| . Lottomatica Subsidiary, GTECH Corporation, and
Medstroms AB Recommend Public All Cash Offer of SEK 19 (€2) Per Share in
Boss Media AB Medstroms
Largest Shareholder Of Boss Media With 12.5 Percent Stake; Boss Media
Publicly-Traded On Swedish Stock Exchange ROME and PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (February 1, 2008) --
Lottomatica S.p.A.'s wholly-owned
subsidiary, GTECH Corporation, and
Medstroms AB announced today a public cash offer to the shareholders of Boss
Media AB to acquire all outstanding shares of Boss Media. Medstroms is the
largest shareholder of Boss Media with a 12.5 percent stake. Boss Media, a
leading developer of innovative software and systems for digitally-distributed
gaming entertainment, is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm under
ticker symbol "BOSS.ST."
Under the terms of the
offer, GTECH and Medstroms, through a jointly-owned bid vehicle, will offer SEK
19.00 (euro 2.0) in cash per outstanding share. In accordance with Swedish law,
the offer has no financing contingencies. GTECH expects to fund the GTECH
portion of the transaction from existing cash balances. On a cash and debt free
basis, the offer will have an enterprise value of SEK 937 million (euro 99
million). The acceptance period is expected to commence on February 7, 2008,
and end on February 27, 2008. The cash settlement is expected to commence on
March 6, 2008. GTECH President and CEO
Jaymin B. Patel said, "The
acquisition of Boss Media is an important element of GTECH's growth strategy.
At the same time, we view ourselves as being the perfect partner for Boss Media
in accelerating the roll-out of their cutting-edge systems for internet-based
gaming, as we can offer a global market presence and a customer base consisting
of a significant portion of Boss Media's targeted leads."
Medstroms CFO Jan Westholm said, "When combined with
GTECH, Boss Media will be afforded access to World
Lottery Association (WLA) customers in all parts of the world, which we
believe will facilitate a faster roll-out of Boss Media's products and services
on a global scale. Medstroms participated in the founding of Boss Media in
1997, and has been supporting the company as its largest shareholder since that
time. We view this transaction as the optimal way forward for Boss Media, and
we want to continue to contribute to their future growth in a privately-held
environment." Boss Media has built a solid
reputation in the interactive gaming industry for its reliable high-quality
products and services. With headquarters in Vaxjo, Sweden, Boss Media has been
a member of WLA since 2002, with 2007 annual revenues of SEK 312 million (euro
33 million at December 31, 2007 exchange rates), and a market capitalization of
SEK 862 million (euro 91 million) as of January 31, 2008.
Following a successful public offering, Boss Media would
be maintained as a separate business unit within GTECH, and GTECH will continue
to invest further in the development of Boss Media's business and
capabilities. Conditions of the Offer
Completion of the offer is
conditional upon it being accepted to such extent that GTECH and Medstroms
become the joint owners of more than 90 percent of the total number of shares
and votes in Boss Media, on a fully- diluted basis; no other party publicly
announcing an offer to acquire shares in Boss Media on terms more favorable for
the shareholders in Boss Media than the terms under the GTECH/Medstroms offer;
and other routine licensing and closing conditions. GTECH and Medstroms reserve the right to withdraw the offer
in the event that it is clear that any of the closing conditions are not
fulfilled or cannot be fulfilled. GTECH and Medstroms
also reserve the right to extend the subscription period and to delay the date
of the cash settlement. The offer document will be distributed to the
shareholders of Boss Media in connection with it being made public.
The offer is subject to the approval of competition
authorities. Provided that each respective authority handles the processes
according to plan, such approval is expected to be granted on or around March
25, 2008. The offer shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of Sweden. The rules of the Stockholm Stock
Exchange regarding public takeovers on the stock market (the "Takeover Rules")
and the statements of the Swedish Securities Council regarding interpretation
and application of the Takeover Rules as well as the rules of the Swedish
Industry and Commerce Stock Exchange Committee (Sw. Naringslivets Borskommitte)
on public takeovers shall, where applicable, apply in relation to the offer.
