IGT Extends Agreement with the DC Lottery to Continue Providing Instant Ticket Games and Services

LONDON, U.K. (February 19, 2019) -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, has signed a one-year extension agreement with the District of Columbia’s Office of Lottery and Charitable Games (DC Lottery) to continue providing instant tickets and related services through December 1, 2019. Under the agreement, IGT will continue to provide a comprehensive range of instant ticket services for the DC Lottery including game planning and marketing, research and analytics, graphics support, and the production and printing of instant tickets.

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IGT has been a print vendor for the DC Lottery since 2014. During this time, IGT has developed multiple tickets for the Lottery, ranging in price from $1 to $10. In addition, IGT helped the Lottery launch its first Super Ticket™ in March 2018 and has continued to help the Lottery attract new players by providing innovative content.

“IGT has worked closely with the DC Lottery on games that engage their player community, such as the game Lucky Pets,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. “IGT is pleased to continue working with the DC Lottery, and we look forward to enhancing their instant ticket program with creative new content over the next year.”

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 more than 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

CONTACT:

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC.

Arkansas Lottery on Track for Record Fiscal Year

More than $7.8 Million Raised for Scholarships in January

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (February 19, 2019) -- The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) ended January with net proceeds to scholarships exceeding $7.8 million, more than $1.1 million ahead of their projected budget.

That puts year to date net proceeds more than $7.7 million ahead of budget. Year to date sales at the end of January were more than $12.3 million better than prior year to date.

Strong instant ticket sales (commonly called scratch-off tickets) are driving recent performance increases. The ASL reported a record-breaking December in instant ticket sales last month, at more than $38.1 million. Here are a few highlights for January:

• Instant ticket sales were $33,513,216, the 3rd largest January instant ticket sales month since the Lottery’s inception.
• Total sales for January 2019 were $40,522,066, the 4th largest January sales month since inception.
• Year to date sales are currently $12,285,489 higher than the same time last year.

In addition, the ASL reports this January that it awarded its 3rd largest amount of prizes for a January since inception. January 2019 prizes for instant and draw games (jackpot games) totaled more than $27.6 million. January 2019 commissions paid to retailers totaled more than $2.2 million.

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ASL Director Bishop Woosley on Friday presented a $20,000 commission check to the Super

Stop on East Harding Avenue in Pine Bluff for selling a $2 million winning Mega Millions® ticket to a Dumas woman in January. Also in January, a grocery store worker from Little Rock claimed the first of four $1 million top prizes playing the $20 Ultimate Millions scratch-off ticket.

“We are now up to 67 lottery-made millionaires in Arkansas,” Woosley said. “But the best part of celebrating these big wins is knowing that we are on track to provide more scholarships for students if we can maintain our current sales momentum.”

The lottery finished fiscal year 2018 on June 30 with its best sales and revenue ever. Sales reached $499,704,976, and revenue was $500,490,212.

To read the most recent Monthly Disclosure Report presented to the Arkansas Legislative

Council Lottery Oversight Subcommittee, go to Reports on the About Us page at: www.MyArkansasLottery.com.

About the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery

Since 2009, the Lottery has provided more than $781 million to help fund more than 302,000 college scholarships, more than $2.8 billion in prizes to players, more than $240 million in retailer commissions and more than $122 million in state and federal tax revenue. More than

92 cents of every dollar of Lottery revenue goes to prizes, scholarships, retailer commissions, and other expenses.

Follow the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Visit MyArkansasLottery.com for more information on scholarships, winners, games, odds, promotions – and to join The Club for free.

To hear winning numbers, call the Winning Numbers Hotline at 501-682-IWON (4966).

To get help with problem gambling, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

SOURCE: Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

Pollard Banknote and the Connecticut Lottery Partner to Launch New Player Loyalty Program

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (February 20, 2019) -- Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (“Pollard Banknote”) is pleased to announce that, following a competitive procurement, it has been awarded a contract to provide the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (“CLC” or “Lottery”) with a new Player Loyalty Program and Related Services. This new contract builds upon Pollard Banknote’s successful partnership with the CLC as its primary instant ticket supplier since 2012, and comes with an initial term of three (3) years and up to seven (7) additional years of extensions.

