Lottery Offers to Pay Taxes on New Scratch-Off Prizes

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (April 30, 2019) -- Everyone dislikes paying taxes – even when they win a lottery prize. So today the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) is launching four new scratch-off tickets that will solve that issue for top-prize winners.

When a player wins the top prize on any of the “Taxes Paid” tickets, he will be paid the entire amount.

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The lottery is actually increasing the amount of the prize and then paying the taxes so the winner collects the entire prize amount printed on the ticket. Normally the lottery deducts 24 percent for federal taxes and 7 percent for state taxes before awarding the winning check.

The four tickets include a $10 ticket with a top prize of $200,000; a $5 ticket with a top prize of $100,000; a $2 ticket with a top prize of $20,000, and a $1 ticket with a top prize of $5,000.

“Winners will be very pleased to walk away with the entire amount of the top prize,” said Bishop Woosley, ASL director.

“With taxes taken out, the amount paid on a $200,000 prize would normally be $138,000. However, in order to pay top-prize winners the entire amount, we have put $289,855 into the $10 ticket top prize to cover the taxes.

“With the income tax deadline just a few weeks ago, people who win the top prizes on these instant tickets will be thrilled not to have more taxes!”

All non-winning Taxes Paid tickets are eligible to enter in the lottery’s Spring Cash Giveaway through May 31 when the promotion ends.

The third and final drawing in the promotion will be June 4 when 100 players will win $500 in cash, 50 winners will win $200 each and 40 people will take home $100 in cash. For details on the promotion, go to MyArkansasLottery.com and click on “The Club.”

Woosley said he wants to remind players that the lottery is designed as entertainment and should be played responsibly.

About the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery

More than 92 cents of every dollar of Lottery revenue goes to prizes, scholarships, retailer commissions, and other expenses in Arkansas. Since 2009, the Lottery has provided more than $781 million for more than 302,000 college scholarships, more than $2.8 billion in prizes to players, about $245 million in retailer commissions and more than $124 million state and federal tax revenue.

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:  The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

INTRALOT Announces Group Restructuring

ATHENS, Greece (May 3, 2019) -- INTRALOT announces that, as part of the Group restructuring, the Operations, Technology, Digital, and Commercial Divisions are reorganized with executives from the experienced talent pool of the company, reporting to the Group Deputy CEO Mr. Nikos Nikolakopoulos as following:

1. Sales & Operations Division with Mrs. Maria Stergiou as Chief Sales & Operations Officer, responsible for the Group operational subsidiaries, the supervision of projects worldwide and Business Development, Bidding, and Sales.
2. Services & Delivery Division with Mr. Christos Dimitriadis as Chief Services and Delivery Officer, responsible for the integrated solution delivery and technical support of projects worldwide.
3. Lotteries Division with Mr. Fotis Konstantellos as Chief Lotteries Officer, responsible for the product and technical development and evolution of the LOTOS platform and the terminals of the lottery ecosystem.
4. Digital and Sports Betting Division with Mr. Nicklas Zajdel as Chief Digital and Sports Betting Officer, responsible for the product and technical development and evolution of the INTRALOT Orion platform, the Trading Operations, and Digital products and services.

Mr. Argyrios Diamantis, to-date Group Chief Technology Officer, will assume the role of Senior Advisor to the Group Management for New Technologies and Innovation.

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The new structure reflects the company strategy for cost and operational optimization, faster and more efficient project delivery, and the leveraging of new INTRALOT products for digital transformation through vertical product units.

About INTRALOT

INTRALOT, a public listed company established in 1992, is a leading gaming solutions supplier and operator active in 47 regulated jurisdictions around the globe.

With €0.9 billion turnover and a global workforce of approximately 5,200 employees (3,000 of which in HQ and subsidiaries and 2,200 in associates) in 2018, 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 information please CONTACT: Ms. Spyranda Anamouroglou, Corporate Communications Manager, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210 6106800, email: anamouroglou@intralot.com

SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com).

Marilyn Monroe™ Makes Her Debut in Idaho

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (May 1, 2019) -- Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (“Pollard Banknote”), congratulates the Idaho Lottery on the recent performance of its $5 Marilyn Monroe™ Scratch Game. The game launched in early January and was supported by a robust advertising campaign, which contributed to the ticket’s impressive success. Based on the first six weeks of sales, this was the Lottery’s second best-selling $5, non-extended play game since 2016.

The Marilyn Monroe™ ticket was offered in two glamorous Valentine’s Day-inspired designs featuring the Hollywood legend. Both iconic images were enhanced with Pollard Banknote’s Glitter FX™ print innovation, giving the tickets a premium sheen. The iconic and instantly recognizable Marilyn Monroe™ appealed to nostalgic players and non-players alike—as well as the two top prizes of $50,000.

