IGT PlayShot Sports Betting Platform Powers DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook

LONDON, U.K. (November 19, 2018) -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its PlayShot™ sports betting platform powers DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook -- the newest sports betting destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

IGT is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships...

Through IGT's PlayShot technology, patrons of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort can now place pre-match and in-play sports wagers over the counter. Pending regulatory approval, the casino will deploy additional IGT sports betting peripherals such as kiosks and mobile technology as the regional sports betting market evolves.

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"Scarlet Pearl Casino prioritizes offering our guests 'A New Way' to enjoy gaming entertainment," said LuAnn Pappas, Scarlet Pearl Casino General Manager and CEO. "By leveraging IGT's PlayShot sports betting technology and the expertise of the DraftKings team, we were able to quickly make our vision for a state-of-the-art sportsbook for the Mississippi Gulf Coast a reality and to offer our guests a reliable betting experience with a familiar brand."

"We wish to congratulate Scarlet Pearl Casino for opening an exceptional sports betting venue featuring IGT PlayShot sports betting technology," said Enrico Drago, IGT Senior Vice President PlayDigital. "The IGT platform and the expertise and appeal of the DraftKings brand combine to deliver a truly world-class sports betting solution that elevates the entertainment experience for sports fans in Mississippi."

About IGT

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Digital and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

About Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (scarletpearlcasino.com) boasts 300 modern hotel rooms, a variety of dining options, a boutique and the Gulf Coast's most modern gaming floor. With over 1,170 slots including 80 video poker machines, 37 table games, and now DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook, guests are sure to discover "The New Way" to win. Scarlet Pearl also features an event center and a championship level miniature golf course.

IGT CONTACTS:

• Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada (401) 392-7452
• Michelle Schenk, Global Communications, Gaming (702) 669-8177
• Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries
• James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401) 392-7190

SOURCE: IGT.

Inteltek Announces the Creation of a Global Software Development Center in Turkey

ATHENS, Greece (November 22, 2018) -- On November 21, 2018, Inteltek, the joint venture of Turkcell and INTRALOT, capitalizing on 15 years of successful operation of the iddaa game, announces its plans for the creation of a global research and software development center in the area of mobile games in Turkey. In the first phase this center will employ 100 engineers.

Through this investment Inteltek aims to leverage the talent of Turkish youth for the creation and export of technology and software internationally and contribute towards the transformation of Turkey into a global center of excellence for software development.

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The new venture is expected to have a significant impact in boosting Turkey΄s footprint and international competitiveness in a high demand industry.

About INTRALOT

INTRALOT, a public listed company established in 1992, is a leading gaming solutions supplier and operator active in 52 regulated jurisdictions around the globe. With €1.1 billion turnover and a global workforce of approximately 5,100 employees (3,100 of which in HQ and subsidiaries and 2,000 in associates) in 2017, INTRALOT is an innovation – driven corporation focusing its product development on the customer experience. The company is uniquely positioned to offer to lottery and gaming organizations across geographies market-tested solutions and retail operational expertise. The company has designed a new ecosystem of holistic omni-channel solutions across verticals (Lottery, Betting, Interactive, VLT) for Lotteries digital transformation. INTRALOT has been awarded the prestigious WLA Responsible Gaming Framework Certification by the World Lottery Association (WLA) and the WLA certificate for the Security Control standard.

For more info: Mr. Chris Sfatos, Group Corporate Affairs Director, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210 6106800, email: sfatos@intralot.com.

SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com).

Illinois Lottery Reports Record-Breaking Sales for October

CHICAGO, IL (November 19, 2018) -- Illinois Lottery officials today announced that sales for October 2018 were the highest monthly sales in the department’s history at $345,128,919, up 9.9 percent from the previous record set in January 2016.

October sales were comprised of $163,651,671 and $181,477,248 for instant tickets and draw-based games, respectively, with $80,516,493 in sales resulting from the near world-record Mega Millions jackpot roll. The $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot was won Oct. 23 in South Carolina. It was the second-highest jackpot in lottery history. The largest jackpot in lottery history was the $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot from January 2016, which contributed to the Illinois Lottery’s previous sales record month.

The Illinois Lottery’s October digital sales also were the highest in history, driven in part by the number of players visiting the website and mobile app for Mega Millions and Powerball tickets. Online sales were $11,688,623 million in October, surpassing the former record by $5,562,759.

“With 25 cents of every dollar spent on the Lottery going directly back to the State, October sales generated approximately $86.3 million for good causes in Illinois, predominantly for education funding,” Illinois Lottery Acting Director Harold Mays said. “We remain committed to maximizing revenue to the State of Illinois in a socially responsible way. These large jackpots go a long way in helping us complete our mission.”

