• GTECH to Provide New Online Lottery Technology, Products, and Ongoing Services as a Key Supplier to the Camelot Consortium. Full Story
• Maryland Lottery Achieves Record Sales for Tenth Consecutive Year. Full Story
• INTRALOT Wins the All-Russia-State Lottery Contract. Full Story
• MDI Licensed Games Were Top Sellers in FY 2007. Full Story
• $34.8 Million for Scholarships -- Lottery Posts Second-Best Year of Sales at $148 Million. Full Story
• Auckland Retailer Takes Out Lotto Retail Champion Title. Full Story
• Tipp24 AG: Dynamic Growth Unbroken. Full Story
• Sugal & Damani Reaffirms International Expansion Plans. Full Story
• Kelly Brook Makes A Splash For The National Lottery . Full Story
• New Zealanders Dream of Property, Helping Family and Financial Freedom with Lotto Win - Full Survey Results. Full Story
• Pollard Banknote Revs Up Lottery Industry With Kawasaki, Newest Addition To Licensed Properties Portfolio. Full Story

Lottomatica Announces That the Camelot Consortium Was Selected as the Preferred Bidder To Operate U.K. National Lottery License Under New 10-Year License

 Lottomatica Subsidiary GTECH Corporation to Provide New Online Lottery Technology, Products, and Ongoing Services as a Key Supplier to the Camelot Consortium

ROME and PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (August 7, 2007) -- Lottomatica S.p.A.  announced that Camelot Group plc has been selected as the preferred bidder by the United Kingdom National Lottery for the third lottery operating license, following a competitive procurement. The 10-year license is expected to commence in February 2009. Lottomatica subsidiary GTECH Corporation is a major lottery technology and solutions provider to the successful Camelot consortium.

“We are delighted that the U.K. Lottery Commission has chosen Camelot to continue in the lottery operator role through February 2019,” said W.  Bruce Turner, Lottomatica S.p.A. CEO. “This is a great reward for the tireless efforts of the Camelot and GTECH teams who stand ready to perform the largest conversion in the lottery industry.”

Camelot has been the operator of the U.K. National Lottery since its inception in 1994. Further details of the award will be released upon successful completion of negotiations with the National Lottery and the signing of a definitive agreement.

Lottomatica is one of the world’s largest commercial lottery operators and a market leader in the Italian gaming industry. GTECH is a leading gaming technology and services company, providing innovative technology, creative content, and superior service delivery. 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 €1.7 billion in revenues and 5,900 employees in over 45 countries when combined with GTECH.

For further information: GTECH contact: Robert K. Vincent Public Affairs 1-401-392-7452

SOURCE: GTECH Corporation; Lottomatica S.p.A

Maryland Lottery Achieves Record Sales for Tenth Consecutive Year; Lottery to Contribute $494 Million to the State of Maryland
BALTIMORE, Maryland, USA (August 6, 2007) -- The Maryland Lottery closed its fiscal year with record high sales, completing a decade-long tradition of sales growth.  This year’s tally amounted to $1.577 billion, setting a new benchmark for sales.  In addition, the Lottery broke records in prizes awarded to players and commissions earned by retailers.

As a result of the year’s top sales, the Lottery will contribute more than $494 million in revenue to the State of Maryland. Revenue generated by the Lottery helps support vital state-funded programs and services, including education, public health, public safety, and the environment.Specific financial highlights from the Lottery’s fiscal year include:

• Sales of over $1.577 billion, an increase of more than $16.4 million over last year;
• Revenues of more than $494 million were returned to the State;
• Prizes paid to players totaled more than $919 million, an increase of more than $16.5 million over last year; and
• Commissions earned by retailers reached over $112 million, an increase of more than $9.4 million over last year.

While sales hit a new high, operational expenses continue to decline, finishing the year at an estimated 3.3% of total sales.  The Lottery’s operational expenses remain among the lowest in the industry. Several of the Lottery’s individual game categories also posted record sales.  Instant games, which represent 27% of the year’s total sales, experienced their tenth straight year of increased sales, exceeding $425 million.  The year’s top-selling scratch-offs included 10 Times the Money, $25 Million Frenzy, and Fabulous Fortune.
The Lottery’s drawing and monitor-style games also continued to perform well.  Long-time player favorite Pick 4 set a new sales record, finishing the year with over $240 million in sales and securing its eighth consecutive year of sales growth.  Combined Pick 3 and Pick 4 sales reached nearly $532 million.  In addition, the Lottery’s combined sales for all monitor-style games – which include Keno and Keno Bonus and Racetrax – totaled $462 million, an increase of $26 million, or 6%, over last year’s monitor game sales.  Mega Millions, the Lottery’s multi-state jackpot game, brought in over $98 million in sales and set a world record in March, producing a jackpot that reached $390 million.

