on August 9, 1930 in the cartoon Dizzy
Dishes, the sixth instalment in Max Fleischer’s Talkartoon series.
However, in her original form, she more resembled a French poodle. In 1932 she
took on a human form and later became the Betty Boop she is today.
Ita Golzman, vice president, North
American licensing for King Features, a division of Hearst Holdings, Inc., said
they strongly value their relationship with MDI Entertainment and look forward
to years of working together.
“MDI is the licensing leader
in the lottery category and we are delighted to extend this
agreement,” Golzman said. “We know that the brands carried by
MDI are well supported and promoted. Betty Boop is in good
hands.”
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: Jeff Schweig, 678-297-5212.
UK Government: Consultation Launched On Gaming in Clubs And
Pubs
LONDON, United Kingdom (January 25,
2007) -- Comprehensive new proposals to control the provision of gaming in
clubs and premises licensed to sell alcohol are outlined today by the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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The new proposals, published in a
consultation document, update the current 40-year- old rules permitting certain
forms of gambling on these premises. They would for the first time, set clear
stake and prize limits on poker in clubs (ie members' clubs, commercial clubs,
and miners' welfare institutes) and on all forms of gaming in alcohol-licensed
premises (eg pubs).
Under the proposals alcohol-licensed
premises will no longer be required to seek permission from their local
licensing authority for gaming to take place providing a set of stringent
conditions are complied with:
- children and young people must be
prohibited from participation;
- gaming is limited to 'equal
chance' games (such as cribbage or poker) between customers. Games like
roulette and blackjack will be prohibited;
- stakes and prizes for the gaming
must be low. Stakes will be limited to a maximum of GBP5 in pubs and GBP10 in
clubs for games of poker;
- the operator must not take
a 'cut' from money staked or won; or charge participation fees (including
membership subscription fees); and
- games played may only take place
on one set of premises games across more than one property will be prohibited.
Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport,
said:
"These proposals set out a
comprehensive set of rules governing gaming in pubs and clubs that will keep it
fair, crime free and ensure children and the vulnerable are protected.
"In the most cases they bring
existing entitlements under the auspices of the Gambling Act 2005, but in some
cases we need to update the rules. Many people have enjoyed low stakes games
like bingo, cribbage and dominoes in clubs and pubs for decades and there is no
evidence of an increase in problem gambling or crime as a result.
"But we now need clearer rules
and limits on stakes and prizes to keep it that way so licensees will be in no
doubt about what is and is not permitted. Those who abuse these provisions will
face tough sanctions."
While pubs have previously required
permission from their local licensing authority for games like poker and bingo,
cribbage and dominoes can be played without any kind of approval.
"So we are removing the need for
a fresh application to be made every time a licensee wishes to allow a new type
of game to be played.
Permitting very low stakes gaming
- in pubs, no more than GBP5 per person per game - will also help to keep
gambling in the open and above board, making it easier to enforce controls and
reducing the risk of exploitation."
Under these proposals
alcohol-licensed premises would be limited to a maximum stake of GBP5 per
person per game for equal chance games like poker and cribbage. Daily and
weekly limits on stakes and prizes for games of poker played in individual
premises would also be set at GBP100 and GBP500 respectively to ensure that
poker in pubs remains a low-stakes low-scale activity.
Clubs would, for the first time, be
limited to GBP10 per person per game for games of poker. Individual clubs would
also be a set a maximum daily limit on the total amount of stakes or prizes of
GBP200 and a weekly maximum of GBP1000.
Under the Gambling Act 2005 bingo
will still be permitted in both clubs and alcohol-licensed premises, but for
total stakes and prizes not exceeding GBP2000 in any seven day period.
The specific limits for poker
reflect both its growing popularity in clubs and pubs, and the particular
nature of the game. Without a series of limits on stakes and prizes, there is
potential for stakes to escalate and for the "pot" or "kitty" to
reach a significant size over the course of a game, leaving individuals open to
losing large amounts of money.
Clubs and licensees will be
responsible for supervision of gaming on their premises. Licensing authorities
may remove entitlements if, for example, an offence under the Gambling Act has
been committed or if alcohol-licensed premises are being used mainly for
gaming. It is proposed that codes of practice will be drawn up in consultation
with the industry and regulators to help clubs and alcohol-licensees to comply
with the new statutory requirements.
SOURCE: Department for Culture,
Media and Sport.
Harrah’s Selects JCM American As Preferred Bill Validator
Provider For All Properties
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, USA (January 29,
2007) – JCM American Corporation
announced today that Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (“Harrah’s”), the world’s
largest casino entertainment company, has selected JCM as a preferred bill
validator vendor for its properties. The decision was made after Harrah’s
conducted a technical evaluation of JCM’s award-winning Universal Bill
Acceptor (UBA®) validator software and hardware.