"We couldn't have achieved this unprecedented milestone for Illinois without our enthusiastic players and hardworking retailers," said Colin Hadden, General Manager for Camelot Illinois, which is the Illinois Lottery’s private manager. "We are thrilled our partnership with the State is generating excitement for the Lottery across Illinois and - most importantly – creating meaningful returns for public education and other special causes."

With annual ticket sales of nearly $3 billion, the Illinois Lottery is one of the State’s top five revenue sources after personal, corporate, sales and public utility taxes (Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability).  In Fiscal Year 2018, the State received $732 million in proceeds from Lottery sales. Of the $1.36 billion in State gaming revenue, 54 percent came from the Illinois Lottery.

With private manager Camelot Illinois on board, key highlights in Fiscal Year 2019 include the transition to a new central gaming system and the roll out of an $86 million investment in point-of-sale equipment and technology that will transform the presentation of the lottery in more than 7,600 retail stores across Illinois. Also planned for Fiscal Year 2019 are the launch of a new website and mobile app.

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Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed more than $20 billion to the Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and special causes, including support for Illinois veterans, the fight against breast cancer, multiple sclerosis research, Special Olympics training programs and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS.

About the Illinois Lottery:

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $20 billion (since 1985) to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans services, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, Special Olympics and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to playing in-store, the Illinois Lottery offers online and mobile play for all draw-based Illinois Lottery games at illinoislottery.com. Players must be at least 18 years old.

About Camelot Illinois:

Camelot Illinois is the new private manager of the Illinois Lottery. In partnership with the state, Camelot operates a modern lottery that truly benefits the people of Illinois. Camelot is dedicated to working with transparency, integrity and responsibility to grow the lottery and reinforce its rightful position as a force for good. The company’s innovative approach places consumers and social responsibility at its core, providing funding for schools, capital projects and special causes.

CONTACT:  Jason Schaumburg, T: (312) 793-3034.

SOURCE: Illinois Lottery.

LOTTO Bayern Strong Partner of Winter Sports

LOTTO Bayern creates planning security for Ski World Cup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Tour de Ski in Oberstdorf

MUNICH, Germany (November 16, 2018) -- Lotto Bayern extends its existing commitment to the Ski World Cup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen since 2009 for the next two years and will remain a strong partner of ski sports in the Free State until 2020. The extension of the cooperation was mediated by Lagardère Sports. In addition, LOTTO Bayern will appear in 2019 as Official Event Sponsor of the COOP FIS Tour de Ski in Oberstdorf.

"Financial planning security is indispensable for classics such as the races on the legendary Kandahar downhill and a comparatively young competition like the Tour de Ski, to be among the highlights of the alpine and Nordic skiing calendar of the highest caliber. The commitment of LOTTO Bayern helps the organizers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf to a considerable extent to create the perfect framework for this,” comments Friederike Sturm, President of LOTTO Bayern.

"The race weekends of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf are among the highlights of the Sportwinter. As a strong partner, we are happy to do our part to ensure that both events continue to enjoy world-class performance," asserted Sturm of the great support provided by the popular winter sports events.

Oliver Klingenstein, Senior Director Team Munich at Lagardère Sports, adds: "We are delighted that LOTTO Bayern will remain a strong partner to the German Ski Association in the next two years. The contract renewal underscores not only the attractiveness of the Ski World Cup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but also the mutual trust in this partnership that has lasted for almost a decade."

"The sponsorship of LOTTO Bayern at the Tour de Ski is a sign of appreciation for a young one Competition, which wins more and more fans," comments Stefan Schwarzbach (CEO DSV Marketing GmbH) the commitment of the state-owned Bavarian gambling provider in Oberstdorf.

The men of the world elite will meet in Garmisch-Partenkirchen next time to downhill and giant slalom on 2/3 February 2019. The Tour de Ski, however, will be on 2/3 January in Oberstdorf station.

CONTACT: Oliver Albrecht, Press and Public Relations Telephone number: 089 / 28655-586 Fax number: 089 / 28655-0, E-Mail Address: oliver.albrecht@lotto-bayern.de.

SOURCE: Lotto Bayern.

Maryland Lottery Sets Single-Month Sales Record in October

Historic Mega Millions jackpot and popularity of scratch-offs boost sales

BALTIMORE, Maryland (November 20, 2018) – On the strength of a massive Mega Millions jackpot roll and the continued strong performance of scratch-off tickets, the Maryland Lottery set a new all-time sales record in October.