Lottery officials attribute much of its success to innovative product development, distinctive marketing and branding strategies, employing the latest in technology, and effective vendor and media partnerships.  “Over the past ten years, we have really focused on building a powerful brand identity for the Lottery.  This brand is now highly recognizable and invokes a positive image throughout the Maryland community,” said Lottery Director Buddy Roogow.  “Through our brand – and with support from our many retailers, vendors, and media partners – we continue to create and deliver games and promotions that effectively drive sales.”
The Lottery’s fiscal year was filled with new initiatives, beginning with the installation of a state-of-the-art communications system.  The new satellite system provides advanced technology to offer players and retailers additional conveniences, choices, and promotional opportunities.  Also contributing to the Lottery’s increase in sales were several key partnerships, including those formed with television drawings partners, WBAL-TV Channel 11 and Maryland Public Television, online games vendor Scientific Games, Inc., and instant ticket games vendor Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership.
On a product level, players were introduced to many new games and promotions.  The long-standing popularity of Keno led the Maryland Lottery to be the first lottery in the country to rollout Racetrax®, a simulated horse-racing monitor-style game.  Since its August 2006 launch, the game has shown a pattern of continued growth as it becomes more available to retailers.
The Maryland Lottery was launched in 1973.  Since its inception, the Agency has contributed more than $10.238 billion to the State to support programs including education, public safety, public health, economic development, and the environment.  Over $14.673 billion has been paid to players in the form of jackpots and prizes, while Maryland businesses have received over $1.569 billion in commissions for selling Lottery products.
SOURCE: Maryland Lottery.

INTRALOT Wins the All-Russia-State Lottery Contract

ATHENS, Greece (August 6, 2007) -- INTRALOT’s subsidiary in Russia, INTRALOT OOO, has signed a contract with ORGLOT OOO for the operation of All-Russia State Lottery. ORGLOT OOO, following a tender, undertook this project from the Federal Agency of Physical Training and Sport of the Russian Federation (Rossport), which holds the license.

The All-Russian State Lottery’s aim is the development of the Russian gaming industry, utilizing advanced technological solutions, which will allow the provision of high quality, secure and reliable lottery games to the Russian players.

This project that will be implemented by INTRALOT and ORGLOT entails the development of a sales network with more than 16,000 INTRALOT’s CORONIS family terminals that will be installed in the entire Russian territory, 4.000 of which will be installed until the end of this year. INTRALOT will also provide LOTOS software platform, one of the most advanced, innovative and comprehensive gaming platforms in the industry, which will allow the dynamic expansion of the sales network, which, according to the agreement, is expected to reach 40.000 POS.

This project is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced projects ever implemented in the global gaming industry, as it involves the implementation of an integrated lottery system covering all the regions of the Russian Federation located in 11 time zones.

The General Director of ORGLOT OOO, Galina Savitskaya, notes: “ORGLOT aims to develop the state lottery as one of the main sources of non-state budget financing of social national programs and transform the lottery industry of the Russian Federation into a modern business activity, complying with the highest international standards.”

INTRALOT SA., a leading company of the gaming industry worldwide will be the technology and know how provider. INTRALOT offered the best technical solution that safeguards the efficient implementation and the secure and uninterrupted operation of the All-Russian State Lottery. Moreover, INTRALOT will provide all the necessary support services in the fields of marketing, staff training, development and optimization of the selling network.

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INTRALOT S.A. CEO, Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos, stated: «We are very proud to have undertaken this project, expected to be one of the biggest Lottery operations globally. INTRALOT’s leading position in the gaming industry together with its vast experience from our operations all over the world, guarantee the success of this demanding and yet promising project. The All-Russian State Lottery has a great growth potential and INTRALOT will contribute to its development and profitability to the benefit of all the stakeholders of both parties».