The CLC’s new Player Loyalty Program will be powered by Pollard Banknote’s state-of-the-art PlayOn™ player engagement solution—one of the most modern player loyalty solutions in the market today. PlayOn™ has been specifically engineered to meet the growing needs of the lottery industry and boasts over 100 different types of engagement activities, including milestone celebrations, completing a survey, or watching a video.

With the fully-integrated PlayOn™ mobile application, players will be able to scan their lottery tickets for easy points accumulation, which can be redeemed for a variety of exciting rewards and entries for second-chance contests. The robust mobile app will also provide players with ticket checking capabilities, information about current lottery games in the market, a GPS store locator, push notifications for jackpot alerts, and promotional information.

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“Pollard Banknote is an industry leader with a demonstrated track record of helping lotteries create quality and innovative online products and experiences,” said Gregory Smith, President & CEO, Connecticut Lottery Corporation. “Together, we will create a robust program tailored to Connecticut that will both attract new players and to create value for those who play our games.”

The Player Loyalty Program from Pollard Banknote will support the CLC’s key business objectives to engage players across channels before, during, and after purchase. As a result, the Lottery will be able to build a deeper relationship with its players by expanding its ability to learn player behaviors and opinions and communicate with them in a more personalized and meaningful way.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Connecticut Lottery to deliver an exciting new Player Loyalty Program to their player base,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “With PlayOn™, the CLC will gain unprecedented access to omni-channel player data to implement new tactics and strategies that will ultimately support sales growth and proceeds to good causes in the state. It’s our pleasure to be working with the CLC as they execute their vision to deliver player-centric lottery experiences that connect retail and digital channels.” 

Since its inauguration in 1971, the Connecticut Lottery has allocated more than $9.5 billion to many valuable programs and causes in the state, while also awarding $17.4 billion to lottery winners. In fiscal year 2018, the CLC provided $345 million in funds to public health, libraries, public safety, education, and more. For more information on the Connecticut Lottery, please visit www.ctlottery.org.

About Pollard Banknote

Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high quality instant ticket products, licensed games, Schafer Systems retail merchandising solutions, 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 provides 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

CONTACT:

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote Limited.

Skilrock’s INFINITELY Genius Solutions Were Head Turners at ICE London 2019

GURGAON, India (February 15, 2019) -- Team Skilrock is back from the King of all gaming events: ‘ICE London’, which proved to be a resounding success. Skilrock drew wide appreciation for its unique solutions based approach that caters to aspirations of its clients and their players. The solutions showcased were more than aligned with the theme of this year ‘Spirit of Genius’.

The audience loved the gamification of live player participative games like bowling, AI driven ticket purchase and innovative ‘Smart Retail’ solutions that promises to provide zing to every lottery and gaming business.

Skilrock also demonstrated the concept of digitization of popular traditional games which generated quite a stir amongst the audience.

Mr. Sujit Lahiry, Executive Director at Skilrock Technologies Pvt. Ltd, commented

“Endings and new beginnings make the life exciting and ICE was no different. With a sweet aftertaste we closed the show with lots of shared experiences and excitement for the future.

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Looking forward to newer engagements with our clients, partners and friends during the year to apply some of the Genius of ideas to their operations and their return next year for ICE 2020 with several new success stories”

About Skilrock Technologies

Skilrock Technologies is a leading technology solution provider for the lottery, gaming and payment industry with its R&D centres located at global IT hubs.

It is technology arm of $2 billion Sugal & Damani Group, who are leaders of Indian lottery & gaming operations.

The Omni-Channel Gaming Platform of Skilrock serves RETAIL, iGAMING & SELF SERVICE channels with equal ease and at the same time supporting a wide variety of games like Lotto, Keno, Bingo, Instant, Sports, Poker, Rummy, Casino and Slots.

More than 120,000 retail touch points and over 5 million iGaming players across 22 jurisdictions have been serviced by Skilrock.

SOURCE:  Skilrock Technologies press release.