Maryland Lottery ticket sales totalled $223,374,094 in October, surpassing the previous single-month record of $198,384,920 set in January of 2016. As a result, Maryland Lottery fiscal year-to-date sales are up 9.7 percent compared to last year, and the Lottery’s contributions to the state’s good causes are up 9 percent.

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Mega Millions sales powered the month, as the multi-state game shattered its previous record jackpot. A ticket sold in South Carolina for the Oct. 23 drawing is worth $1.537 billion, and ticket sales in Maryland surged in the weeks prior to that drawing.

Meanwhile, Powerball was rolling as well. The Oct. 27 drawing produced winners in Iowa and New York who shared a $687.8 million jackpot, the third-largest in Powerball history.

“Having two huge jackpots rolling simultaneously was something special,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “We know how exciting that was for our players, and even though we didn’t have a jackpot winner here, the month was still a big win for Maryland. Record sales mean record contributions to the state, and we couldn’t be more pleased about that.”

The previous record Mega Millions jackpot was a $656 million prize in the March 30, 2012, drawing that was split among three winning tickets sold in Maryland, Kansas and Illinois.

Sales of jackpot games are typically strongest on the days of the drawings, and that trend was evident on the last two drawing dates of the Mega Millions roll. Maryland’s sales of Mega Millions on Oct. 19 and Oct. 23 totaled $18.7 million – equal to 21 percent of the state’s Mega Millions sales for all of Fiscal Year 2018.

Not surprisingly, the previous Maryland Lottery monthly sales record came during the month of the world-record $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot, which was shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee in the Jan. 13, 2016, drawing.

The continued success of scratch-off tickets is also a key factor in the Lottery’s strong performance. For the past four fiscal years, sales of scratch-off tickets have increased at double-digit rates. So far in Fiscal Year 2019, scratch-off sales are up 9.5 percent.

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“Scratch-offs are incredibly popular with our players,” Medenica said. “We’ve been able to connect with brands that people enjoy, like the Ravens and Old Bay, and of course everyone loves the chance to win instantly. We believe that there is room for even more growth in our scratch-off sales.”

Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018) was the most successful in the Maryland Lottery’s history. Sales topped the $2 billion mark for the first time, and the Lottery established new records for prizes to players ($1.25 billion), profit to the state ($575.6 million) and retailer commissions ($153.7 million).

Lottery profits are contributed to the state’s General Fund, which provides budgets for a wide range of state programs and services, including education, public health and safety and the environment. Since its inception in 1973, Maryland Lottery and Gaming has awarded more than $25.6 billion in prizes to Lottery players and contributed more than $16 billion in Lottery revenue to the State of Maryland. For more information, go to mdlottery.com. Please remember to play responsibly and within your budget. For confidential help or information about gambling problems, visit mdgamblinghelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

CONTACT: Carole Bober Gentry, 410-230-8725 (office), 410-365-6384 (cell), E: carole.gentry@maryland.gov.

SOURCE: Maryland Lottery.

Nederlandse Loterij Rewards Sports Initiative

RIJSWIJK, Netherlands (November16, 2018) -- Nederlandse Loterij (Dutch Lottery) is looking for special sporting initiatives that move the Netherlands. She calls on people and organizations to register their initiatives for the 'Dutch Lottery in Motion Award'. The winner of this prize will receive a bronze sculpture and a cash prize of 50,000 euros. The prize will be awarded in May 2019. This will take place during the annual donation moment, a festive event in which the proceeds of the Dutch Lottery will be distributed among the Dutch sports federations, 18 charities and Dutch society.

Dutch Lottery has a clear ambition and gladly contributes to a happier, healthier and sportier Netherlands. To give this mission extra strength, in 2017 she introduced the Dutch Lottery in Motion Prize. Herewith she rewards special sporting initiatives that set the Netherlands in motion. Last year, the Dutch Lottery in Motion Prize was awarded for the first time and in May 2019 the prize was celebrated in its second edition.

Proud winners

With the prize, the Dutch Lottery wants to reward initiatives that set the Netherlands in motion in the broadest sense. Last year, the 'Oud Geleerd Jong Gedaan' initiative was awarded the prize. The foundation of the same name puts students and the elderly in motion and together. "We are very proud that our initiative won the Dutch Lottery in Motion Prize last year. As a result, we are now able to operate at a national level, which enables us to connect many more elderly people and students, "says Enny van Arkel of the 'Old Learned Young Done' Foundation.