About ORGLOT

ORGLOT is a subsidiary of Joint Stock Bank “Gazprombank” (CJSC), one of the leaders of the Russian Federation bank sector and the 3rd among the banks of the Central and Eastern Europe. The bank’s client base consist of more then 1,8 million retail clients, and over 40 thousand corporate clients, including around 1000 enterprises and institutions of the gas industry.  Gazprombank also share the capital of Belgazprombank (Belorussia). For more info: www.gazprombank.ru

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 Evi Ioannidou, INTRALOT, Communications Director, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210 6106800, email: ioannidou@intralot.com

MDI Licensed Games Were Top Sellers in FY 2007

Poll Results are Additional Proof Licensed Games are Popular with Players

ALPHARETTA, Georgia, USA (August 8, 2007) –  Fiscal Year 2007 was stellar for MDI Entertainment and its lottery partners with more than 30 MDI-licensed games taking top spot in sales in the majority of lottery jurisdictions.

Across multiple price points, licensed games held by MDI were among the most popular with players in over 23 lotteries, according to recent poll results released by LaFleur’s magazine. MDI Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS).

 “MDI is the world’s leading supplier of licensed lottery games and we’re excited that so many lotteries saw success with our properties,” said Steve Saferin, MDI president. “Licensed games are a tool for lotteries to demonstrate to their players the lottery’s relevance in today’s ever-changing pop culture scene. While all licensed brands don’t necessarily appeal to all players, without exception licensed brands enable lotteries to reach new player segments, thereby growing the lotteries’ overall business.”

One of the most popular brands in FY 2007 was MDI’s exclusive Deal or No Deal instant game coming in as the top selling $5 instant ticket in New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington; top selling $10 instant game in Delaware; top selling $3 instant game in BCLC; and top selling $2 instant game in Maine.

And up there with Deal or No Deal was the always-popular Monopoly, arguably the best-selling lottery licensed property of all time. Monopoly was the Florida Lottery’s top selling $20 instant ticket in FY 07 and its top selling $1 game. It was also the top selling $3 game in Georgia, South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin.

MDI’s Major League Baseball license sold out of the park as a $5 game in Missouri and New York while World Poker Tour outsold all other $5 games in Georgia, Louisiana, New Hampshire and BCLC.

One of MDI’s favorite animated characters, Betty Boop, charmed more players than other $2 games in Idaho, Minnesota and New Mexico and $1 games in Oregon. Another popular game, Slingo, topped the $3 games in Rhode Island, Washington and Montana.

 “When you consider the fact that licensed brands make up a small percentage of all instant tickets in a lottery’s line up for the year, it’s pretty impressive that MDI’s licensed games have as many top rankings as we’ve seen in FY07,” Saferin said. “We look forward to continuing our efforts in this fiscal year to ensure our customers see even more success and keep sales growing.”

About Scientific Games

Scientific Games Corporation is the leading integrated supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to lotteries worldwide, a leading supplier of fixed odds betting terminals and systems, Amusement and Skill with Prize betting terminals, interactive sports betting terminals and systems, and wagering systems and services to pari-mutuel operators. It is also a licensed pari-mutuel gaming operator in Connecticut, Maine and the Netherlands and is a leading supplier of prepaid phone cards to telephone companies. Scientific Games' customers are in the United States and more than 60 other countries. For more information about Scientific Games, please visit our web site at www.scientificgames.com.

CONTACT:  Max Montgomery, 770-664-3807.

$34.8 Million for Scholarships -- Lottery Posts Second-Best Year of Sales at $148 Million; Scratcher Sales Reach Record of $91.4 Million

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, USA (August 2, 2007) -- The increasing popularity of Scratcher games and the introduction of Hot Lotto®, a lotto-style game played in nine other states, helped the New Mexico Lottery generate sales of $148 million, its second-best year of sales since the lottery’s debut in 1996.  Lottery profits delivered to the Legislative Lottery Scholarship program for the fiscal year ending June 30 totaled $34.8 million.

All net revenues from the sale of lottery games benefit the Legislative Lottery Scholarship program, which provides tuition assistance for New Mexico residents attending the state’s public colleges and universities. 