Jumbo Interactive Boost Interim Dividend after Profit Increase

JUMBO Half Year Report – December 2018

• Results Ahead Of Guidance
  --- TTV $147.8 million (Guidance $145.8 million)
  --- REVENUE $30.5 million (Guidance $29.9 million)
  --- NPAT $12.7 million (Guidance $11.8 million)
• HALF YEAR DIVIDEND 15.0c

The following results have been achieved for the six months to 31 December 2018 compared to the previous corresponding period 31 December 2017 (pcp). The six month period to 31 December 2016 is provided for information purposes and easy reference.

TTV, Revenue and Profit all increased compared to the pcp due largely to improved customer engagement, higher jackpot activity and effective cost control.

Our next generation software platform “Jumbo Lotto” was completed in March 2017 and migration of customers to the new platform was concluded by June 2018.

Jumbo Lotto was designed specifically to (i) enhance customer engagement, (ii) improve performance as our database grows, and (iii) improve our agility, so additional products (like charities) and sales channels (mobile apps etc) can be easily incorporated as the digital landscape evolves for our customers and the market.

The higher large jackpot activity was marked by an increase in the number from 18 to 23 which included six $50 million or above (2017: 2) and one $100 million (2017: nil) Division 1 jackpots, which increased the average Division 1 large jackpot to $37.4 million (2017: $26.7 million).

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“The new software platform performed exceptionally and we were able to take full advantage of the higher large jackpot activity in new customer acquisitions, active customers and increased sales. We can’t control jackpot activity but we can ensure we’re in the best possible position to maximise our opportunities when they arise”, said Mr Mike Veverka, CEO and Founder of Jumbo Interactive.

The balance sheet remains healthy with Net Assets of $70.0 million and the Company’s cash position at $77.3 million as at 31 December 2018 ($67.5 million general cash plus $9.8 million players’ funds). The Directors continue to review capital management options in respect of the general cash surplus.

15.0c Dividend Based on the profitable half year period, a fully franked interim dividend of 15.0 cents per ordinary share has been declared for the half year (2017: 7.5 cents). The current dividend policy of a stable dividend payment remains unchanged.

Record date: 8 March 2019

Payment date: 22 March 2019

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan will remain suspended for the interim fully franked dividend.

Dividend statements for the FY2018 final dividend paid 21 September 2019 will be re-issued and despatched together with the dividend statement for the abovementioned dividend. The reason for the dividend statement being re-issued is the FY2018 final dividend was 100% franked at the corporate tax rate of 27.5% which was expected to apply to the Company for FY2019 at the time the dividend was declared. The corporate tax rate of 30% is now expected to apply to the Company for FY2019 and hence re-issue of the FY2018 final dividend statement based on being 100% franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%.

Marketing KPI’s

Key Performance Indicators show both an increase in active customers and average spend driven by improved customer engagement off the back of improvements to our software platform and marketing processes, as well as an increase in new accounts driven by a good run of large jackpots.

About Jumbo Interactive

Jumbo Interactive Limited has been listed in Australia (ASX: JIN) since 1999.

In 2000, Jumbo sold its first lottery ticket on the internet and witnessed a dramatic rise in popularity due to the convenience of buying tickets online. At first customers were attracted to the security of never losing a ticket and the convenience of automatic number checking, prize payments and auto-play. In 2012, Jumbo released a lottery app for the iPhone and a new transition began driven by the convenience of mobile lotteries. This was followed by further innovations such as features for the Apple watch, Google Voice and most recently, Lotto Party which is designed to promote social group play of the lottery, appealing to both younger and older demographics.

The Company operates the popular website www.ozlotteries.com in Australia under agreements with Tabcorp (ASX: TAH).

Jumbo has proven its ability to open up new lottery markets with its innovative technology and internet marketing initiatives that have brought lotteries to new demographics via the internet.

Jumbo has succeeded in targeting a younger and more mobile demographic with mobile now accounting for 75% of all customer interactions.

Jumbo has recently entered the Lottery SaaS (Software as a Service) market with the signing of its first customer to use its “Powered by Jumbo” lottery software.

