Deal: Georgia Lottery Transfers more than $1.14 Billion to Education

Record-breaking lottery profits fund HOPE Scholarship and Georgia Pre-K programs

ATLANTA, Georgia (July 19, 2018) -- Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that the Georgia Lottery Corp. transferred its fiscal year 2018 profits, a total of $1,143,514,000, to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education Account. This is the largest annual transfer on record, bringing the total funding raised for education programs to more than $19.8 billion during the 25-year history of the Georgia Lottery.

“Since 1993, the Georgia Lottery has funded critical education programs to prepare today’s students to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Deal. “By providing more than $19.8 billion of total funding for education, the lottery has given millions of our youngest learners a head start in their education while also keeping the best and brightest students in Georgia after high school.

With this year’s record-breaking profit transfer, the Georgia Lottery is continuing its exceptional work to help millions of children in Georgia attain a quality education from start to finish for a lifetime of opportunities.”

The Georgia Lottery celebrated its 25th anniversary in June, commemorating 25 years of funding Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program, Georgia’s Pre-K Program and capital outlay projects including technological upgrades for schools and universities across the state. More than 1.8 million students have received HOPE and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

“Our achievements are truly a team effort,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. “We are grateful to Gov. Deal and the legislature for their support. I also want to acknowledge our dedicated board of directors, employees, retail partners, business partners, and of course, our players. We remain focused on our mission to maximize revenues for HOPE and Pre-K. We understand that our success means success for Georgia’s students, families and communities.”

Fiscal year 2018 marks the third consecutive year that the Georgia Lottery has surpassed $1 billion in profits for education and the seventh consecutive year of growth in profits for education.

CONTACT: Office of Communications, T: (404) 651-7774.

SOURCE: Office of the Governor.

Arizona Lottery Sets New Sales and Payout Records in 2018

Retailers sell almost $1 billion in Scratchers® & draw tickets, more than $210 million paid to vital programs & services!

PHOENIX, Arizona (July 19, 2018) – The Arizona Lottery is celebrating a record-breaking Fiscal Year 2018 (July 2017 through June 2018), with combined sales from instant-win and draw games totaling $981 million!  Of that nearly $1 billion, more than $210 million benefits 18 vital Arizona programs and services, including:  the Arizona Game and Fish Department, through the Heritage Fund; the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC); and the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Arizona (CASA).  Additionally, lottery revenue generated more than $65 million in retailer commissions across the state.

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“The Arizona Lottery has worked hard, since the very beginning, to help make dreams come true for everyday Arizonans, by paying billions in prizes and awarding billions more to beneficiary agencies, which would otherwise rely on tax dollars to provide vital services to our most vulnerable populations and cherished natural resources,” Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery Gregg Edgar said.

“We are always looking for creative ways to expand our partnerships and serve our players for everyone’s benefit in Arizona.”

This record-breaking sales-year puts the Arizona Lottery on a path to meet or exceed fiscal year 2020 goals of $1 billion in sales and $250 million in return to beneficiaries.

Scratchers® is a registered service mark of the California Lottery.

About Arizona Lottery

Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated more than $3.9 billion in net funding in support of programs that help to improve the quality of life for the people of Arizona. Proceeds from Lottery ticket sales — nearly $4 million per week – fund programs in education, economic development, environmental conservation and health and human services.

The mission is to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.

CONTACT: John Turner Gilliland, (480) 921-4438 desk -- (602) 702-2758 cell – E: jgilliland@azlottery.gov.

SOURCE: Arizona Lottery press release.

Idaho Lottery Awards Two-Year Contract Extension To International Gamco

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada (July 23, 2018) -- Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (“Pollard Banknote”) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, International Gamco, Inc. (“International Gamco”) and its Oasis Gaming division, have received a two-year contract extension from the Idaho Lottery Commission (“Idaho Lottery”) for their PullTabs program. As a result, the International Gamco contract will be extended through June 30, 2021.

International Gamco has provided paper pull-tabs to the Lottery since 1995 and became the Lottery’s sole supplier in 2008. In 2012, the Lottery added electronic pull-tabs, available in age-controlled social establishments. Under the current contract, International Gamco provides pull-tab games, as well as overall service and support for the program.

“International Gamco and their staff in Idaho have been great partners for the Lottery,” said Jeff Anderson, Director of the Idaho Lottery. “Their professionalism and dedication to the Lottery’s PullTab program has been paramount in achieving consistent and growing player acceptance of the games year in and year out.”