“When people choose lottery games over other entertainment choices, they help put college in reach for students who otherwise might not be able to go,” said CEO Tom Romero.  “Every lottery ticket sold represents an investment toward a brighter future for New Mexico.”

Scratchers Help Offset Powerball® Slump

In fiscal year 2007, Scratcher games accounted for 62 percent of all lottery sales.  Scratcher sales totaled $91.4 million, up $6.6 million from last year’s sales of $84.8 million. 

“The strong sales performance of Scratchers is the result of several new initiatives such as offering a greater array of themes and play styles to appeal to a larger player population, preventing out-of-inventory situations among retailers and keeping fresh new games flowing through the pipeline,” Romero said.

Big sellers during the year included the nostalgic “$10,000 Betty Boop™” and “Magic 8 Ball™” games and the “Deal or No Deal®” ticket based on the hit TV show.  A series of crossword puzzle Scratchers developed a loyal player following statewide.  In fiscal year 2007, Scratcher players won more than $60 million in prizes, up from $56 million in the previous year.

Hot Lotto, which was introduced in October, generated sales of $3.5 million.  Together, Scratchers and Hot Lotto helped offset a yearlong slump in Powerball sales.  The Powerball game generated sales of  $42.6 million, down $11.5 million from the previous year when jackpot run-ups reaching as high as $300 million stimulated unprecedented player enthusiasm.

Romero noted that Powerball jackpots in fiscal year 2007 were hit frequently at levels of under $100 million.

“While those jackpots were still worth many millions, such as the $62.8 million Powerball prize won in May by Los Ojos resident Felipe Piña, they failed to bring more players out to play,” Romero said.

Sales for two other online games were down.  Roadrunner Cash generated sales of $7.9 million compared to $8.3 million in 2006 while 4 This Way! sales totaled $653,000, down $116,000 from last year. 

Pick 3 sales were up $49,000 totaling $2.06 million.

While sales in fiscal year 2007 were the second-best in the lottery’s history, they were almost $2 million below the 2006 sales record of $150 million.  In that year, the lottery returned $36.9 million to the scholarship program.

In fiscal year 2008, the lottery will discontinue 4 This Way! and introduce raffle games.  The raffles will consist of a fixed number of tickets to be sold in numeric order until they are sold out or the drawing is held.  A computerized drawing will randomly select winners.  Details on the first raffle game, including its name, ticket prices and prizes will be announced in the coming weeks.  The first raffle drawing is expected to be held on New Year’s Eve.

Since 1996, the lottery has raised nearly $321 million for public education in New Mexico.  As of the Spring 2006 semester, more than 43,000 students have received Legislative Lottery Scholarships and 15,000 of those students have graduated from college.  Updated scholarship numbers are pending.

More information about Legislative Lottery Scholarships is available at www.nmlottery.com.

The following is a history of New Mexico Lottery gross revenues and net revenues (profits) since inception.  Fiscal year 1996 was a partial year; all other fiscal years run July 1 through June 30.  Fiscal year 2007 figures and totals remain preliminary and unaudited.  All figures are rounded.  Of the total amount of money transferred to New Mexico education, $66.5 million was used for school construction and repairs from fiscal year 1997 through fiscal year 2001.

- Lottery Success Scholarship/Lottery Tuition Fund:  $254,385,194 (1996 to present).

- Public School Capital Outlay Fund:  $66,553,850 (1996 to 2001)

- Raised for public education through FY ’07:  $320,939,044

(*) represents partial fiscal year

(**) preliminary and unaudited

SOURCE: New Mexico Lottery.
CONTACT: Lottery Communications Office, (505) 342-7616, (800) 642-6689, ext. 7616, Email: media@nmlottery.com

Auckland Retailer Takes Out Lotto Retail Champion Title

NEW ZEALAND (August 1, 2007) -- NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive Todd McLeay today announced that 'Westcity Lotto' in Auckland has been awarded the title of overall national Lotto Retail Champion.

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Mr. McLeay says NZ Lotteries’ National Retail Champions winners are judged according to their level of overall customer service, in-store promotional activities and store sales.

More than 950 Lotto retail outlets are eligible to take part in the Retail Champions programme.

“Over the past two years NZ Lotteries has focused on revamping its Lotto retail outlets with the aim of delivering a fantastic sales experience for our customers.