To view the Half Year Report, please click here: http://bit.ly/HY19Report

For further information CONTACT:  Mike Veverka, CEO and Executive Director, Phone: 07 3831 3705.

SOURCE:  Jumbo Interactive.

EGBA Welcomes Dutch Online Gambling Approval; Important Step to Establish Functioning Market

NETHERLANDS (February 19, 2019) -- Today the Dutch Senate approved an online gambling law for the Netherlands, bringing the Netherlands into line with 25 other EU countries who already regulate the activity. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), representing Europe’s leading online gambling companies, welcomes the adoption of the new law as an important step to establish a functioning and well-regulated online gambling market which protects online players.

Online gambling is popular in the Netherlands, with 1.8 million Dutch citizens[1] – over 10% of the country’s total population – participating in some form of online gambling last year. But the Netherlands is one of three EU countries (IRE, NL, SLO) that currently do not have any regulation for online gambling.

The absence of regulation means there are no Dutch-licensed gambling websites, leaving its citizens to play on websites not regulated by the Dutch authorities – where there is no guarantee of adequate consumer safeguards and the Dutch State loses out on €175m in tax revenue each year[2].

“We welcome the introduction of the law which will finally bring gambling regulation in the Netherlands into the 21st century and congratulate Minister Dekker on his efforts and commitment to regulate the sector. Online gambling is popular in the Netherlands and the current situation is neither justifiable nor tenable – because 1.8 million Dutch people are gambling online without regulatory protection under Dutch law. Our message is simple: it is in the interests of everyone to have a well-regulated market which protects players.

For the new law to be a success, it must be supported by a licensing system which attracts enough companies to meet consumer demand and a tax regime that ensures that the regulated market remains competitive and attractive for Dutch players.

Because Dutch players, whether they play poker or place a bet on a sports match, should be able to find the products they are looking for with companies regulated in the Netherlands, that pay taxes there and apply local consumer safeguards.

We now look forward to working with the Dutch Gambling Commission, De Kansspelautoriteit, to ensure an effective implementation of the new rules in a timely and consumer-friendly way.”

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)

SOURCE: European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) press release.

Kansas Lottery Announce New Deputy Executive Director

TOPEKA, Kansas (February 13, 2019) - -The Kansas Lottery announced the appointment of Timothy Graham as its new Deputy Executive Director Monday. Graham has a combined 21 years of experience in state government and the Kansas legislature.

"I'm very excited to be joining the Kansas Lottery team," said Timothy Graham.

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"I see the Kansas Lottery as rich source of entertainment for the citizens of Kansas and a vital source of revenue for the state. I hope that I can make a positive impact on this great team and help the lottery continue to make a positive impact on the state of Kansas."

Graham comes to the Lottery from InterHab where he served as Associate Executive Director and Director of Governmental Affairs. InterHab is a statewide association representing Home and Community Based Service organizations serving people with intellectual disabilities.

"While the membership and staff of InterHab were sad to see our friend Tim leave, we are excited for his new opportunity with the Kansas Lottery," said Matt Fletcher, Executive Director of InterHab.

"Tim brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and talent to his work that will be of benefit to the Kansas Lottery team."

"The Kansas Lottery is thrilled to welcome Timothy to our team," said acting Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery Stephen Durrell. "Timothy brings his extensive knowledge of the legislative process and his sharp business background which will benefit the Kansas Lottery."

Prior to working for InterHab, Graham served as the chief of staff for Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley and as Assistant Secretary of State.

CONTACT: Courtney Ryan, T: (785) 296-5708, E: Courtney.Ryan@KSLottery.Net.

SOURCE: Kansas Lottery press release.

Veikkaus’ Year 2018: Veikkaus Prepared for Major Changes in the Operating Environment

HELSINKI, Finland (February 14, 2019) -- In 2018 Veikkaus managed to reach the previous year’s level in its financial result, despite toughening competition. The year was especially successful for Eurojackpot, the turnover of which increased by 40.6 percent over the previous year. During the year Veikkaus kept preparing for major changes in its operating environment and drafted a strategy for the years 2019–2021.