Application

Candidates can register until 1 March 2019 until 11:59 pm via: https://www.nederlandseloterij.nl/in-beweging-prijs . Persons from the age of 18 can participate, as well as companies and organizations that want to register a project. All applications are assessed on the basis of a number of criteria. This is how the initiative will get the Netherlands and its inhabitants moving. The jury also judges the entries on impact, creativity, practicality, courage and originality.

Prize giving ceremony

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On March 14, 2019, the jury will announce which initiatives have been nominated for the Dutch Lottery in Motion Prize. In May 2019, the jury will then announce which person or institution has won the prizes.

The jury consists of a number of prominent Dutch people representing various sectors in the field of sports, health, well-being and exercise:

Bibian Mentel - paralympic snowboard champion, Paralympic Athlete of the Year 2014 and ambassador of Dutch Lottery - is chairman of the jury.

The other members of the jury are Hedy d'Ancona - former Minister of Welfare, Health and Culture - Hugo Borst - who wrote a much-discussed manifesto explaining how we think he can provide much better for our frail older people - Marjan Olfers, professor of Sports and Law the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - and Pieter van den Hoogenband, triple Olympic swimming champion and ambassador of the Dutch Lottery.

"With this award, every year we highlight a special initiative: for young and old and for body and soul. Exercising is the key to getting a sense of happiness for many people. For me too, the sport has ensured that, after a long period of illness, it will come back on top. With the Dutch Lottery in Motion Award, we hope to encourage as many people and organizations as possible to register their sporting initiatives and share them with the rest of the Netherlands,” Bibian Mentel explains.

"Every year many people are committed to their fellow man, a good cause, and they make the Netherlands a bit happier, healthier and sportier. With this award we want to pay attention to such beautiful projects," says Niels Onkenhout, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij.

SOURCE: Nederlandse Loterij (Dutch Lottery).

Camelot Grows National Lottery Sales and Returns to Good Causes Over First Half of 2018/19

Actions Taken Following Strategic Review Help Camelot to Build on Last Year’s Sales Growth

• Total National Lottery sales up by 5.4% – Returns to Good Causes up by 6.2%
• Prize money awarded up by 6% – Retailer commission up by 5.3%
• 95% of all revenue returned to winners and society

 U.K. (November 15, 2018) -- Camelot UK Lotteries Limited (‘Camelot’) today announced that total National Lottery ticket sales for the first six months of its 2018/19 financial year (1 April to 29 September 2018) were £3,456.3 million – an increase of £175.9 million on the first half of 2017/18. Camelot’s success in building on last year’s sales growth further underlines the value of the work it has been carrying out as a result of the wide-ranging strategic review it conducted in 2017.

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Camelot’s performance over the half-year saw it generate £793.2 million (excluding investment returns) for Good Causes, £46.5 million more than in the first half of 2017/18. This equates to around £30 million every week and takes the total raised for Good Causes to date to over £39 billion.

National Lottery funding has now been awarded to more than 535,000 individual projects – the equivalent of around 190 lottery grants in every UK postcode district – including more than 2,200 in communities throughout the UK to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Over the same period, Camelot awarded £1,973.1 million in prizes to players, £111.3 million more than in the first half of 2017/18, and created 196 new millionaires. The National Lottery has now awarded over £69 billion in prize money and created more than 5,100 millionaires or multi-millionaires since its launch – including Donna and David Stickley from Slough who became The National Lottery’s 5,000th millionaire after scooping the entire Lotto jackpot of £21 million in May this year. Combined with the Lottery Duty it pays to the Government and the commission earned by its retail partners, Camelot continues to return around 95% of all revenue to winners and society – one of the highest percentages of lottery revenue given back in the world.

Camelot succeeded in growing sales across the board during the half-year. Sales of draw-based games increased by £39.9 million to £1,960.7 million, boosted by the introduction earlier this year of a Tuesday draw for Thunderball and the launch of a brand new EuroMillions HotPicks game, while sales across The National Lottery’s range of Scratchcards and online Instant Win Games increased by £136.0 million to £1,495.6 million following improvements in product design, range, merchandising and availability.

Over the same period, sales across The National Lottery’s digital channels grew to a record £831.4 million, an increase of £77.4 million, driven by a better game range and mix, improved merchandising and the launch late last year of a full version of the Android app. Mobile sales increased by £99.8 million to an all-time high of £431.6 million, with sales through smartphones and tablets now accounting for over 50% of all digital sales.

Clear road ahead for Moving Poppy thanks to National Lottery funding (Picture credit: Stewart Attwood)

Accounting for 75% of all sales, retail remains the largest National Lottery sales channel. Boosted by a £20 million investment in a range of initiatives to improve retailer engagement and support – including a significant increase in the number of face-to-face visits made to outlets – retail sales over the half-year grew by £98.5 million to £2,624.9 million – with Camelot’s retail partners earning £147.2 million in commission, £7.4 million than in the first half of 2017/18.