“These winning stores are great examples of what can be achieved by a focus on outstanding customer service paired with creative in-store promotional activity.

“Congratulations to all those stores who took part in our Retail Champions programme,” Todd McLeay said.

SOURCE New Zealand Lottery

Tipp24 AG: Dynamic Growth Unbroken

HAMBURG, Germany (August 6, 2007) -- The Tipp24 Group continued its dynamic growth course in the first half of its fiscal year 2007: billings (+ 18.9 percent) and revenues (+ 17.1 percent) grew strongly during the reporting period.

Due to special items, there was a fall in EBIT of 21.6 percent. Non-recurring expenses of EUR 1.4 million incurred in connection with the Group's acquisition strategy were eliminated with an effect on earnings. There was also a one-off personnel expense of EUR 0.35 million. Without these one-off effects, EBIT would have grown by 37.3 percent. The development of revenues and EBIT was once again influenced strongly by the company's German operations in the reporting period.

Strong growth in billings and revenues

Over the last twelve months, the number of registered customers grew by 420 thousand to EUR 1.9 million. Compared with the balance sheet date, new registered customers rose by 136 thousand. Billings - mainly remitted stakes - increased to EUR 139.6 (117.4) million, representing year-on-year growth of 18.9 percent.

Revenues - consisting mainly of commissions and additional fees - rose by 17.1 percent to EUR 18.0 (15.3) million. German operations accounted for 87.2 percent of this total.

Consolidated net profit fell by 52.8 percent to EUR 2.0 million due to a positive one-off tax effect in the prior-year period and the above mentioned special items.

Legal position strengthened

The intensive political and legal discussions concerning Germany's gaming market continued in the period under review. From the Company's point of view, the decisions and orders of the administrative court of Halle, the EU Commission, the Regional Appeal Court of Düsseldorf and the recent suspension order of the administrative court of Stuttgart can all be regarded as positive signals. They significantly strengthen the view of Tipp24, that political bodies will find it hard to restrict the growing market for online lottery brokerage against valid law and political common sense.

Jens Schumann, a member of the Executive Board and founder of Tipp24 AG, states: "The passing of the present Draft State Treaty would cause permanent damage to the growing market for the online brokerage of state lotteries. Against the backdrop of current decisions in Germany and the EU, there is also a growing number of politicians who have considerable reservations about the legality and political common sense of the Draft State Treaty."

Outlook

Tipp24 AG confirms its growth plans for the remaining months of its fiscal year 2007: the company plans to gain around 300 thousand customers in the current year. This forecast takes account of the chance omission of high jackpots in the first half of the year. Against this backdrop, Tipp24 expects to raise billings and revenues by just under 20 percent. Due to the scalability of our business model, we expect a strong increase in our EBIT result - adjusted for the above mentioned special items totalling EUR 1.8 million. Even including these items we expect to post a higher EBIT result than in the previous year.

About Tipp24 AG (www.tipp24-ag.de)

Tipp24 was established in 1999 and is now the market leader for lottery products in the Internet on the basis of billings. The company has succeeded in achieving impressive growth rates right from the start. Almost all state lottery products are supplied. It only takes a few mouse clicks to buy a lottery ticket - round the clock, quickly and anonymously. The ticket receipt is kept safely, winners are notified about their prizes automatically by text message and e-mail and prizes are credited automatically. Subsidiaries of Tipp24 (www.tipp24.de) are Ventura24 in Spain (www.ventura24.es) and Puntogioco24 (www.puntogioco24.it) in Italy.

Half-year comparison Q.I-II 2007

(Rounding differences due to presentation of figures in Euro thousand)

SOURCE: Tipp24 AG.
CONTACT: Andrea Fratini, Phone: +49 (040) 32 55 33 – 660, Fax: +49 (040) 32 55 33 – 77, Email: presse@tipp24.de

Sugal & Damani Reaffirms International Expansion Plans

LONDON, UK (August 7, 2007) -- Sugal & Damani, the leading operator of lotteries in India, today reaffirmed its plans for continued international expansion despite being declared the reserved bidder for the third license for UK National Lottery. The National Lottery Commission recognised Sugal & Damani's bid as "strong" and that the company had met all seven demanding Required Standards identified in the bid process.