“We truly appreciate the confidence the Idaho Lottery has in our company and our products,” said Scott Henneman, Vice President of International Gamco’s Oasis Gaming Division. “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Idaho Lottery and the contribution our products have made to the State’s Public Schools and Permanent Building Fund. We look forward to the continued growth of the PullTab program and in providing the best possible products and support to the Idaho Lottery.”

The Idaho Lottery aims to responsibly provide entertaining games with a high degree of integrity to maximize proceeds for education programs in Idaho. Since its inception in 1989 to FY 2017, the Lottery has returned more than $792 million to the State’s Public School Building Account and the Permanent Building fund. For more information, please visit idaholottery.com.

About International Gamco and Oasis Gaming

International Gamco, a Pollard Banknote company, is a major supplier of charitable and lottery paper pulltab games in the United States and international markets. Known for its game innovation, quality products and customer service, International Gamco has provided pulltabs for over 35 years. Oasis Gaming, a division of International Gamco, is an industry leader in digital finite, central determination gaming for over 25 years. Oasis Gaming has provided gaming solutions to lotteries and charitable gaming in various United States and international markets.

For more information on Oasis Gaming, visit: www.oasisgamingusa.com.

Learn more about International Gamco at www.intlgamco.com.

About Pollard Banknote

Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high quality instant ticket products, licensed games, and a full suite of digital offerings ranging from game apps to comprehensive player engagement and iLottery solutions, including strategic marketing and management services. The company is a proven innovator and has decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement, sales, and proceeds for good causes. Pollard Banknote also plays a major role in providing pull-tab tickets, bingo paper and its Diamond Game and Oasis-branded electronic ticket machines to charitable and other gaming markets in North America. Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 67.6% by the Pollard family and 32.4% by public shareholders, and is publicly traded on the TSX (PBL). For more information, please visit our website at www.pollardbanknote.com.

For more information CONTACT:

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote.

GLI President/CEO James Maida Honored with OIGA’s Modern Day Warrior Award in Recognition of 20+ Years of Dedication to Oklahoma Indian Gaming

GLI Appearing at OIGA Trade Show; GLI Experts to Address Attendees

LAKEWOOD, NJ (July 24, 2018) – Gaming Laboratories International’s (GLI®) President/CEO James Maida has been a supporter of Oklahoma Indian gaming for more than 20 years, and now the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association has honored Maida as a recipient of the organization’s prestigious Modern Day Warrior Award.

“I am honored to be named a Modern Day Warrior by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association,” Maida said. “Working in the Oklahoma gaming industry over the last 20 years has been my absolute privilege, and I am humbled to get this award from this incredible group of people.”

Maida’s involvement with Oklahoma Tribes dates back to the beginning of tribal gaming in the state. Maida served as a fact witness in multiple cases in Oklahoma’s pre-compact era, such as the landmark Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma et al v. the National Indian Gaming Commission et al and cases involving Mega Mania, Lucky Tab II Pull-Tab Game, Tab Force, and Wild Ball Bingo. These cases set the stage for gaming in Oklahoma as it is known today, and Maida’s testimony, along with many others, was critical to the proceedings.

GLI President/CEO James Maida Honored with OIGA’s Modern Day Warrior Award

GLI was involved with both parties in helping negotiate their initial compacts and the language adopted by referendum by the voters of Oklahoma. GLI has been doing testing for Oklahoma Tribes since 2004, and the company has issued more than 66,500 certifications, helping Tribes ensure compliance and protect their investments.

Sheila Morago, Executive Director, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, said, “The Modern Day Warrior Award is the highest honor OIGA bestows upon individuals who have dedicated tireless effort and support to champion the cause of Oklahoma Tribal Gaming. James Maida has been on the front line of defense for the rights and sovereignty of the nations that comprise the Indian Gaming Industry, and we are pleased to honor him for his dedication and leadership.”

Mike McBride III, Chair of the Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group at Crowe & Dunlevy, added, “James Maida has been at the forefront of gaming technology and regulation. He is a modern-day gaming pioneer. In Indian gaming he has helped fight to protect ‘maximum flexibility’ with the emergence of new technology for Class II gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He has led and helped to craft a stable regulatory regime that has allowed Indian gaming to flourish across the country.”

GLI will be in booth #1015 at the OIGA trade show discussing its many tribal-focused products and services. The company has been testing Class II gaming products since 1989, longer than any other test lab, is a longtime OIGA supporter, and has been an Associate Member of NIGA since 1999.

Leading GLI’s presence at OIGA is Senior Client Services Representative Blaine Preston. Preston, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, brings more than 15 years of professional experience in regulatory technical compliance, risk management, and security operations to GLI’s clients.