Announcing the results, Camelot CEO Nigel Railton said: “Thanks to the work we’ve been carrying out following our comprehensive review of the business, we’ve made a very positive start to the financial year across the board. Delivering over £2.8 billion to Good Cause projects, players and retailers in just six months is a fantastic achievement – and underlines the massive difference that The National Lottery continues to make to the lives of people and communities throughout the UK.

“Everyone at Camelot is committed to ensuring that this success story continues, so we’ll be looking to build on this momentum by continuing to focus on those areas that we identified in the review. We’ll continue to make improvements across our retail and digital channels, and build on the good headway we’ve made to date in making The National Lottery brand more relevant and visible. On top of that, we’ve got some great plans for the second half of the year to ensure that we’re offering a more balanced and appealing range of games that offers something for everyone – starting with exciting changes to Lotto next week to give our players a better winning experience.

“While there is much work still to do – and while we’ll continue to face challenges that are beyond our control, such as economic uncertainty and unrelenting competition from both the gambling sector and industrial-scale society lotteries that operate on a national basis – I’m very encouraged by the further progress we’ve made over the first half of this year. I’m confident that the strong foundations we’ve put in place and the exciting plans we have lined up will help us deliver even more for our players and the millions of people for whom National Lottery funding is so crucial.”

For further information, please CONTACT: Camelot Press Office: T: 020 7632 5711.

SOURCE: Camelot UK Lotteries Limited.

Gambling Regulation Reforms Pass State Parliament

ADELAIDE, South Australia (November 19, 2018) -- The State Government has welcomed passage of legislation to progress important reforms to the way the gambling sector in South Australia is regulated.

Under the reforms, the Independent Gambling Authority will cease operations on December 1 – with all regulatory and policy activity to be undertaken by Consumer and Business Services.

Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said staff at both the IGA and CBS will work together to ensure a seamless transition to the new system on December 1.

“This is about providing the best regulatory environment for both the sector and the community,” Ms Chapman said.

“The review of gambling regulation by former Supreme Court Judge Tim Anderson has highlighted the need for reform, and we intend to deliver.

“These changes will eliminate any doubling up of regulatory and policy functions, and ensure there can be an effective, coordinated response to issues as they arise.”

Attorney-General Chapman said CBS will continue to update licence holders on how the transition will affect them prior to the December 1 changeover.

“Ultimately, both licensees and the broader community should experience little-to-no difference in operations on December 1 – beyond Consumer and Business Services now being the main point of contact, and not the IGA,” Ms Chapman said.

“Following the change, the Commissioner will be undertaking a broader review of all gambling regulation in SA and other aspects raised in Mr Anderson’s report, including online gambling.”

More information on the reforms can be found here.

SOURCE: Government of South Australia (AG’s Department).

Global Lottery Monitoring System, the International Olympic Committee and Argentinian Officials Discuss Risks Related to Illegal Sports Betting and Sport Competition Manipulations

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (November 21, 2018) -- In a press conferences jointly organised by the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS) and the Association of Argentinian Lotteries (ALEA), a series of high level speakers discussed issues related to illegal sports betting regulation and sport competition manipulations in Argentina, a country that has experienced over the last months a number of relevant scandals, notably in tennis.

GLMS President, Ludovico Calvi, highlighted the need for strong regulatory frameworks and concrete measures against illegal sports betting, as also called for by the Council of Europe Convention on the manipulation of Spot Competitions. This was seconded by CP Silvio Vivas, of ALEA, who joined his voice with Ludovico for such measures, particularly because sports betting is currently not authorised in the country.

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Dr. Luis Cevasco, from the Argentinian Ministry of Justice underlined that this is a matter that should not be on the table for discussions and disagreed regarding the level of involvement by the Argentinian State on legalising betting. He raised also issues regarding the social costs in relation to compulsive betting, as well as the ability to measure this phenomenon.

Friedrich Martens from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also underlined the role of education and prevention, referring to the relevant activities of the IOC, in the field and pointed out the importance of all private and public stakeholders, including Lotteries, regulators, law enforcement agencies and sports movement to work together towards this direction. He also took the chance to inform of the ways young athletes were informed on the matter during the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires.