The company, which was the only challenging bidder to emerge against the incumbent operator, Camelot Group plc, said it was continuing to pursue lottery bids in various parts of the world including Africa and south Asia. Sugal & Damani intends to grow its presence in the UK in the gaming sector and it is likely to bid again for the National Lottery License after the next 10-year period.

Kamlesh Vijay, chief executive officer said: "Our bid for the UK National Lottery license is proof of the scale of our international ambitions. We will continue to look for opportunities outside India while at the same time developing our businesses in our home market of 1 billion people. We have learned a lot from our experience of bidding in the UK."

Sugal & Damani put forward ambitious plans for the lottery license including an increase in ticket sales over the 10-year period to GBP 63.9 billion, generating GBP 17.9 billion for good causes and a commitment to contribute any profits above 1 per cent. The company proposed introducing new games, greater facilities and incentives to retailers to arrest downturn and an expansion of sales through mobile phones and other electronic media.

The company had proposed establishing a fully UK-based operation to run the lottery and it would have based its two call centres in the UK.

Mr Vijay said he had been impressed by the way the National Lottery Commission had handled the bidding process. "We felt that we were treated absolutely fairly despite the fact that we were a foreign bidder going up against the incumbent operator," he commented. "It is nevertheless difficult to dislodge an established company in any market place by virtue of its local presence."

Sugal & Damani has been running lotteries in India for the past 37 years. It dominates in a truly competitive marketplace and enjoys more than 70 per cent market share in some of the states with up to seven operators. It operates lotteries in all major lottery playing states and handles more than 5 million transactions a day on over 20,000 point-of-sale terminals.

After reaching a dominant position in the Indian lottery market it sees further growth opportunities coming from abroad and from similar ancillary activities. Used to competitive operations, it is still considering possible expansion in the UK through various gaming and ancillary services.

Sugal & Damani employs 350 information technology specialists in India and carries out all of its lottery software design in house. Its systems employ an "open architecture" approach which means that they are compatible with a wide range of hardware and access formats including mobile phones.

Apart from its lottery operations, Sugal & Damani also has businesses in travel and tourism, jewellery, engineering and leasing and finance. Group turnover is more than INR 59.7 billion (GBP 695 million) and it employs a total of 700 people. It supports an extensive philanthropic programme in India embracing medical care and education.

Sugal & Damani had teamed up with a set of 18 powerful international & UK based partners, who are leaders in the their own domain, in its bid to win the lottery licence. Shareholders in the bid consortium are Sugal & Damani Lottery Agency Pvt Ltd; Deutsche Bank, which has also committed debt financing; Financial Technologies Ltd, an operator of commodity exchanges; and Gopsons Papers, a security printer.

CONTACT: Ogilvy Public Relations for Sugal & Damani Ben Lock Tel. +44 (0)207 309 1003 Mobile. +44 (0)7855 805 148 ben.lock@ogilvy.com or Rowland Barran Tel. +44 (0)207 309 1013 Mobile. +44 (0)7811 358 532, Email: rowland.barran@ogilvy.com

SOURCE: Sugal & Damani.

Kelly Brook Makes A Splash For The National Lottery

Kelly Brook turned water babe in a unique photo-shoot with the British Synchronised Swimming team to promote the new Sync or Swim Instant Win Game – the first National Lottery game to feature the new London 2012 logo

UNITED KINGDOM (August 6, 2007) -- Kelly Brook turned water babe in a unique photo-shoot with the British Synchronised Swimming team to launch Sync or Swim which is exclusively available to play online at national-lottery.co.uk. Sync or Swim is the latest designated lottery game to support The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

To promote the new Sync or Swim Instant Win Game – the first National Lottery game to feature the new London 2012 logo – Kelly took the plunge alongside four of Britain’s top synchronized swimmers, who are building towards competing at the 2008 Beijing Games and hope to win gold in 2012. As she was transformed from a swimwear designer into a stunning underwater siren, Kelly had to overcome her fears to create the spectacular visuals – as she had to spend five hours submerged in a specially-designed tank, suspended at a depth of 8 feet beneath the surface of the pool.

Kelly said: “It was a terrifying but uplifting day and I’m so glad I did it. The pictures are amazing and I will treasure them. I so admire the girls who do this professionally competing for Britain – their power, stamina and grace were mesmerising.”