• Turnover EUR 3 154.7 million (-2.4%).
• Financial result EUR 1 014.2 million (-0.7%).
• Of the turnover, 57.9 percent came from the points of sale and 42.1 percent from the digital channel.
• Eurojackpot had an excellent year. Multiple large jackpots boosted the game’s turnover (EUR 300.8 million) to a growth of 40,6 percent.
• 44.8 of the gaming took place identified (+4.2 percentage points).

President and CEO Olli Sarekoski:

“In 2018 Veikkaus prepared for major changes in its operating environment. Gaming is shifting from the points of sale towards the digital channel, where Veikkaus also faces competition from foreign operators. Veikkaus must develop its operations to succeed in international competition. Succeeding in the competition and ensuring our ability to channel gaming also provide the basis for the exclusive right and its continuation. We want to be able to provide games responsibly even in the future, minimizing game-related harm and channelling gaming revenue to the benefit of Finnish people.

The strategy for the years 2019–2021 lays down that Veikkaus’ competitiveness shall be reinforced in the digital channel. We innovate and develop our operations in order to be able to offer our customers world-class alternatives to play entertaining and exciting gambling games in a reliable way. We also work in close cooperation with our international partners.

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From the perspective of responsibility, it is important that we manage to channel gaming towards Veikkaus’ games. A year ago, we introduced gaming limits in the digital channel that are unique even in the international setting. The first analyses have shown that the players have managed to use the gaming limits to control their gaming to take the direction they wish, and this has also lessened problematic gaming. According to estimates, the compulsory gaming limits decreased the growth of the gross gaming revenue in the digital channel by ca. EUR 21 million in 2018.

The government bill for a new Lotteries Act was presented for parliamentary consideration in October. The bill entails that Veikkaus should introduce compulsory identification on decentralised slot machines as of 1 January 2022.  Veikkaus estimates that the compulsory identification would decrease the profit from slot machines by ca. EUR 100–150 million a year. Its impact on the lottery tax paid by Veikkaus would fall within the range of EUR 4–36 million.

Changes in consumer behaviour, the transition that trade is currently undergoing, and the reductions in the point-of-sale network have lessened gaming at the points of sale. We are working to overhaul Veikkaus’ cost structure to correspond to the development in order to ensure our future competitiveness, thereby securing funds to our beneficiaries. In the coming years, we will focus on investments that support Veikkaus’ competitive monopoly.

In spite of the challenges in the development of the gross gaming revenue, we were able to generate the projected profit to our beneficiaries in 2018, by operating in a cost-efficient way. By developing further our operations, we can continue to guarantee the profit to our beneficiaries even in the future.

I express my sincere thanks to our customers, employees, and partners for the year 2018!”

VEIKKAUS_Annual_report_2018.pdf in English

SOURCE: Veikkaus.

Idaho Lottery Kicks-off 30th Anniversary with Commemorative Scratch Game

BOISE, Idaho (February 15, 2019) -- The Idaho Lottery is commemorating thirty years of success with the debut of their special edition, commemorative 30th Anniversary family of Scratch Games, including one game with a top prize of $300,000.  Today’s announcement starts a five-month campaign to celebrate the Idaho Lottery’s thirtieth year of operations.

“The success of the Lottery over the past three decades has been truly remarkable,” stated Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. “To be approaching nine hundred million dollars in returned dividends to the public schools and permanent buildings of Idaho in just thirty years has certainly exceeded the expectations of those who created the Lottery in 1989.”

The Idaho Lottery sold their first $1 Scratch ticket, Idaho Match 3, to Idaho billionaire J.R. Simplot during a ceremony on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol on July 19, 1989. Since that time, the Idaho Lottery has generated over $3.7 billion in revenue through an extensive network of nearly 1,200 retail locations statewide.

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In thirty years, the Idaho Lottery has awarded more than $2.2 billion in player prizes, paid over $216 million in retailer commissions, and returned $846 million in dividends to the Idaho Public School Building account and the Idaho State Permanent Building Fund.