Furthermore, GTECH and Medstroms have, in accordance with the Swedish Act on
Public Takeovers on the Stock Market, contractually undertaken to OMX to comply
with said rules and statements and to submit to any sanctions imposed by OMX
upon breach of the Takeover Rules. A corresponding undertaking is hereby made
to the shareholders of Boss Media.
Any dispute regarding the
offer, or which arises in connection therewith, shall be exclusively settled by
the Swedish courts, and the City Court of Stockholm (Sw. Stockholms tingsratt)
shall be the court of first instance. Further detailed information regarding
the offer may be obtained at www.gemed.se. The
Offer is not being made (nor will any tender of shares be accepted from or on
behalf of holders) in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or the
acceptance of any tender of shares therein would not be made in compliance with
the laws of such jurisdiction. The Offer is not being made, directly or
indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, or the United
States of America. 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 approximately euro 1.7
billion in revenues and 5,900 employees in over 45 countries when combined with
GTECH. For further information: AD HOC Communication
Advisors 02/7606741, Mario Pellegatta - Matteo Cidda 335/1415585. GTECH
contact: Robert K. Vincent Public Affairs 1-401-392-7452.
SOURCE: GTECH.
SCEL Launches Exciting New Game, Megamatch
6! COLUMBIA, South Carolina, USA
(January 30, 2008) -- Have you seen or heard the exciting new advertisements,
teasing the audience about a unique game called MegaMatch 6?
The South Carolina Education Lottery
(SCEL) is ready to reveal more about this new online game!
“MegaMatch 6 is the Lottery’s own rolling
jackpot game. That means if the jackpot is not won, the prize increases each
drawing until the jackpot is won,” explained
Ernie Passailaigue, SCEL
Executive Director. “Players will recognize the rolling jackpot style
from the Powerball® game. But this is the first game of this kind
that’s solely for the Palmetto State. We’re very excited about
MegaMatch 6,” Passailaigue continued. “MegaMatch 6 offers
players an exclusive play style with more ways to win.”
The MegaMatch 6 jackpot
begins at $550,000 and will increase by at least $25,000 for each drawing if
the jackpot is not won. The player chooses six numbers from 1 to 37 and the
terminal generates two more lines of six numbers each; each MegaMatch 6 ticket
consists of 18 numbers. Of the four ways to win, players can win a minimum of
$20 up to the jackpot by matching four or more numbers on a single line and/or
from $7 to $5,000 by matching as few as five numbers across all three lines.
Each play costs $5. The overall odds of winning are 1 in 7.2. Drawings will be
televised live on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 6:59 on SCEL’s draw
partners beginning on Tuesday, February 5. “Because MegaMatch 6 is a new game with a unique play
style, lottery staff is working closely with our more than 3,500 retailers to
train store owners, managers and clerks on how the game is played,”
said David Barden, SCEL Director of Marketing and Product Development.
“Players can also learn how the game works by stopping by their
favorite retailers for a lesson. Our staff will have simulated games to try,
and players can win prizes,” Barden added. “Visit our website,
www.sceducationlottery.com, for more details and retailer locations for the
MegaMatch 6 ‘How to Play’ training dates during launch week, February
4 through February 8. Our website also features an interactive simulator for
players to familiarize themselves with MegaMatch 6.”
Since its inception in 2002, the South Carolina Education
Lottery has launched more than 240 instant games and five online games.
Currently, SCEL offers 39 instant games and four online games. SCEL produces an
average of four new games each month in a variety of themes, play styles, and
price points of $1-$10. During the past six years, the support the South
Carolina Education Lottery has received from players and retailers is
responsible for the General Assembly appropriating more than $1.74 billion for
educational purposes through fiscal year 2008. SOURCE:
SCEL New Facility
Provides Scientific Games Sweden with Ideal Platform for Lottery System
Innovation STOCKHOLM, Sweden
(February 1, 2008) -- On January 11, Scientific Games Sweden completed its move
to its new, purpose-built premises located in the attractive Globen area
of Stockholm.