“JCM and Harrah’s
have had a long beneficial relationship for both companies, and we are happy to
see that continue through a preferred vendor relationship.” Ken Weil,
Senior Vice President of Gaming at Harrah’s commented.
JCM President, Aki Isoi, said,
“Having Harrah’s validate our technology speaks volumes, and we
appreciate and value our relationship with them.”
About JCM American
Corporation:
JCM American Corporation is the industry leader in
automated transaction handling systems and provides products, software and
services to the amusement, gaming, kiosk, retail, transportation and vending
industries. JCM’s progressive spirit continually sets worldwide industry
standards with innovative and award-winning products such as the Universal Bill
Acceptor (UBA®), Intelligent Cash Box (ICB®), Trident® Table Safe
System, Optipay® cash recycling system and DMV Self-service Kiosk. JCM is a
subsidiary of Osaka-based Japan Cash Machine, with subsidiaries in
Düsseldorf, Hong Kong, London, Macau, and Sydney. For more information,
visit www.jcm-american.com.
SOURCE: JCM American Corporation
media release distributed by Steinbeck Communications. CONTACT: Paul Speirs, P:
702-413-4278, F: 702-233-3492, E: paulspeirs@cox.net.
Sazka Arena in the Black Multi-Purpose Arena Showed A Profit In
2006
CZECH REPUBLIC (January 18, 2007)
– Joint-stock company BESTSPORT, the owner and operator of SAZKA ARENA,
showed a profit last year, according to preliminary results. "The accurate
figures will not be available until closing and auditing work is complete but
the pre-tax profit is likely to exceed a CZK 100 million mark," said Michal
Krejcar, BESTSPORT Director. "
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Our financial balance is affected
by write-offs and interest on external capital. On the other hand, the main
contributors to the favourable results are the increased operational revenue,
financial lease and las year also one-off asset transactions."
The successful financial results
also stem from SAZKA ARENA's expanding event calendar. The number of held
events rose by approximately 10% and the number of visitors was up by almost
20% in 2006. The Sazka Ticket system has sold almost 2.5 million tickets for
nearly CZK 1.2 billion since 2004. The number of tickets sold was up by more
than 22% year on year and the revenues from the ticket sales went up by almost
60%.
Some of the figures performing at
SAZKA ARENA in 2006 were Madonna, Eric Clapton, Bryan Adams, Pink and Christina
Aguilera, as well as the Depeche Mode, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N'Roses and
Pearl Jam bands. In addition, the Arena hosted a number of other sporting,
family and motoring events such as the Final Four basketball tournament, Nokia
Freestyle Motocross, the ice show Holiday on Ice or the riding show
Apassionata. The annual benefit from large international events and mega
concerts held at Prague's SAZKA ARENA to the Czech Republic's economy, notably
to its tourism and services, is hundreds of millions of crowns.
SAZKA ARENA is owned and operated by
joint-stock company BESTSPORT, the owners of which are public association
Občanské sdružení Zelený ostrov (90% interest)
and SAZKA, a. s. (10% interest).
SOURCE:
SAZKA, a.s. press release.
BCLC Announces Largest Yearly Prize in Canadian History
RICHMOND, British Columbia, Canada
(January 31, 2007) - Today, British Columbia
Lottery Corporation (BCLC) announced the launch of Millionaire Life, a new
national lottery game that will reward one lucky ticket holder the largest
annuity prize in Canadian history: $1 Million every year for 25 years.
"Millionaire Life is different
from any other lottery game BCLC has ever offered," said Jim Lightbody,
Vice-President, Lottery Gaming. "First, it will only run for the month of
February. Second, each ticket will consist of a unique 8-digit number,
guaranteeing one ticket holder the top prize and a select number of ticket
holders for the other prizes."
Millionaire Life tickets will be
available from February 1 until February 28. "As you can see, Millionaire
Life, with its history-making prize, is a game like no other," added
Lightbody. "For one lucky ticket holder, it could be like a brand new life,
every year."
Like a raffle, you can buy one
ticket for $5, three for $10 or seven for $20. Other special features include
early-bird prize draws. Tickets purchased by February 14 will qualify for one
of 14 prizes of $100,000.
Additional prizing includes separate
draws for four prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. Subsidiary
prizes will be available for matching the first six, or last two, digits of the
top-prize winning number drawn.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation
is a Crown Corporation reporting to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor
General through a Board of Directors. Its mission is to provide high-quality
gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner for the benefit of all
British Columbians.
Millionaire Life Fact
Sheet:
- Largest Annuity Prize in Canadian
History: $1 Million every year for 25 years!