“We have three, commemorative games with top prizes that range from $30,000 all the way to $300,000,” described Anderson. “Each game also has offers second chance prizes for non-winning tickets worth $3,000 and $30,000. These games really are a thank you to our players, our retail partners, and our beneficiaries.”

For a limited edition print run of only 500,000 tickets, the new $30, 30th Anniversary Scratch Game went on sale Wednesday statewide and carries two top prizes of $300,000. The game, printed on holographic paper, has over $11 million in prizes.  The family of games also includes a $10 anniversary game with a top prize of $100,000 and a $5 anniversary game with a top prize of $30,000. 

To further enhance this year’s celebration, beginning on March 15, 2019, and then once every two weeks until the Lottery’s celebration date on July 19, 2019, the Lottery will be awarding one lucky player with a prize of $3,000. Players wishing to participate in the second chance draw may enter their alphanumeric code from the front of any of their 30th Anniversary tickets on the Idaho Lottery’s website at www.idaholottery.com. When the game officially ends, the Lottery will hold a second chance draw for all the entries and award one lucky player $30,000.

“To all our players and all our retail partners, thank you. We hope all of Idaho will take a moment to join us in celebrating thirty great years of entertainment from your Idaho Lottery,” added Anderson. “And please, when you play, please do so responsibly.”

ABOUT THE IDAHO LOTTERY

The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides a variety of entertaining games featuring Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch GamesTM, and PullTabs with a high degree of integrity to maximize the dividend for Idaho public schools and the permanent building fund. Since their inception in 1989, the Idaho Lottery has sold nearly $3.7 billion in products, awarded over $2.2 billion in prizes to players, returned $216 million in retail commissions, and distributed $846 million in Lottery dividends to Idaho public schools and the Permanent Building Fund. To learn more, please visit www.idaholottery.com.

CONTACT: David Workman, T: (208) 334-2600.

SOURCE: The Idaho Lottery (www.idaholottery.com).

Loto-Québec Third Quarter 2018-2019 Fiscal Year - on Track to Achieve Annual Target

MONTRÉAL, Quebec, Canada (February 15, 2019) -- After three quarters of its 2018-2019 fiscal year completed, Loto-Québec reports consolidated revenues of $2.165 B and net income of $1.122 B. These numbers represent respective increases of $156.9 M (+7.8%) and $103.0 M (+10.1%) compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.*

QUOTE

"In light of these positive results, we can state that we are on track to achieve our annual target for net income set at $1.261 B, and thus pay the government the dividend expected,” said the President and CEO of Loto-Québec, Lynne Roiter.

HIGHLIGHTS

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• Lotteries: Autumn saw several exceptionally large Lotto Max jackpots, including a draw in which the total prize money to be won reached a record $116 M. An increase in instant lottery sales and a good performance by Lotto Max are the main reasons for the increase in revenues in this sector (+18.0%).
• Casinos: The holiday period was especially busy in Québec's casinos, as the Casino de Montréal began its 25th anniversary celebrations. Good results were achieved throughout the sector (+4.2%), supported by themed activities showcasing various forms of entertainment.
• Gaming establishments: An important step in the video lottery terminal (VLT) network action plan has been completed with the final mandatory withdrawal of terminals from targeted areas. The total number of VLTs is now under 10,000. The increase in revenues in this sector (+2.3%) is explained by the six additional days in the period's calendar as well as a rise in gaming hall activities.
• Online gaming: Both casino games and lottery products continued to grow. Total revenues from lotoquebec.com increased by 32.0%.

* The first three quarters of 2018-2019 have six more days than the same period in the previous fiscal year.

NOTE: Due to new accounting methods, prizes paid out are now deducted from lottery, bingo and Kinzo revenues, as was already the case for casinos and video lotteries (more details are available on page 6 of the quarterly report). Figures for 2017-2018 were therefore adjusted. Gross profit and net income were not affected.

The quarterly report is available on Loto-Québec's website.

SOURCE: Loto-Québec (www.loto-quebec.com).