A spokesperson for national-lottery.co.uk said: “This was a marathon photoshoot which tested Kelly and the synchro girls to their limits. It is one thing to be suspended in a deep, dark pool, but to pose and create beautiful pictures at the same time is amazing. After getting off to such a fantastic start, we hope Sync or Swim will be a real hit with players and make a huge difference to the lottery fundraising for London 2012."

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 “Remember by playing certain National Lottery games, like Sync or Swim or Dream Number, you can play your part in the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Not only will you be supporting what promise to be the most memorable Games the UK has ever seen – which will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come – but you could also be lucky enough to win big yourself!”

National-lottery.co.uk provides a simple and easy way to play any of the lottery’s draw-based games, including Lotto, Dream Number and EuroMillions – with no tickets to misplace or need to check numbers. Once players have set up an online account, they can also choose from a range of Instant Win Games, interactive animated game and online versions of Scratchcards.

The Sync or Swim Instant Win Game costs £1 and offers players the chance to win instant cash prizes up to a jackpot of £15,000 – as well as helping to raise money towards the funding required to stage the 2012 Games. National Lottery funding will contribute up to £2.2 billion1 towards the cost of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games. Through sales of designated lottery games – like the draw-based game, Dream Number, certain Scratchcards and all interactive Instant Win Games such as Sync or Swim – £750 million of Good Causes money will be raised to go towards funding the provision of facilities and supporting infrastructure for the 2012 Games. Sales of designated lottery games are ahead of schedule, with over £150 million already raised. More than £3 billion has already been invested in sport from money raised by National Lottery players across the UK since 1994. Lottery funding has helped community, school and elite sport, as well as major capital projects like Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

This investment has also facilitated the development of some of the best training facilities in the world at national sports centres across the UK. Over the last 10 years, 287 Olympic and Paralympic medals have been won by lottery-funded athletes

For further information, please contact Simon Horne, Publicity Manager: 07968 939127 Camelot Press Office: 020 7632 5711

SOURCE: Camelot

New Zealanders Dream of Property, Helping Family and Financial Freedom with Lotto Win - Full Survey Results

NEW ZEALAND (August 8, 2007) - NZ Lotteries today published the results of a major study into New Zealanders’ Lotto dreams, which found that most people do not dream of fame or celebrity, but of helping their family, financial freedom, and buying a nice house.

Twenty years after the first Lotto ticket was sold, the survey asked ordinary New Zealanders what they would purchase if they won $1 million on Lotto.

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The survey results show that many New Zealanders’ dream of owning their own little (or big!) piece of ‘Godzone’.

Whether it’s a bach by the sea, or a new family home, fifteen percent of those surveyed said buying a property would be the first thing they did when they won.

Financial freedom in general is also high on the priority list, with 28 percent saying they would pay off mortgages or debt and 10 percent targeting investment with their new found funds.

Family was also high on the list, with giving money to their family the first thing that 17 percent said they would do.

“These results show that the traditional Kiwi dreams are still alive and well,” says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive Todd McLeay.

 “New Zealanders love their families, the idea of owning their own property, and of being financially secure.”

The traditional kiwi OE was also high on spending choice list – with travelling top of mind for 11 percent of survey respondents.

Todd McLeay says the survey shows that New Zealanders are a balanced bunch.

“As well as looking for financial security for themselves, they do want those closest to them to also enjoy the benefits. They love their lifestyle, their families and travel,” he says. “A win on Lotto is seen as helping to enhance these aspects of their lives.”

After spending money on all the typical items, New Zealanders are likely to most like to purchase further travel (23 percent). A few New Zealanders said they would spend their Lotto winnings on some more unusual things, such as becoming a “philanthropic goddess”, buying a “dog house with under floor heating”, a “boys weekend to Vegas - 1st class”, or having “freshly starched sheets every night!”

A Lotto win is also something that people still like to keep a secret. A large proportion of New Zealanders (57 percent) would only tell family about their win. However, New Zealanders under 30 are more likely than others to tell people about their win.  The Colmar Brunton (http://www.cbr.com.au/) survey conducted for New Zealand Lotteries asked members of the public what they would purchase if they won $1 million in Lotto, whether they would continue to work, and whether they would keep their win a secret.

Full survey results can be found at nzlotteries.co.nz.