The offices
will provide an ideal facility for the staff to continue to supply
innovative lottery system functionality and support to Scientific Games
customers in Europe, with a focus on Scandinavia business.
Scientific Games’ new contact details are as
follows: Address: Arenavägen 27, Box 7034,
SE-121 07 Stockholm Globen, Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 702 57 00; Fax
+46 8 702 57 99 About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation is the leading integrated
supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to lotteries worldwide, a
leading supplier of server based gaming machines 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
SOURCE: Scientific Games Europe Scientific Games Signs Instant Ticket Printing
Contract with the China Sports Lottery
NEW YORK, USA (February 5, 2008) --
Scientific Games (Nasdaq: SGMS) today
announced that it has signed a contract for the manufacturing of instant
tickets with China Sports Lottery Printing, Ltd. ("CSLP"), in the People's
Republic of China ("PRC").
Through one of the
Company's joint ventures in China, Scientific Games will establish, working
together with the CSLP, a state of the art instant ticket manufacturing
facility at an existing CSLP location as soon as the press can be manufactured
and delivered. This facility will be operated by the joint venture for a
15-year period. Revenues to Scientific Games will be based on a percentage of
sales. Scientific Games Chairman and CEO Lorne Weil
stated, "We are honored and excited at the opportunity to work with the CSL
and its affiliate CSLP to help build a state-of-the art instant ticket printing
facility in the PRC. This project will facilitate the growth of CSL's instant
ticket lottery and enable it to become a world leader."
About Scientific Games Scientific Games Corporation is the leading integrated
supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to lotteries worldwide, a
leading supplier of server based gaming machines 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.
Company CONTACT: Investor Relations, Scientific Games
Corporation, 212-754-2233.
Lottery
Transfer Brings Education Lottery Fund Tally to Over $530
Million! RALEIGH, North Carolina
(January 31, 2008) -- The North Carolina
Education Lottery (NCEL) has made its second transfer for Fiscal Year
2007-2008 to the Education Lottery Fund bringing the total transferred since
inception to $530,274,659.
The NCEL transfer of
$75,085,858 to the State Education Lottery Fund is for sales for the 2nd
quarter (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) of the fiscal year. Gross sales for the quarter
were $222.1 million. “We are ecstatic that we
have been able to raise over half a billion dollars for education and we are
not even two years old yet,” said Tom Shaheen, NCEL executive director.
“All of us at NCEL are committed to providing quality products with
integrity, but most of all supporting our core mission of raising money for
education.” The NCEL made the electronic
transfer to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to be disbursed to these beneficiary programs: More at
Four; class size reduction; school construction; and college scholarships for
need-based students. The Department of Public Instruction will manage the
distribution of the funds for all the beneficiary programs except the college
scholarships, which will be handled by the North Carolina State Education
Assistance Authority. Since inception (March 30, 2006) through Jan. 29, 2008,
the NCEL has surpassed $1.6 billion total gross sales. SOURCE: NCEL.
CONTACT: Pamela Walker, Phone: (919)
301-3308.
Governor
Crist's Proposed 2008-09 Budget Supports Florida Lottery Priorities
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (, JANUARY
31, 2008) - Florida Lottery Secretary
Leo DiBenigno today applauded
Governor Charlie Crist's fiscal year 2008-09 budget recommendations for the
Florida Lottery. The proposals will allow the self-supporting,
revenue-generating state agency to boost profits and raise significant
additional dollars for Florida's public education system.