GLI experts will lend their insights to three panels during the show. First, Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel Kevin P. Mullally will moderate a timely sports-betting panel titled “The Post-PASPA Era Begins.”

Then Vice President of Global Marketing Christie Eickelman is co-presenting with the President and Chair of Global Gaming Women on the subject “Essential Skills for Workplace Success.” Last, Compliance Manager Peter Wolff is participating on the panel “Ball and Dice – What You Need to Know!” which will cover the legal, regulatory, and electronic rules pertaining to Craps and Roulette.

About Gaming Laboratories International

Gaming Laboratories International, LLC delivers the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services. GLI’s laboratory locations are found on six continents, and the company holds U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, and 17065 standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.

CONTACT: Christie Eickelman, Vice President of Global Marketing, T: +1 (702) 914-2220 or E; c.eickelman@gaminglabs.com.

SOURCE: Gaming Laboratories International, LLC.

Massachusetts State Lottery Produces Estimated $986 Million-Plus in Net Profit for the Commonwealth

Record-setting revenues result in highest ever commissions and bonuses for retailers and all-time prize payout for players

MASSACHUSETTS (July 24, 2018) -- Treasurer Deborah Goldberg announced today that the Massachusetts State Lottery produced an estimated $986 million-plus in net profit for the Commonwealth during the 2018 fiscal year which began on July 1, 2017 and ended June 30, 2018. This would be the third highest total in the Lottery’s 47-year history, with the potential to become the second highest when the final statement of operations is completed. The Lottery’s record net profit of $1.035 billion was set in the 2017 fiscal year.

Lottery revenues rang in at an estimated record high of $5.285 billion, surpassing the previous record of $5.233 billion in FY 2016 by approximately $52 million and topping last year’s total of $5.097 billion by approximately $188 million. It is the fourth consecutive year that revenues have eclipsed the $5 billion mark.

“The performance of the Lottery is critically important for all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth,” said Treasurer Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. “I am proud that we have continued to maximize essential funding for unrestricted local aid in a challenging retail environment.”

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The Lottery’s network of retailers earned a record $302.9 million in commissions and bonuses in FY 2018, surpassing the $300 million mark for the first time ever. With approximately 7,500 retailers, that amounts to an average of $40,000 in income for each of the Lottery’s retail partners.

FY 2018’s record-setting revenue figure was bolstered by the continued growth of Keno and several high-performing new instant tickets, led by the “$50, $100 and $500 Blowout” tickets that featured prizes exclusively of those amounts, the first game of its kind in Massachusetts.  Overall, instant tickets accounted for an estimated $3.593 billion in sales, a 2.1 percent increase over last fiscal year’s total of $3.517 billion.

Monitor game sales, which include the Keno and All or Nothing games, hit the $1 billion mark for the first time since the launch of Keno in 1993, combining for an estimated $1.006 billion in sales. With estimated sales of $996.9 million in FY 2018, a new record for Keno sales was established. Keno sales increased an estimated 9.0 percent over last fiscal year’s total of $914.7 million.

With an estimated 73.6 percent of all revenue returned to players in the form of winnings in FY 2018, the Lottery set another record by paying out an estimated $3.891 billion in prizes.  Prize payouts can fluctuate from year to year based on the schedule or rate at which players cash in their prizes.

Lottery players won 194 prizes valued at $1 million or more, highlighted by the record-setting $758.7 million Powerball jackpot won by Mavis Wanczyk of Chicopee on August 23, 2017.  Wanczyk chose the cash option on her prize and received a lump sum payment of $480,500,936. (The prize liability on jackpot prizes in multi-state games is shared by all participating lotteries based on their respective sales).

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The net profit and prize payout totals both include a $1 million a year for life prize (20-year minimum) that was awarded in FY 2018 in the Billion Dollar Blockbuster instant ticket game that ended in March of 2018.

The Lottery’s administrative costs remained approximately 1.9 percent of overall revenues, the lowest of any U.S. lottery.

Additionally, during FY 2018 the Lottery began replacing the 20-year old agent terminals. Approximately 75 percent of the new terminals are in place and the project remains within its budget and on schedule.

“With record-setting revenues, near record net profit, and a $758.7 million jackpot winner, all while implementing a major operational conversion, this has been a very exciting year for the Lottery,” said Michael Sweeney, the Lottery’s Executive Director.  “These accomplishments are made possible by the hard work and dedication of our workforce and retail partners in collaboration with the strong support provided by the Treasury and our commissioners.”

While the FY 2018 figures have not been formally audited, the Lottery does not expect them to change substantially once that annual review process is complete.  Lottery officials anticipate completing the finalized financial statement of operations by mid-September.