GLMS President, Ludovico Calvi, stated after the event: “I would really like to thank ALEA for the co-organisation, all speakers as well as journalists and the active participants for this fruitful discussions. It is clear that stakeholders in Argentina understand the importance of taking serious steps against this phenomenon, including measures against illegal sports betting, manipulation of sports competitions as well as strategic education and prevention initiatives. GLMS will continue to pursue its mission of safeguarding Sport Integrity and Sport Values relentlessly everywhere in any form and in any continent”.

CONTACTS:

GLMS

• Giancarlo Sergi, GLMS General Secretary: giancarlo.sergi@glms-sport.org

• Evangelos Alexandrakis, GLMS Deputy General Secretary, evangelos.alexandrakis@glms-sport.org

ALEA:

• María Ofelia Maiztegui, ALEA, comunicacion@alea.org.ar

 About GLMS

GLMS is the state lotteries’ mutualized monitoring system on sports betting. It aims at detecting and analyzing suspicious betting activities that could question the integrity of a sport competition.

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Building on six years of experience with the establishment in 2009 of ELMS with European Lotteries, GLMS went global in January 2015 extending the network to other continents. GLMS facilitates the sharing of sports betting information as part of the collective efforts of its members in ensuring sports integrity globally, and is dedicated to effective cooperation with all key stakeholders: regulators, law enforcement authorities, sports organizations.

About ALEA

The Asociación de Loterías, Quinielas y Casinos Estatales de Argentina (ALEA) brings together the organisms that regulate and control gambling in Argentina. As a member of the WLA, she co-hosts the World Lottery Summit (WLS).

In each jurisdiction exists a governmental organism or gaming control board which controls ands regulates casinos, bingos, gaming and horse racing betting agencies, racetracks and other points of sell.

 Thus, the gaming activity organization poses a FEDERAL character and is under the management of the governments of the 24 jurisdictions (CABA and 23 Provincial Governments).More information at www.alea.org.ar

SOURCE: Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS press release.

Gambling Commission Appoints Dr Anna van der Gaag as Chair of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. (November 19, 2018) -- Dr Anna van der Gaag CBE has been appointed as the new Chair for the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) – the Gambling Commission’s expert advisors on the research, education and treatment required to reduce gambling-related harms.

Anna will join RGSB as a member with immediate effect and will take on the role of Chair to succeed Sir Christopher Kelly, whose term as RGSB chair comes to an end in March 2019. Anna is a Visiting Professor of Ethics and Regulation at the University of Surrey and she’s held regulatory roles in the health, social care and legal sectors.

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Anna also has a particular interest in how regulators can be proactive in the prevention of harm.

Bill Moyes, Gambling Commission Chair said: “It is with pleasure that we announce Dr Anna van der Gaag as the new Chair of RGSB. She brings with her a wealth of experience in health, social care and the prevention of harm that will be an asset in advising on how to implement the next National Strategy, which will launch in April 2019 and on which we will shortly be consulting.”

Dr Anna van der Gaag, speaking about her appointment said: “Gambling-related harms are increasingly recognised as a public health issue requiring robust collective action. I am thrilled by this opportunity to join a team with such a passionate commitment to understanding and reducing harms and raising awareness of the personal and societal costs that can arise from gambling activities."

Sir Christopher Kelly said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Anna van der Gaag as my successor. Anna’s strong background in research and regulation provides a solid foundation to provide authoritative advice on the next strategy and to achieve our aim - to reduce the impact of gambling-related harms, especially among the most vulnerable.”

Formerly Chair of the Health and Care Professions Council, she is a non-executive director at Health Education England and the Kent Surrey and Sussex Academic Health Science Network and a founding member of the Q Community, a quality improvement network led by the Health Foundation. She was awarded the CBE for services to health and care in 2015.

CONTACT: Press office, T: 0121 230 6700 or email: communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.

SOURCE: Gambling Commission.

Horse Racing Betting Levy Changes Examined by Peers and MPs

LONDON, U.K. (November 20, 2018) -- The House of Lords Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee (DPRRC) and the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee (RRC) will meet together to scrutinise government proposals to reform the way the horserace betting levy is collected and distributed

The two committees will hear from Parliamentarians and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the draft Order that would abolish the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and give its powers to the Gambling Commission and a new horseracing authority to be designated by the Culture Secretary. According to the Government, the change will save on administration costs and ensure more funding is available for the British horseracing industry and horse welfare.

Chairs' Comments

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Lord Blencathra, chairman of the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee said:

“The DPRRC has reported that it has concerns about this piece of legislation and welcomes the opportunity to join with the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee to subject it to the further scrutiny we believe it requires.”

Stephen McPartland MP, Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee, said:

“The Government’s proposed changes could alter how horseracing is funded and change the racing and gambling industries that underpin the sport. Bringing together our committees adds to the quality of scrutiny, holding the Government to account and ensuring legislation is effective, appropriate and works for all.”