"The Florida Lottery's
success has been 20 years in the making. Our track record speaks for itself;
however, in order to achieve sizable benefits moving forward, our efforts must
be directed toward enhancing and supporting our strong product mix designed to
keep the agency as a strong partner for education," said Florida Lottery
Secretary Leo DiBenigno. "Governor Crist's recommended budget reflects his
support of our strategy and, more importantly, our commitment to Florida
students and schools." The proposed Lottery
allocations include $3.9 million for the leasing of instant ticket vending
machines (ITVMs) and an additional $5.1 million for strengthening advertising
activities, both expected to maximize Lottery revenues and generate more than
$30.9 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).
The Florida Lottery has experienced incredible sales
growth, especially over the past five years when overall growth averaged 12
percent per year, resulting in billions of dollars for vital education programs
- money raised without having to raise taxes. However, in its 20th year of
operation it is beginning to show signs of slowing growth, and a comprehensive
and aggressive strategy is necessary to out-perform Revenue Estimating
Conference (REC) projections for sales and EETF transfers.
The additional advertising expenditures, which will be
used to support game launches and enhancements, are expected to generate
approximately $18.5 million in EETF transfers. Additionally, Florida Lottery
forecasts indicate that the placement of just 1,000 ITVMs at retailer locations
throughout the state will generate more than $12.4 million for the EETF. A
Florida Lottery pilot study conducted in 2007 resulted in an average increase
in Scratch-Off ticket sales of 36 percent for retailers with ITVMs, and the REC
later confirmed that the net impact on the EETF would be positive. With
commitments from "big name" retailers, the agency is ready to install and begin
the operation of the machines as early as July 1, 2008.
Consistent with the
statutory requirement that the Florida Lottery function as much as possible as
an entrepreneurial business enterprise, the agency's success is dependent on
the effective implementation of a business model that focuses on the
development - in a responsive and responsible manner - of new revenue streams
to maximize profits and transfers to the EETF. "If
the Florida Legislature approves this budget, the Florida Lottery is committing
to raising more funds to support Bright Futures scholarships and other critical
education programs in our state," added Secretary DiBenigno.
Florida voters, by a two-to-one margin, approved a
constitutional amendment in 1986 authorizing the state to operate a lottery for
the purpose of generating significant additional moneys for education. Today,
Floridians continue to show their support by purchasing in excess of $4 billion
in Lottery products per year. For more information regarding the Florida
Lottery, its games and its contributions to education, visit
www.flalottery.com.
SOURCE: Florida Lottery.
CONTACT: Jacqueline
Barreiros, (850) 487-7727.
Another Reason
To Celebrate Friday – As The World’s Biggest Multinational Lottery
Comes to BBC One
Mega-jackpot EuroMillions lottery draw to be
screened on the BBC for the first time WATFORD (January 30, 2008) -- From 8 February 2008 there will
be millions more reasons to celebrate Friday nights, as
The National Lottery’s mega-jackpot
EuroMillions draw – the
world’s biggest multinational lottery game1 – is screened on the BBC
for the first time. The new EuroMillions show will be
alternately hosted by lottery favourites, Tim Vincent and Sarah Cawood, and
will feature in a new regular slot on BBC One at 11.35pm on Fridays.
EuroMillions players will
have even more reasons to be glued to their screens for the first draw show on
BBC – with a special £95 million estimated EuroMillions jackpot up
for grabs. As the jackpot cannot roll over, if no-one matches all five main
numbers and two Lucky Star numbers to win the jackpot, then the jackpot amount
will be shared between any winners in the next prize level down in that
draw. EuroMillions already made European lottery
history on Friday 3 February 2006 when the jackpot reached a record-breaking
£125 million. Glasgow postal administrator, Angela Kelly (40), also broke
all UK National Lottery records when she received an extra special delivery on
Friday 10 August 2007 last year – by winning the entire
£35,425,411.80 EuroMillions jackpot, she became the UK’s biggest
ever lottery winner. Dianne Thompson,
Camelot’s Chief Executive said:
”EuroMillions has already created some of the UK’s biggest lottery
winners, so I’m delighted that the draw now has a regular spot on the BBC.