The Massachusetts State Lottery was created in 1972 to generate much-needed local aid revenues for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.  Since its inception, the Lottery has returned more than $26 billion in net profit to the Commonwealth. For more information about the state Lottery, please visit www.masslottery.com.

SOURCE: The Massachusetts State Lottery.

WyoLotto Transfers Another Record Breaker to Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyoming (July 23, 2018) -- On July 5, WyoLotto™ transferred $1,474,346.49 to the State Treasurer’s Office, where the funds will be distributed to Wyoming’s cities, towns and counties. This is the highest amount ever transferred to the state since the launch of the Wyoming Lottery in 2014, barely beating out the last transfer (April 2018) that was also a record breaker at the time.

“It’s big news for us on the lottery team to break records with back to back transfer amounts,” Jon Clontz said.

“Our team is extremely motivated to deliver great games and products to our Wyoming players, but we are also equally motivated by the amounts we are able to transfer quarterly back to the state we all love. It’s rewarding,” Clontz concluded.

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It’s not just the cities, towns and counties that are winning in Wyoming, so are the players. Since the lottery opened its doors, it has paid more than $43,000,000 in winnings to players across all four products the lottery sells.

The latest WyoLotto big winner has chosen to remain anonymous, but hit a $2 million Powerball ticket at the Maverik convenience store in Mills on the May 5th drawing.

When asked what took the winner so long to come forward, they stated “I put the ticket in my wallet to get home, then added it to the other tickets on the table. “I only check my tickets every couple of months and could not believe it when I finally checked! The whole thing is very surreal!” they added.

To receive updates and notifications about Cowboy Draw, Mega Millions, Powerball or Lucky for Life visit wyolotto.com/signup.

About Wyoming Lottery Corp.

 The Wyoming Lottery Corp. is a corporate business entity established by House Bill 77 in the 2013 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Matt Mead. The corporation operates as a private business and does not employ state employees or use state tax money. State law requires Lottery revenue to be distributed to cities, towns and counties based on ticket sales. 

CONTACT: Brooklyn Schacht, WyoLotto, Phone: 307-365-8260, Email: brooklyn@warehousetwentyone.com.

SOURCE: The Wyoming Lottery Corp.

FY 2018: Record Sales & Prizes to Players in a Well-Rounded Year for Iowa Lottery

Lottery’s Annual Results Are in Its Overall Top 2

CLIVE, Iowa  (July 20, 2018) -- A fourth straight year of record sales for instant-scratch tickets led the Iowa Lottery to achieve record sales overall and annual results in its Top 2 as it finished fiscal year 2018 well ahead of budget projections, amid other significant achievements.

“We have just finished an astounding year on several fronts,” Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich said Friday. “With strong sales, another clean audit, strong support for ‘play responsibly’ messages and an international award for gaming compliance in the long-running jackpot investigation case, it was a well-rounded, successful year for our organization.”

Preliminary figures released Friday show that the Iowa Lottery generated nearly $87.1 million in proceeds to state causes in FY 2018, which ended June 30. That was second-highest proceeds total in the lottery’s 33-year history and the fifth time that its annual proceeds topped the $80-million mark.

Total annual lottery sales were a record $371 million, exceeding the $300-million mark for the seventh year in a row. And, lottery players won a record $227.5 million in prizes during the year.

Iowa Lottery Board Chair Mary Rathje of Marion, manager of her family’s construction company there, said she was gratified to see positive results on several fronts, including a clean audit for the lottery for FY 2017 from the State Auditor’s Office, and record exposure for play responsibly messages in March as part of the lottery’s support for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. 

“Success for an organization is measured in many ways, and as Board members we look to see that the lottery is positioned well,” she said. “The gaming-compliance award that the Iowa Lottery received in April emphasized the security and integrity behind its games, and the lottery also had the chance to emphasize responsible play throughout the year. Those are factors that I believe mean the lottery can continue to serve Iowa well.”

The unaudited results released Friday show that Iowa Lottery sales in FY 2018 increased 5.3 percent from the previous year’s total of $352.2 million. Lottery proceeds to state causes for the year increased 7.8 percent while prizes to players increased 5.5 percent from the previous year’s total.

In general, the type of lottery product that sells best in a given time period has a big impact on overall lottery results.

In a year like FY 2018 when scratch tickets sell particularly well, lottery profits overall will likely be a smaller percentage of total sales simply because scratch games have a smaller profit margin. Sales in lotto games are largely jackpot driven and can therefore fluctuate greatly from week to week and year to year, while sales of scratch games, pull-tab games and InstaPlay games are more consistent over time.