Committee concerns over draft Order

In their initial scrutiny of the draft Order, the DPRRC expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the draft Order and whether it meets the statutory tests for it to be made. As a result, the proposal is subject to a super-affirmative procedure where Ministers are required to consider proposals from the Regulatory Reform Committees of both Houses before deciding whether to proceed with their proposals. 

Both Committees are responsible for the scrutiny of Legislative Reform Orders (LRO), Government proposals to amend primary legislation in order to remove or reduce burdens or promote better regulation.  The Committees are required to decide whether they meet the tests set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and to decide whether they are an overall appropriate use of secondary legislation.

Witnesses

Wednesday 21 November 2018, Committee Room 4, Palace of Westminster:

• At 10.25am: Lord Lipsey;
• At 11.20am: Mims Davies MP, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and DCMS officials.

SOURCE: UK Parliament.

ZEAL Network SE Announces Takeover Offer for Germany's Largest Private Digital Lottery Broker Lotto24 AG

• The transaction will create a digital lottery group with currently more than 5 million combined customers globally, current combined billings of about EUR 500 million, and a diverse international footprint
• The combined group will build on the existing position of Lotto24, discontinue the German secondary lottery business of Tipp24 and transform it to a locally licensed online broker. The companies jointly aim to accelerate growth of online brokerage in the EUR 8.7 billion German lottery market
• The all-share takeover delivers significant benefits for shareholders with expected cost synergies of EUR 57 million per year, strong future cash generation, and a reduced risk profile
• The transaction strengthens the German lottery market and returns to federal states and their lottery beneficiaries
• ZEAL expects to offer one new ZEAL share for ca. 1.6 Lotto24 shares, reflecting the ratio of the volume-weighted average prices of ZEAL and Lotto24 shares over the past three months
• ZEAL has secured irrevocable commitments to accept the offer from major shareholders representing approximately 65% of Lotto24 shares

ZEAL Network SE ("ZEAL") today announced an all-share voluntary takeover offer for Germany's largest private digital lottery broker, Lotto24 AG ("Lotto24"). On completion, the transaction will create a digital lottery group with currently more than 5 million combined customers globally, current combined billings of about EUR 500 million, and a diverse international footprint.

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In the context of the deal, and consistent with its renewed strategy to de-risk its business model and focus on locally-licensed businesses, ZEAL intends to transform its German secondary lottery business into a locally licensed online brokerage model after reacquiring control of its myLotto24 and Tipp24 subsidiaries and, in due course, to relocate ZEAL to Germany. The transaction will significantly strengthen the German lottery market and expand returns to federal states and their lottery beneficiaries.

A strong platform for accelerated growth and shareholder value creation

The transaction combines the strong balance sheet, high-quality loyal customer base, and technological capabilities of ZEAL with the proven expertise of Lotto24 in the German lottery brokerage market. The enlarged Group will be in a unique position to accelerate online brokerage growth in the German lottery market.

The Group will also continue to pursue its international growth ambitions, building on the existing, diverse international portfolio (UK, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Netherlands) and global development pipeline of ZEAL, with the aim of creating long-term growth and sustained shareholder and customer value.

ZEAL believes that the change to its business model in Germany will deliver significant benefits to ZEAL shareholders in the medium term as a result of reduced operational, tax and regulatory risk as well as improved growth potential. As part of the business model change,

ZEAL has taken the decision to discontinue certain products and to focus on less volatile brokerage income in the German market, resulting in net annual run-rate revenue dis-synergies of ca. EUR 107 million, which is expected to be compensated for over time through accelerated growth of the enlarged Group. The combination with Lotto24 is also expected to deliver annual run-rate cost synergies of c. EUR 57 million through greater platform efficiencies and significant reductions in other operational costs. Further details of these revenue dis-synergies and cost savings are set out in Appendix A to this announcement.

In addition, ZEAL management has identified further cost savings of approximately EUR 4 million, which do not arise as a consequence of the transaction and sees additional potential future upside.

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Dr Helmut Becker, CEO of ZEAL, said: "ZEAL will reunite with Germany's largest digital lottery broker. We will have a significantly enlarged, loyal customer base, strong technology and marketing platforms, and an exceptionally experienced team. Together with our plans to regain control of Tipp24 and transform its German business models, this puts us in an excellent position to accelerate online growth in both the EUR 8.7 billion German lottery market and EUR 270 billion global lottery sector – as a locally-licensed broker, licensed operator, and lottery investor. This transaction is good for shareholders, good for customers, and good for the German federal states and their lottery beneficiaries. We have held initial, constructive conversations with Lotto24 and look forward to further engaging with the management to achieve a successful combination of the businesses. We also look forward to a successful and constructive cooperation with Germany's state lotteries and invite all shareholders to join us on this journey."