- Limited-time availability: Feb.1
to Feb. 28, 2007.
- Tickets can be purchased at
lottery retailers throughout B.C.
- Every selection purchased will
feature a unique 8-digit number not available to any other player in
Canada.
- Winning numbers will be drawn
only from numbers sold, guaranteeing a winning ticket for every prize
drawn.
- $1.4 Million in Early Bird prizes
will be available to players who purchase tickets between February 1 and
February 14.
- Early-bird prizes consist of 14
prizes of $100,000.
- Additional prizing includes
separate draws for 4 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000.
- Subsidiary prizes will be
available for matching the first six, or last two, digits of the Top Prize
winning number drawn.
- Players will be able to choose
between three price points: One number for $5; three for $10 or seven for
$20.
- Draw will take place on February
28 after 6 p.m. PST.
SOURCE: British Columbia Lottery
Corporation. CONTACT: Robin Cook, Corporate Communications Officer, (604)
247-3004 or Cell: (604) 809-3623, Email: rcook@bclc.com.
Unique New Daily Game From Svenska Spel
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (January 31, 2007)
-- Monday, January 29, was the first day for Svenska Spel´s new daily game called
Limbo. It is a unique game of luck that has been designed and developed over
the last years by staff from the Swedish National Lottery.
The player has to pick a random
number between 1 and 99 999. The winner is the one who has been lucky enough to
be the one and only person with a unique lowest number. The challenge is of
course to pick as low a number you dare but still hope to be the only to go for
that number.
The stake for a bet is 10 SEK
(€1 Euro) and you can place a maximum of 6 wagers a day. The single winner
gets 36% of the total stakes. There are second prizes for those who have picked
a number just below and above the winner and a third dividend for those who
have numbers just below and above the second prize winners.
Later this spring a bonus game will
be presented on national TV where those who have won the top prize will meet to
decide who will win the Final Game.
You have to register your bet with
the Svenska Spel loyalty card and be 18 years of age. The game is available at
the retailers and on www.svenskaspel.se.
SOURCE: Göran Wessberg, Lottery
industry consultant.
Lottery Introduces Georgia's $500 Million
Club
ATLANTA, Georgia, USA (January 30,
2007) -- There is an exclusive new club in Georgia. The
Georgia Lottery Corporation today
announced the launch of Georgia's $500 Million Club, a new instant game with 51
millionaires and the highest instant game top prize in Georgia history.
Georgia's $500 Million Club tickets
go on sale statewide today. The $20 game offers over $500 million in total cash
prizes including 10 top prizes of $5 million, 40 prizes of $1 million, and an
extra grand prize of $10 million. The game also offers over 81,900 prizes from
$500 to $50,000 and over 3.8 million prizes from $40 to $200.
"Georgia's $500 Million Club
provides entertainment for lottery players with its record-breaking
prizes," said Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO
Margaret DeFrancisco. "With
every dollar raised by this game, the ultimate winners remain Georgia's
students, who benefit from lottery-funded HOPE and Pre-K."
To play Georgia's $500 Million Club,
scratch off the entire play area. Match any of your numbers to any of the
winning numbers, and win the prize shown for that number. Get a "10X" symbol,
and instantly win 10 times the prize shown for that symbol. Get a "20X" symbol,
and instantly win 20 times the prize shown for that symbol. Players can win a
free ticket, $20, $25, $40, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $10,000, $50,000, $1
million (annuity) and the top prize of $5 million (annuity). Overall odds for
Georgia's $500 Million Club are 1 in 3.02.
Georgia Lottery players can also
enter to win the Extra Chance $10 Million Grand Prize Drawing. Players can mail
in a non-winning Georgia's $500 Million Club ticket to enter the weekly
Georgia's Millionaire Club drawings. Complete the back of the ticket, add a
stamp, and mail the ticket as a postcard.
The Georgia Lottery will conduct a
weekly drawing from all entries received that week. The first drawing will be
February 16, 2007. Weekly drawings will be broadcast each Friday as a part of
the Cash 3 evening drawings. Entries are good for one weekly drawing only.
Each weekly Georgia's Millionaire
Club winner will receive $5,000 and become a finalist in the Extra Chance $10
Million Grand Prize Drawing. Weekly drawings will continue over the life of the
game. The number of finalists in the grand prize drawing will be determined by
the number of weeks it takes to sell out the game and the number of weekly
drawings.
Since its first year, the Georgia
Lottery Corporation has returned over $8.8 billion to the state of Georgia for
education.
For more information, please visit
the Media Center on the GLC Web site at: www.galottery.com
SOURCE: Georgia Lottery Corporation.
CONTACT: Media Relations Department, Voice: 404-215-5062, Fax: 404-215-8983,
Email: media@galottery.org.
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