Scratch-game sales in Iowa, which have set records consecutively since FY 2015, totalled $244.3 million, an increase of nearly $7 million from the previous record for that product set the year before. Rich noted that sales growth for scratch games in Iowa is far outpacing the rest of the country. He said that scratch-ticket sales in Iowa increased 89 percent from FY 2007 to FY 2017, compared to the national average 58 percent increase during that same timeframe.

“Those results are something that truly shows the strength of our team’s efforts,” Rich said. “By working to keep a mix of game themes, price points and playstyles in the field, and by coming up with some really inventive game ideas, we’ve driven the success of our leading product.”

Powerball and Mega Millions, both lotto games offered across the country and known for their large jackpots, saw sales increases in FY 2018 in Iowa.

Rich thanked retailers for their work in serving lottery customers and selling tickets, noting that local businesses across the state received $24.2 million in annual sales commissions from the lottery, an increase of about 5.7 percent from the previous year.

Another highlight for the year was the $2.5 million the lottery raised for the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund to benefit our state’s veterans and their families. The lottery now has raised nearly $25 million for the Veterans Trust Fund since it began providing proceeds to that cause in 2008. 

Here is a year-to-year comparison of annual lottery sales by product:

* The All or Nothing game ended sales on June 30, 2017, while Hot Lotto ended on Oct. 28, 2017. The Lotto America game debuted Nov. 12, 2017.                                                        

Since the Iowa Lottery's start in 1985, its players have won nearly $4.2 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised nearly $1.9 billion for state programs.

Today, lottery proceeds in Iowa have three main purposes: They provide support for our state’s veterans and their families through the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund; help for a variety of significant projects through the state General Fund; and backing for the Vision Iowa program, which was implemented to create tourism destinations and community attractions in the state and build and repair schools.

For additional information, CONTACT: Iowa Lottery External Relations, Mary Neubauer, T: (515) 725-7906, E: mneubauer@ialottery.com.

SOURCE: Iowa Lottery press release.

Wisconsin Lottery Packers Scratch-Off Games Offer Fans a Chance to Win Packers Club Seat Season Tickets

Celebrating nine years of partnership with the Green Bay Packers

MADISON, Wisconsin (July 19, 2018) -- The Wisconsin Lottery announces new Packers scratch tickets that offer fans a chance to win Club Seat season tickets for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 regular season home games at Lambeau Field.

The Packers scratch games are some of the Lottery's fastest and best-selling scratch games. Since the Lottery began teaming up with the Packers in 2010, it has sold more than $63 million worth of tickets, which goes towards property tax relief for Wisconsinites. "We appreciate our partnership with the Green Bay Packers and look forward to another successful year," said Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin.

Packers Scratch Games Sales History

• Ninth year the Wisconsin Lottery and Green Bay Packers have partnered to offer unique Lottery tickets
• 2017 sales: $11.4 million
• Total sales since 2010: $63.1 million

Sales of the $1 "Go Scratch Go!" ticket, the $5 "Pack Attack" ticket, and the $10 "100 Seasons" ticket, start Friday, July 20. Players who don't win instant cash prizes on these three 2018 Packers instant scratch games can mail in $5 worth of non-winning tickets to the address on the back of the ticket for a chance to win the Super 2nd Chance drawing.

2019 Bonus Drawing Grand Prize – Club Seat Season Tickets Prize Package:

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• Winner will receive two Club Seat tickets for two seasons (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) to all Green Bay Packers regular season home games at Lambeau Field:
  -- One parking pass for each home game in each of the two seasons
  -- Two pre-game field passes for one game in each of the two seasons
  -- Post-season home game ticket allotments for each of the two seasons
  -- One $1,500 Club Level food and beverage vouchers for each of the two seasons
  -- One two-night hotel stay for each of the two seasons in a Green Bay area hotel o
  -- One $3,000 MasterCard™ gift card for weekend entertainment (spa, golf, etc.)
  -- One $3,000 Packers Pro Shop or PackersProShop.com gift card
  -- One Green Bay Packers Helmet autographed by a current Packers player
  -- One Green Bay Packers swag bag

Other Prizes

• 95 MVP tailgate party packages to either the Festival Foods MVP Deck or Miller Lite Lounge for one 2019-2020 Packers regular season home game includes:
  -- Food and non-alcoholic beverages
  -- Two pre-game field passes to participate in holding the American Flag during the National Anthem
  -- One $50 Packers Pro Shop gift card o One Green Bay Packers Helmet autographed by a current Packers player
  -- 100 five-hundred dollar ($500) gift cards to be used at the Packers Pro Shop or PackersProshop.com
  -- $1 Go Scratch Go ticket: win up to $700
  -- $5 Pack Attack ticket: win up to $30,000
  -- $10 100 Seasons ticket: win up to $45,000