Since its IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2012, Lotto24 has grown rapidly. In 2017, Lotto24 generated billings of EUR 220.7 million and revenues of EUR 25.2 million. In October 2018, Lotto24 upgraded its full year guidance, anticipating billings' growth of between 38% and 43% for 2018. In the first nine months of 2018, the company increased billings by 43% to EUR 235.9 million, revenues grew almost 50% to EUR 28.1 million, and the total number of registered customers rose by 36% to 2.04 million.

ZEAL has nearly two decades' experience as an online lottery operator, reseller and investor. In 2017, ZEAL delivered billings of EUR 280.5 million and revenues of EUR 134.3 million. In the first nine months of 2018, billings increased 5% to EUR 212.4 million, revenues rose by 19% to EUR 111.2 million, and the number of new customers grew by 54%, taking the total number of registered customers of the Group to more than 3.5 million.

Transaction supported by major Lotto24 shareholders

ZEAL will offer Lotto24 shareholders the opportunity to exchange their Lotto24 shares for shares in ZEAL. The offer consideration will reflect the ratio of the volume-weighted average share prices of both Lotto24 and ZEAL over the past three months before announcement of the transaction. Subject to the final determination of the minimum prices required by law and the final terms set forth in the offer document, ZEAL intends to offer one new ZEAL share as consideration in exchange for each ca. 1.6 tendered shares of Lotto24. Independently of the offer, ZEAL expects to pay an ordinary interim dividend of EUR 1.00 by year-end 2018.

In a clear statement of shareholder support for the deal, ZEAL today entered into irrevocable tender agreements with major shareholders of Lotto24, namely with Günther Group, Working Capital and Jens Schumann. They represent approximately 65% of the shares and voting rights in Lotto24. By entering into the tender agreements, these shareholders have undertaken to tender their shares in Lotto24 into the offer.

Jonas Mattsson, Chief Financial Officer of ZEAL: "We believe this deal creates significant value for ZEAL and Lotto24 shareholders. The future growth prospects, significant reduction of regulatory risk and the related uncertainties, and EUR 57 million of annual cost synergies make the combined group a highly attractive long-term investment proposition. With our shared history, we are confident of achieving a seamless integration of both companies. We encourage all holders of Lotto24 and ZEAL shares to follow the major shareholders and take part in the offer."

The offer will be made in accordance with the conditions to be set forth in the offer document, among others a minimum acceptance rate of 50% plus one share of Lotto24. Further details of the offer and its terms, including the acceptance period, will be contained in the offer document. ZEAL expects that the offer document will be published on the website www.zeal-offer.com at the beginning of 2019.

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An extraordinary general meeting of ZEAL is expected to be held at the end of December 2018, at which ZEAL will ask its shareholders to approve the offer, including the acquisition of Lotto24 shares from certain members of the Supervisory Board of ZEAL or persons connected with them, and authorise the Executive Board to allot a number of shares as required to fund the offer. As Günther Group has made it a condition to its tender agreement with ZEAL that it will not, as a consequence of the offer, be subject to a legal obligation to make a general offer for the shares in ZEAL which it does not own at that time, ZEAL will furthermore propose a resolution to its shareholders (other than Günther Group and persons acting in concert with Günther Group) to approve the waiver of such obligation granted by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers. The ZEAL shareholder approvals will be a condition for ZEAL to publish the offer document.

Discussions with the German gambling regulatory body about the future licensing arrangements for the enlarged Group have already been initiated. ZEAL expects to complete the transaction in the first half of 2019.

Updated ZEAL Profit Guidance

As previously announced today, the Executive Board has decided to adjust the upper end of the ZEAL Group EBIT forecast range for the financial year 2018. The Executive Board now anticipates EBIT in the range of EUR 33 million to EUR 38 million (previously EUR 33 million to EUR 43 million). The adjustment includes the impact of the transaction costs in connection with the announced intention of ZEAL to make a public takeover offer for Lotto24 AG as well as restructuring expenses in connection with an internal cost savings programme initiated today.

Except for the narrowing of the previously forecasted EBIT range, the Executive Board confirms its previously published guidance and expects the ZEAL Group to generate Total Operating Performance (TOP) of EUR 150 million to EUR 160 million in the financial year 2018.

SOURCE: ZEAL Network SE press release.