With a special £95 million draw to celebrate I’m hoping that lucky
UK players will have good reason to thank their EuroMillions Lucky Stars on
Friday 8 February.” The new draw show will be
produced by Camelot’s broadcast partner, Initial – an Endemol
Company. The BBC One slot will be the first chance for UK television viewers to
see the EuroMillions draw which takes place in Paris on Friday between 8pm and
9pm UK time. For further information, please contact:
Charlotte Dixon, Corporate PR Manager, or Ben Rosier, Head of Media Relations.
Camelot Press Office: 020 7632 5711.
GSN Premieres
'BINGO AMERICA' on March 31 TV Icon Patrick Duffy Hosts Innovative New Game Show,
Weeknights at 7PM/6C SANTA MONICA,
California, USA (January 30, 2008) -- GSN announced today the premiere of BINGO
AMERICA, an original, 40-episode series, beginning Monday, March 31 at 7PM/6C.
Developed by executive producer Andrew Glassman, the fast-paced,
"free-to-play-along-and-win" new series blends all the classic elements
of trivia-based game shows with traditional bingo game-play. BINGO AMERICA and
host Patrick Duffy will be awarding cash and prizes to both on-air contestants
and at-home viewers in every episode.
"Andrew and his team
have created something unique that truly works for all kinds of GSN viewers --
traditional game show fans and engaged viewers who want to sit forward and play
along for real prizes," said Jamie Roberts, Senior Vice President of
Programming, GSN, upon making the announcement. "And we couldn't have found
a better fit than Patrick; we know our audience is really going to embrace
him." Said Glassman: "I'm looking forward to
bringing this new series to GSN's audience. They're one of the industry's most
enthusiastic fan-bases and with free, downloadable bingo cards, they'll be able
to play along and try to win every time they tune in."
BINGO AMERICA begins production in Los Angeles
today with Duffy making his game show hosting debut. Best known for his iconic
portrayal of Bobby Ewing in the Golden Globe-winning series "Dallas,"
Duffy also starred as Frank Lambert in the ABC hit, "Step By Step."
"The truth is, I love game shows. Especially the
classics. They're exciting to watch and fun to play along with because they're
real -- these people aren't characters," said Duffy. "I'm thrilled to be
working with GSN on a show like BINGO AMERICA that's based on such a widely
recognized and easy to play game." Putting a
unique spin on the traditional game show format with free, downloadable bingo
cards available at GSN.com, BINGO AMERICA invites every viewer to play along
while the on-air contestants compete for their own "Bingo." In addition
to "Bingo," viewers have another chance to cash-in during the show's
final round, the Bonus Game. In the Bonus Game, any viewer whose "bonus
numbers" (located at the bottom of every downloaded bingo card) match the
numbers selected on-air becomes an instant winner. And in keeping with GSN's
commitment to multi-platform interactive endeavors, fans of the show can also
receive "bonus numbers" via text messaging by simply texting BINGO to
94949 on their mobile phones.
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Andrew Glassman produces
the series for GSN via his production company, Glassman Media. Glassman's
production credits include "National Bingo Night," the "Average
Joe" and "The Ex-Wives" franchises, and the Amy Grant-hosted network
series, "Three Wishes." NO PURCHASE
NECESSARY. The Bingo America Home Viewer Sweepstakes is open only to legal
U.S. residents, 18 and older with Internet access and a valid email address.
Void where prohibited. Game cards available at GSN.com/Bingo on or about March
28, 2008. The Home Viewer Sweepstakes is a seeded instant win game; it is not a
state-sanctioned bingo game. Standard text message rates apply to any text
message sent or received; entrants requesting additional "bingo bonus
numbers" should check their wireless service plan for the exact rate.
See Official Rules at http://www.GSN.com/bingo for complete
details, including additional eligibility requirements, card availability
times, prize claim deadlines, odds of winning, and prize
descriptions/restrictions. GSN is an industry-leading, game content provider
distributing competition programming through its 66-million subscriber cable
television network and its casual and skill-based online games site, GSN.com.