Entries must be received through U.S. Mail by Tuesday, February 29, 2019

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 6, 2019

The 2018 Grand Prize winner of an Ultimate Packers Weekend Package was Scott Anderson of Racine. He will receive four Club Seat tickets for one 2018 Packers regular season home game, food & non-alcoholic beverages, four pre-game sideline passes, four passes for a private behind-the-scenes tour of Lambeau Field, Saturday lunch for four, Saturday

dinner for four with two Packers Alumni, four passes for the Packers Hall of Fame, two hotel rooms for four days and three nights, one $3,000 MasterCard™ gift card, one $4,000 Packers Pro Shop or PackersProShop.com gift card, one autographed Green Bay Packers helmet and one autographed Green Bay Packers jersey.

More information on the Wisconsin Lottery Packers games is available online at www.wilottery.com

CONTACT: Wisconsin Lottery Communications, T: 608.261.8412 or, E: WILotteryCommunications@wisconsin.gov

SOURCE: Wisconsin Lottery.

Svenska Spel Report Continued High Growth in Mobile Phone Sales

SWEDEN (July 19, 2018) -- Svenska Spel's second quarter is characterized by continued high growth in the mobile phone, increased sports offer, turnover beyond expectations in connection with the World Cup, and preparations for a new gaming market.

Online gaming revenues are reduced to SEK 2,082 million, which is 3.9 percent lower than the same quarter last year. The result of MSEK 973 represents a decrease of 11.5 percent, and the operating margin is 19.1 percent lower than the previous year (21.1). It is mainly revenue stakes for Vegas vending machines that affect earnings and that preparations for a new gaming market are ongoing with high intensity, which also results in significantly higher costs.

Sales online grow by 20 percent, of which mobile phone sales increase by 42 percent compared with the same quarter last year.

"Customers respond positively to the news we deliver, online gaming revenue excluding Vegas is on par with last year, despite the fact that more and more volunteers turn off or break from gaming," says Lennart Käll, President and CEO of Svenska Spel.

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During the quarter Svenska Spel launched Rubbet, a new package of all song games in a purchase, and the range of sports games has been expanded in terms of life games. Throughout June, approximately 44,500 matches and sporting events have been offered, compared to 25,900 the same period last year. The World Cup has made a lot of commitment in all categories of customers and the turnover target has already been exceeded before the championship is finished.

In parallel with the regular activities, Svenska Spel is working with the adaptation of the business to meet the legal requirements of the new gaming market, which will enter into force on January 1, 2019. As of June 1, the Group has been divided into three business areas, Sports & Casino, Tour, and Casino Cosmopol & Vegas, to create a clearer focus and secure the competition law aspects of a new gaming market.

"We are still strong as the entire Swedish people's gaming company and meet customer demand for gaming experience with an expanded range and product development. Customers continue to give us high ratings in our satisfied customer index, and with broad margins we have the highest image value of the gaming companies. We look forward to the new gaming market, says Lennart Käll.

Swedish Spel CEO Lennart Source resigns as previously announced in this interim report and Patrik Hofbauer appointed new President and CEO by mid-December 2018.

In the period until the Swedish Spel's current Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Marie Loob acting president.

April - June in brief

• Net gaming revenues for the Group amounted to 2,082 MSEK (2, 167), a decrease of 3.9%.
• Net gaming revenue online increased 20 percent, with mobile phone increased by 42 percent compared to the same quarter last year.
• Net gaming revenue for Vegas Vegas decreased by 71 MSEK, a decrease of 24 percent.
• Increased costs for switching to new gaming market and adjustment to GDPR amounted to MSEK 51 during the quarter.
• Operating profit for the Group amounted to MSEK 975 (1 100), a decrease of 11.4%.
• The result for the Group amounted to 973 MSEK (1 100), a decrease of 11.5%.
• The operating margin was 19.1% (21.1).

Significant events during the quarter

• New sponsorship agreements signed with the Swedish Football Association and Elitfotboll Dam. The agreements amount to a total value of SEK 385 million and apply until 2023.
• New cooperation agreement signed with Svenska Handbollförbundet and Swedish Elithandboll. The agreement lasts for three years at a value of approximately 36 MSEK.
• A new three-year agreement with the Swedish E-Sport Association.
• About 22 700 customers were voluntarily suspended from games by the end of June (the previous quarter approximately 21 100).

Here you can read Interim Report January - June 2018.