Dutch Charity Lotteries Head Office Named the Most Sustainable Renovated Property in the Netherlands

NETHERLANDS (February 16, 2019) -- Benthem Crouwel Architects transformed an empty, neglected office building in Amsterdam South into a high quality, inspiring and sustainable office where all employees of the Goede Doelen Loterijen (Dutch Charity Lotteries) can work together. The building received the BREEAM rating ‘Outstanding’- making it the most sustainable renovated property in the Netherlands.

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An office like a home

The 600 employees of the Charity Lotteries had been scattered among different locations for years, and the client wanted to give them a collective home. This home needed to be a highly sustainable building, an important condition for this company that has sustainability as one of its core values.

The social ambitions and idealism of the Charity Lotteries are now made visible in their office building – a transparent, accessible building that serves the employees as well as the neighborhood, and is a welcome addition to the nearby business district Amsterdam Zuidas. Besides offices, the building houses a public restaurant, and auditorium and a TV studio.

Together under one roof

The Charity Lotteries employees were involved in the design from the very beginning. Everyone was invited to share their thoughts, and through this unique process of co-creation a building emerged that fits the unique atmosphere and work practice of this organization like a glove.

It was the employees’ wish to bring the green from the park at their old locations to the new office. To fulfil this wish a roof was created that is green in every possible way.

Slender, tree-shaped columns – three large ones and three smaller ones – support the roof. In this roof 6.800 leaves made of polished aluminum unfurl, creating a beautiful dappled effect on the walls and floors, reminiscent of an actual walk in the forest.

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Colors, light intensity and atmosphere change depending on where and when one walks through the building. The new roof acts like a grand gesture towards the surrounding area and is visible not only from the high-rises of the nearby business district but also (on eye level) from the houses in the neighbourhood.

Pioneering in sustainability

By choosing to renovate and expand an existing building instead of designing a new one, and by using the newest and most cutting edge sustainability techniques, the new housing for the Charity Lotteries became not just an energy neutral, but an energy positive building. In the spectacular roof, 949 solar panels provide energy.

The roof also collects rainwater that is subsequently used to irrigate the roof gardens, and to supply the sprinkler and flushing systems with water.

Materials from the demolished parts of the old building have been reused, and all newly used materials have been tested for sustainability and can be repurposed in the future if necessary.

All these measures have rewarded the building with the BREEAM rating ‘Outstanding’, making it the most sustainable renovated building in the Netherlands. The final score was 92,61%, with 85% being the minimal score to receive this rating.

View the complete gallery

SOURCE: Benthem Crouwel Architects.

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Announces Six New Members Join Organization

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 19, 2019) – The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the membership applications of six new companies, bringing the trade group comprised of the world’s leading gaming suppliers to a total of 172 members, an all-time high for the organization.

 The new AGEM members are:

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Click here for the latest electronic version of Lottery Insights.

• Acuris Risk Intelligence, based in London, combines expert human analysts and state-of-the-art technology to help organizations manage risk in business relationships effectively.
• CS-1 Transportation, based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, with offices in Phoenix and Las Vegas, is a leading logistics provider specializing in secure movement of gaming equipment.
• Eclipse Gaming, based in Duluth, Georgia, develops top-performing slot games and innovative solutions that engage the audience and deliver measurable results for its partners.
• Fennemore Craig, P.C., based in Phoenix with offices in Reno and Las Vegas, is a leading law firm with a strong gaming and hospitality practice assisting casino operators, technology companies and investors.
• Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4), based in Amsterdam, offers international accreditation and certification of responsible gambling standards for the entire global gambling industry.
• NRT Technology Corp., based in Toronto, is a global technology leader in the design and development of next-generation payment systems, financial and marketing kiosks and digital and mobile services.

AGEM is a non-profit international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, online technology, sports betting, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory agencies and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.

The current AGEM membership roster, 172 companies strong based in 22 countries, is a who’s who of the supplier segment of the global gaming industry.

CONTACT: Paul Speirs-Hernandez, Steinbeck Communications/Red Wagon Institute, T: +1-702-413-4278, E: paul@steinbeckcommunications.com.

SOURCE: Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers.