As the premier television network for games, GSN produces some of the most
popular original casino and game show series on TV today. GSN.com features all
types of game play: flash games for fun, skill cash game tournaments and free
downloadable games. GSN is distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada by all
major cable operators, satellite providers and telcos. The company is jointly
owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further
information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.
SOURCE: GSN (http://www.gsn.com). British Columbia Lottery Corporation; Back by
Popular Demand: Millionaire Life RICHMOND, British Columbia, Canada (February 1, 2008) -
Today, British Columbia Lottery Corporation
kicked off the second edition of Millionaire Life at a launch event in downtown
Vancouver. Millionaire Life is the largest annuity game in Canadian history,
offering Canadians the chance to win $1 million a year for 25 years.
"After a sensational debut last year, Millionaire Life
is back. It's a thrilling raffle-style game that is only offered during
February. And at the end of the month, somebody will start living the
Millionaire Life. Think of what you would do with that type of cash every
year," said Jim Lightbody, Vice-President, Lottery Gaming.
Available from February 1 -
29, Millionaire Life is sold at three price-points:
- one ticket for $5;
- three for $10; or
- seven for $20.
Beyond the top prize of $1
million a year for 25 years, there are also four prizes of $1 million, 20
prizes of $100,000 plus a host of subsidiary prizes. Tickets can be purchased
at lottery retailers across the province. Players who
purchase their Millionaire Life tickets by February 16, will be eligible to win
one of the 16 Early Bird prizes of $100,000. More information on Millionaire
Life is available at www.bclc.com.
The first edition of Millionaire Life ran from February 1
- 28, 2007. Last year's winning ticket was purchased by two Winnipeg men, who
decided to take the prize as a lump sum of $17 million.
BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation reporting to the
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General through a Board of Directors.
Its mission is to offer responsible gaming entertainment, generating income for
the public good. For more information, please Contact:
British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Owen Gormley, (604) 247-3013 or Cell:
(604) 220-2915, Email: ogormley@bclc.com. La Française des Jeux Launches Its
Corporate Web-Site
www.francaisedesjeux.com
CEDEX, France (January 28, 2008) --
La Française des Jeux launches its
new corporate Internet site based on three major themes: the company La
Française des Jeux; sustainable development; games and winners.
The site provides the
latest news: results, the company’s contribution to causes of national
interest, careers, la Française des Jeux Corporate Foundation, cycling
team, etc.). Special reports are also online, such as, at the moment, a
follow-up of jackpot winners and the redistribution of stakes.
The site has opted to present information in an
educational, fun and interactive way. A number of videos (experts’
opinions on gaming in France, reports on paying out winnings, etc.) illustrate
the information in the different sections. In a
context of public debate, this site asserts the company’s motivation to
play a driving role in providing information on the games market in France in
general and lottery games and sports bets in particular.
For Christophe
Blanchard-Dignac, Chairman and CEO, “La Française des Jeux
is above all known by the general public for its products and performances. Via
this corporate site, it responds to demand to communicate more on its work, its
values and its commitment to society.” The
site intends to optimise its design and ergonomics, meet internet users’
expectations and promote editorial content. Its administration tool has been
developed by La Française des Jeux based on open technologies to make
maintenance and upgradeability easier. Around 150,000
people have visited the site www.francaisedesjeux.com since it
went online (source: Xiti). It rounds out the sales
offer available on the gaming site www.fdjeux.com. SOURCE: La Française des Jeux.