SOURCE: Svenska Spel press release.

AGTech’s Lottery Terminal Wins Two More Hardware Bids in Zhejiang Province and Jilin Province

HONG KONG, SAR (July 19, 2018) – AGTech Holdings Limited (“AGTech” or the “Company”, HKEX stock code: 08279) is delighted to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing AGTech GOT Technology Co., Ltd. (“GOT”), has won two more lottery hardware bids for China Sports Lottery in Zhejiang Province and Jilin Province, bringing the total number of successful bids for GOT in 2018 to 10 following the winning bids in Guangxi, Jilin, Hunan, Guizhou, Shanghai, Hebei, Henan and Jiangsu.

The successful bids further solidify the continued competitiveness of AGTech’s lottery terminals. With over 66,900 lottery terminal units manufactured by GOT currently in use today, GOT has nearly half of China Sports Lottery’s lottery hardware terminal market share nationwide, reaffirming our industry leading position and continued commitment in China’s lottery hardware market.

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John Sun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AGTech, said, “In 2018, GOT has already won 10 tenders in various provinces, municipality and autonomous region across China, further demonstrating our hardware division’s continued dedication to and leading position in China’s lottery industry. As we continue to enhance product innovation, safety and R&D compliance of lottery hardware, we expect to continue to contribute to the overall healthy development of China's lottery market.”

About AGTech Holdings Limited

AGTech was incorporated in Bermuda and its shares are listed on the GEM (Stock Code: 08279). AGTech is an integrated technology and services company engaged in the lottery and mobile games and entertainment market with a focus on China and selected international markets. A member of the Alibaba Group with around 400 employees, AGTech is the exclusive lottery platform of Alibaba Group and Ant Financial Group.

AGTech’s businesses are broadly divided into two categories:

• Lottery (including games and systems, hardware and distribution); and

• Games and Entertainment.

AGTech is a Gold Contributor of the World Lottery Association (WLA), an associate member of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association (APLA), an official organizer and operator of the competition card games Guan Dan and Two-on-One Poker in China, and an official partner of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).

For more information, please visit: www.agtech.com.

For enquiries, please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia:

SOURCE: AGTech Holdings Limited press release.

Lotto Baden-Württemberg Report 4.4 Percent Increase for 1H 2018

CEO Says: Gambling Supervision Requires More Staff

BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, Germany (July 17, 2018) -- The stakes at the State Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg increased in the first half of the year. The Tipper in the southwest compared to 2017 about 21 million euros more. However, the joy is restrained by managing director Georg Wacker.

The lottery boss is critical of the illegal gambling providers who aggressively promote themselves throughout the country: Wacker demands: "Gambling supervision must eliminate the lawless areas consistently."

From January to the end of June, Baden-Wuerttembergers invested 494.7 million euros in the state-owned company. This is an increase of 20.7 million euros or 4.4 percent compared to the first half of 2017. The European lottery Eurojackpot contributed significantly to this result. By contrast, the core product Lotto 6aus49 recorded significant losses.

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Lotto CEO Georg Wacker said: "We are pleased about the plus, but must not hide the growing threat to state-regulated gambling. Online providers of tax havens are increasingly digging our way with illegal lottery betting and aggressive advertising."

Gamblers on these "black lottery bets" bet on the Internet on the outcome of the state's original lotteries. "Most Tipper do not know that they play with illegal product pirates," emphasized Wacker. Also because the providers, especially in private television and large tabloids massively promote themselves - despite clear prohibition.

The lottery boss stressed that the consistent enforcement of the existing laws in the gambling sector is overdue. Especially with regard to the staffing of the supervisory authorities, there is considerable pent-up demand compared to other European countries.

236 million euros distributed to the tippers / common good benefits with 188 million euros from the revenues

The State Toto-Lotto GmbH distributed in the first half-year 235.9 million euros to the players in Baden-Württemberg. The gaming company generated around 187.8 million euros for the country. The amount is made up of 82.9 million euros in lottery tax and 104.9 million euros in profits.

The country's betting funds are used to promote sport, art and culture, preservation of monuments and the social sector in Baden-Württemberg - in the 2018 financial year, totalling 132.4 million euros.

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Registration for the 2018 APLA Regional Conference is now open!

Nine million goals, 22 Lotto-sixes and 85 winnings over 100,000 euros

In 2018, Lotto Baden-Württemberg has so far received 85 profits of € 100,000 or more. 22 lottery players succeeded in the proverbial "sixes". There were nine million goals across all varieties, all of which were paid out. A tipster from the vicinity of Freiburg achieved in March the largest single win of the year in the southwest. The lucky guy was happy about exactly 14,033,931.60 euros from the classic Lotto 6aus49 - completely tax-free and paid in one fell swoop.