For more information CONTACT: Karen Jones, 04 802 7020 or 021 391 414

‘What Would You Do?’ NZ Lotteries survey results

Colmar Brunton Survey Summary (http://www.cbr.com.au/)

A random sample of 500 New Zealanders aged 15+ were selected and interviewed between Wednesday 11th of July and Tuesday 17th of July 2007 as part of the Colmar Brunton omnibus survey. New Zealanders were asked what they would purchase if they won $1million in Lotto, whether they would continue to work, and whether they would keep their win a secret.

Paying off debt is the first priority

The top priority for the largest proportion of New Zealanders is paying off debt (eg mortgages) and 28% of New Zealanders mentioned this first. Family and a new house come in as the most likely 2nd and 3rd purchases (17% and 15% of New Zealanders mentioned these respectively).

After spending money on all the typical items, New Zealanders are likely to purchase further travel (23%) or investment (11%). A few New Zealanders would spend money on more unusual things, such as night golf in Malaysia, a dog house with under floor heating, or freshly starched sheets every night!

Purchase intentions reflect life stage

Purchase intentions tend to reflect the life stage of New Zealanders. Younger New Zealanders (those under 30) are more likely to purchase a car and go on a shopping spree. New Zealanders between the age of 30 and 39 are more likely to mention buying a house or paying off debt. In general respondents under 39 are less likely to say that they would make donations to charity.

New Zealanders over the age over 60 are more likely to say they will spend money on family and make donations to charity.

Many New Zealanders would keep working

After winning $1million in Lotto, the largest proportion of New Zealanders (54%) say they would keep working in the same job. Interestingly however, women and those who purchase tickets weekly are more likely than others to stop working. For these people, winning Lotto may be a more “life changing” experience.

Older New Zealanders are more likely to keep their win a secret

The largest proportion of New Zealanders (57%) would only tell family about their win. The intention to keep a Lotto win a secret increases with age. New Zealanders under 30 are more likely than others to tell people about their win. Those aged between 30 and 39 are more likely than others to only tell family, and those aged over 50 are more likely than others to say they would keep their win a secret.

SOURCE: New Zealand Lotteries. Colmar Brunton Asia Pacific Consulting Enquiries: Karen Stanton, Managing Director Colmar Brunton Asia Pacific, Email: Karen.Stanton@ColmarBrunton.com

Pollard Banknote Revs Up Lottery Industry With Kawasaki, Newest Addition To Licensed Properties Portfolio

WINNIPEG, Canada (August 9, 2007) -- The good times are about to roll for lottery players, retailers, and anyone with the drive to be a winner.

Pollard Banknote is excited to add the Kawasaki brand to its portfolio of licensed properties for use in the development of instant games in the United States and Canada.

“A company billing itself as The Good Times™ company has an outlook right in line with the expectations of players when they purchase lottery tickets,” said Sina Aiello, Director, Licensed Products, Pollard Banknote. “Kawasaki conveys many sensations: speed, fun, adventure—and most of all, winning!”

Kawasaki has been bringing consumers exhilarating experiences for more than 35 years. The marketer of motorcycles, all-terrain and utility vehicles, and personal watercraft has more than 1,500 dealers across the United States and Canada, and undertakes advertising campaigns that keep the brand top of mind. Kawasaki also invests in promotional events that attract millions of consumers annually and is well established as a team sponsor on numerous racing circuits.

“The brand has huge appeal for the desirable 18-34 demographic,” said Aiello. “Yet it reaches older consumers as well. Many purchasers of Kawasaki motorcycles, vehicles, and watercraft are in their 40s or 50s. Vast potential exists for Kawasaki instant games to help lotteries blaze new trails with consumers.”

Kawasaki’s brand attributes and marketplace prominence open up many options for second chance draw prizes and attention-grabbing promotions.

Pollard Banknote offers a turnkey solution for licensed games, including ticket design and manufacturing, prize structure consultation, merchandise selection and fulfillment, publicity and promotional opportunities, and second chance draw process management (including all customer service, Internet marketing, and post-game analysis).

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.

Kawasaki Trademarks licensed to Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership

For more information CONTACT: Gordon Pollard (gpollard@pbl.ca) or John Pollard (jpollard@pbl.ca) Co-Chief Executive Officers, Phone: (204) 474-2323.

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote (www.pollardbanknote.com).