CONTACT: Press
Department, Patrick Germain – Sophie Royer, Tel.: +33 (0)1 41 10 33 82
– Fax: +33 (0)1 41 10 34 54 – E-mail:
presse@lfdj.com New Lottery Ticket to Award MET
Contracts
LANSING, Michigan (February
4, 2008) -- The Michigan Lottery is
taking its partnership with public education a step further with the launch of
the State of Michigan "green ticket". The $5
instant ticket, which goes on sale Feb. 4, features more than just the cash
that Lottery players are familiar with. It will award eight lucky Michigan
Lottery winners four-year Michigan Education Trust contracts valued up to
$47,000 each. The contracts will provide four years of college tuition to eight
Michigan youngsters chosen by the Lottery winners. The
State of Michigan ticket, patterned after the Lottery's first ticket that went
on sale in 1972 for 50-cents, commemorates the Lottery's 35 years of support of
public education. Since the Lottery was created in 1972 through a
Constitutional amendment, it has contributed all of its profits -- over $14
billion -- to Michigan public schools.
"The State of Michigan
ticket is an excellent way for us to take our support of public education to
the next level by providing Lottery players the opportunity to send eight lucky
children to college," said Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen. "All of
the Lottery's profits have always gone to public schools in Michigan but this
particular Lottery prize will give players the chance to have a direct impact
on one specific child's education." The Department
of Treasury, which administers the MET program, was pleased when Lottery
officials approached them with the State of Michigan ticket concept. "With
thousands of people playing the Michigan Lottery every day, this partnership
will enhance our efforts to educate parents, grandparents and others about the
importance of saving for college," said State Treasurer Robert J. Kleine.
"Those who are awarded MET contracts can rest assured the selected child's
future tuition is 'Set with MET'." MET contracts
will be awarded through second chance drawings to be conducted four times
between March and May 2008. Players can enter their non-winning State of
Michigan Lottery Instant tickets by mail or online at
www.playercity.net, where they will
find additional details about the MET prize. In
addition to the chance to win a four-year college education, the new green
ticket has two top cash prizes of $200,000 and over $6.9 million in prizes in
total. The Lottery's contribution of over $14 billion
in 35 years includes a record $748.9 million in fiscal year 2007. Over 95 cents
of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form
of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and
commissions to retailers. For additional information
on the State of Michigan green ticket, go to
http://www.michigan.gov/lottery/0,1607,7-110-29200_48954---,00.html.
SOURCE: Michigan Lottery Governor Appoints New Lottery
Commissioner WEST VIRGINIA, USA
(February 6, 2008) -- Donald C. Lucci, CIMA, Director – Investments, Citi
Institutional Consulting of Charleston, has been appointed by Governor Joe
Manchin to the seven-member West Virginia
Lottery Commission. Filling the unexpired term of
Robert Walker, of Huntington, Lucci will represent the “Certified
Public Account” category of the Commission until the term is completed
June 30, 2009. Enthused over the newest Commission
member, Lottery Director John
Musgrave said, “Don brings to the Commission a distinguished record
of personal accomplishment and professional achievement. He brings skills and
experience that will be invaluable to lottery operations.”
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A 1979 graduate of West
Virginia University, Lucci worked for five years as a Certified Public
Accountant prior to joining Smith Barney in 1984. By 1985 he was a member of
the firm’s Director’s Council, the top 5% of Financial Advisors
within Smith Barney, and earned the Senior Institutional Consultant designation
in 1996; he also holds the prestigious title of Certified Investment Management
Analyst. In 2006, Lucci was named an inaugural member
of Citi Institutional Consulting, a new business unit within Smith Barney
providing expanded investment consulting services to pension plan sponsors,
foundations, and other institutional investors. He was recently promoted to
Director – Investments. The West Virginia
Lottery Commission was created in 1985 to assist and advise the director of the
Lottery and to carry on a continuous study of lottery operations throughout the
state. The Governor, with the approval of the West Virginia Senate, appoints
members. In accordance with state law, the Lottery
Commission is required to have seven members comprised of a lawyer, a certified
public accountant, a computer expert, a marketing specialist, and one member
with not less than five years experience in law enforcement. An additional two
members represent the “public at large.”
No more than four of them may be from the same political
party. Unless filling an unexpired appointment, members serve overlapping terms
of five years and are eligible for successive appointments to the
Commission. SOURCE: West Virginia Lottery.
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