The Baden-Württemberg citizens were also successful in the European lottery Euro Jackpot: Millions of profits were generated here in Mannheim, near Heidelberg, in the district of Reutlingen and Radolfzell on Lake Constance. Vortex caused the Euro Jackpot an exceptionally long jackpot phase. The lottery's profit pot capped at 90 million euros remained in May, June and July in seven consecutive drawings untouched. That never happened before.

Geolotterie Logeo is set

No future in the product portfolio of the country company has the Geo Lottery Logeo. The last draw of the weekly lottery is on the 30th of July. "So charming the game idea of a geobased lottery, so little expected this product," said Wacker. To exceed the break-even point, more than 40,000 game orders would have had to be submitted weekly.

On average, only about half of them received. "That's why we had to pull the ripcord for business reasons," Wacker continued. The idea of Logeo was to achieve the guaranteed top prize of 100,000 euros with the geo coordinates of his home address. The lottery was based on the model of Scandinavian countries in March 2017 in Baden-Württemberg at the start.

SOURCE: Lotto Baden-Württemberg.

The year’s Best and Most Innovative Technologies on Show at the Australasian Gaming Expo

SYDNEY, Australia (July 18, 2018) -- Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) will showcase the latest technologies and educational seminars changing the way we do business at ICC Sydney. The three-day event, now in its 29th year, will be held 14-16 August and is the ‘must attend’ event for all suppliers and buyers working within hotels, clubs and casinos.

Experts within the gaming industry will discuss a range of pertinent topics relating to all levels of the sector, to generate robust conversation on the impact of new technologies, gaming, regulation and streamlining F&B.

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On the back of strong seminar and educational sessions, 2018 will see further emphasis on education and professional development. This year’s program will host representatives from government, regulation, technology, gaming, communications, research and more, to offer an informative and holistic view of the industry.

Nadine Grinblat, Chief Executive, Australasian Gaming Council, will moderate the “Spotlight on Responsible Gaming” panel on Day Two of the show,

“The panel will examine the challenges and trends in responsible gaming and provide and the purpose they serve. Responsible gambling is a somewhat contested term, this discussion will explore the important role in limiting consumption under safe thresholds.”

Scoring in the top 15% of trade shows worldwide for visitor and exhibitor satisfaction according to a recent Explori report[1], AGE stands for future sustainability and growth of the industry. This is highlighted by its sell-out show floor.

AGE exhibitors will showcase their latest technologies, newest products and unique thrills for everyone heading to Sydney.

IGT are showcasing the next evolution of the popular CrystalDual-i cabinet, the CrystalDual-i 27, along with a stellar selection of new games; Wheel Shot™, Star Stax™ and Fortune Gong™. Also featured are IGT’s overseas offerings; skill-based, 3D and 4D gaming experiences.

SprintQuip is NGS $50 ready. They will be featuring a new beta cash recycling product that facilitates a streamlined and cost-effective approach to managing cash in transit.

Cocktails Machine demonstrates how cocktail making has become an artform. With the touch of a button on the app, bar staff can prepare cocktails with confidence following simple step-by-step instructions to create and serve even the most sophisticated cocktails.

Cashpoint Payment Solutions will feature myPOS, Point of Sale solution software that with your existing gaming systems and provides cash management information, stock and warehouse control and real-time reporting at your fingertips 24/7.

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Innova Group will be showcasing invigorated ‘light-base’ gaming stools – a result of 18-months of research and development to deliver what the industry was crying out for.

Ross Ferrar, Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Technologies Association, tips the 2018 show to be the best yet.

“AGE strives to deliver a bigger and better show year on year for all of our stakeholders. With a core focus on technology and the sustainability of the gaming industry, we believe 2018 will deliver maximum value and a truly enjoyable experience for visitors, exhibitors and sponsors.”

Australasian Gaming Expo is the world’s third largest hospitality and gaming tradeshow and will take place at International Convention Centre Sydney, 14-16 August 2018.

For more information or to register, visit austgamingexpo.com.

About Australasian Gaming Expo

14-16 August 2018, International Convention Centre, Sydney

Established in 1990, Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) is the world’s third largest hospitality and gaming tradeshow. Featuring well over 200 exhibitors, welcoming more than 6,000 attendees across 19,000m2 of exhibition space, AGE is the biggest event of its type in Australia.

AGE is the place to see new international products and services, network, attend thought-provoking seminars, seek business partners and generate sales.

SOURCE: Australasian Gaming Expo.