Have Your Say on Plans to Make Gambling Fairer and Safer in Britain

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. (February 14, 2019) -- The Gambling Commission is calling for views on plans to accelerate progress in its drive to make Britain’s gambling industry the fairest and safest in the world.

The regulator would like to hear views from all stakeholders - including consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups - on three proposed measures to reduce gambling harms and help consumers in dispute with operators.

Customer Interaction

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Customer interaction describes how gambling businesses identify and interact to help customers who may be at risk of or experiencing harms associated with gambling.

As part of this consultation the Commission is requesting views on strengthening our expectations on identifying and interacting with customers, evaluating what works, and taking into account the regulator’s guidance on customer interaction.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

All licensed gambling operators are required to meet certain standards when handling complaints and offer dispute resolution by an ADR provider.

Following a review of the sector the Commission has decided to consult on whether it should require operators to only use ADR providers who have met additional standards it has set.

Gambling blocking software

In addition to consulting on specific changes to our requirements for operators above, we are also seeking views through a call for evidence on whether operators should have to provide access to blocking software free of charge to customers, and how this could most effectively be delivered. Gambling blocking software allows consumers to block access to gambling products on their phone, tablet or computer. It can be a helpful tool to add friction between a compulsion to gamble and the ability to be able to do so.

Paul Hope, Gambling Commission Executive Director, said: “We would like as many people as possible to have their say on these two consultations and the call for evidence. The proposed changes are intended to accelerate progress in protecting consumers and preventing them from experiencing gambling related harm.

“Making gambling fairer and safer is at the heart of how we regulate and better customer interaction, higher ADR standards and facilitating readily available blocking software are all part of this.”

View consultation on proposed amendments to LCCP requirements for customer interaction and alternative dispute resolution, and call for evidence on gambling site blocking software.

SOURCE: Gambling Commission.

Registration for APLA/WLA Seminar 15 - 18 April 2019 in Danang, Vietnam is Now Open!

Dear friends of APLA

We are pleased to announce that the Registration for the 2019 APLA/WLA Seminar is now open!

The details for this event are as follows:

• Date: 15 – 18 April 2019 (Business Program on 16 – 17 April)
• Venue: Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa, Danang, Vietnam
• Theme: Lotteries in the digital world - Disintermediation, Disruption or Transformation

This Seminar is being hosted and organized by both Singapore Pools Private Limited and Vietnam Lottery (Vietlott). You can expect a very exciting business program line up and an interesting experiential social program specially recommended by Vietlott.

A renowned industry leader Mr. Tim Kobe (Founder of Eight Inc,), who is popularly known as the visionary behind Apple’s iconic stores has been specially invited to be our Keynote Speaker. To quote an article, “Kobe believes that studying the humanities can help build empathy. A lack of empathy often goes hand-in-hand with a lack of awareness about the human experience that a particular piece of technology creates, which will restrict its widespread adoption, thus preventing true innovation. Tech companies and products, even entire countries, Kobe said, need to be designed with human experience in mind.”

Various Industry experts will also present on how we can captivate and reach out to the Digital Natives via channels that are pervasive to them.

Panelists comprising of representatives from WLA and APLA will also present on how digitalization have brought forth both opportunities and challenges to the Lottery industry.

We hope you will take home nuggets of knowledge and updates and embark onto your own Organisation’s transformational journey if you have not already started.

The Networking day will take us to Ba Na Hills, an area founded by the French colonials at 1919 and only lately, investors have transformed this whole place which is now referred to as the ‘climate pearl’ of Vietnam. It's located 1487m above the ground and boasts of chiller weather and fresh air.

Check out the ebrochure and also keep checking the APLA website for more announcements (www.asiapacific-lotteries.com).

Do hurry and register and as they say, Early Bird catches the worm…..

N.B. It is important to note that for the Hotel booking link, you can only book for nights from 15th to 18th April. If you need to arrive before 15th or stay past 18th, you will need to email to the hotel to request the room booking extension, the special room rates are valid from 12th to 21st April.

See you all in Danang.

Regards

Beh Swan Swan

APLA Secretariat Administrator

www.asiapacific-lotteries.com