To capture the Valentine’s Day theme, heart-shaped game play symbols feature prominently in the design. Players scratched the hearts to reveal thematic symbols—if they revealed a diamond they won the corresponding prize, if they revealed a kiss symbol they received an instant $20 win, or if they revealed a Marilyn Monroe™ symbol they won all 20 prizes shown on the ticket.

Every great star needs a supporting cast, and the Idaho Lottery delivered, supporting the ticket with a comprehensive marketing campaign including an array of retailer point-of-sale materials, internet and radio advertisements, billboard advertising, and a humorous TV spot featuring the Idaho Lottery spokesperson singing and dancing with a cardboard cut-out of Marilyn on stage.

“We were excited to bring Marilyn Monroe™ to market in Idaho,” said Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Pollard Banknote. “The aspirational and glamorous attributes that Marilyn represents were a great success for the Lottery’s Valentine’s Day game.”

“The Marilyn Monroe™ brand was an instant hit with our players,” said Jeff Anderson, Idaho Lottery Director. “The brand strength lent itself to rich promotional support, helping sales which ultimately benefit Idaho public schools and buildings.”

Pollard Banknote’s portfolio of licensed games includes a broad range of legacy and retro brands that offer lotteries an exciting and instantly recognizable way to engage players. The Licensed Products team offers a comprehensive turnkey program that includes the design, programming, and printing of themed tickets, as well as additional value-added options including second chance draws, a POS program, and broadcast and digital marketing.

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The Idaho Lottery responsibly provides entertaining games with a high degree of integrity to maximze proceeds for education in Idaho. Since its inception in 1989, the Lottery has returned more than $846 million to the State’s Public School Building Account and the Permanent Building Fund. For more information, please visit www.idaholottery.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, 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 67.5% by the Pollard family and 32.5% by public shareholders and is publicly traded on the TSX (PBL). For more information, please visit our website at: www.pollardbanknote.com.

CONTACT: Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Telephone: (204) 474-2323, E-mail: bthompson@pbl.ca.

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote.

Keith Moor, Chief Marketing Officer at Santander, Named as Chief Marketing Officer at Camelot

New Role Will Help Camelot Continue to Move Towards Making the National Lottery More Brand-Led

U.K. (May 1, 2019) -- Camelot UK Lotteries Limited (‘Camelot’), operator of the UK National Lottery, today named Keith Moor as its Chief Marketing Officer.

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Starting in September 2019, Keith will report directly into Camelot’s CEO, Nigel Railton, and will have a broad remit across all areas of The National Lottery’s marketing and player communications – including responsibility for the company’s relationship with Adam&Eve/DDB, its retained agency.

Keith has spent the last 24 years at Santander, and is currently its Chief Marketing Officer and a member of its UK Executive Committee.

He joined Santander in 1995 as Group Marketing Manager and worked his way up through the company, holding numerous positions – including Head of Marketing Communications; Head of Communication Planning, Evaluation and Sponsorship; and Director, Brand and Communications.

In his time at Santander, Keith established and executed a strategy to move to a more purpose-led business – which helped to drive cultural change, improved customer satisfaction and produced a clearer vision for the company.

He also led the transformation of the company’s marketing function to be better equipped for the digital age and launched the Santander brand into the UK market with two award-winning campaigns.

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Camelot’s CEO, Nigel Railton, commented: “Keith is joining Camelot at a pivotal time – as we celebrate the 25th year of The National Lottery.

It’s also an important time for our marketing function specifically, as we strive to continue to better connect The National Lottery’s purpose with play – to raise even more money for Good Causes.

“We’ve made some good progress – for example, with the launch of our ‘Amazing Starts Here’ brand strategy and our return to primetime Saturday night TV – and we’re looking forward to seeing how we can further build on this, with someone of Keith’s calibre leading the team.”

Keith Moor said: “I’m delighted to be joining Camelot and am honoured that I will be playing a key role in looking after The National Lottery brand – which is so well-known and does so much for Good Causes across the UK.

It sounds like the team have been doing a fantastic job of moving to a more brand-led approach and trying new things – and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

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

SOURCE: Camelot Group (www.camelotgroup.co.uk).

Wisconsin Kicks Off Participation in First POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year

Limited time offer for chance to win a trip to New York City and $1 million on New Year’s Eve begins today

MADISON, Wisconsin (May 1, 2019) -- The Wisconsin Lottery launched a limited-time off er today for a chance to win a trip to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square in New York City along with a chance to win an additional $1 million.

POWERBALL tickets purchased between May 1 and 8:59 p.m. on May 25 may count toward entry into The New Year’s Rockin’ Eve VIP Experience.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Wisconsin POWERBALL players to be part of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration, plus have a chance to become the fi rst millionaire of 2020,” said Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin.

“Wisconsin is proud to be represented in a very unique VIP experience that allows players exclusive access to many of the Big Apple’s most famous activities. After winning 2019’s largest jackpot to date, seeing WINsconsin lay claim to the fi rst million-dollar prize of the 2020 would be a great way to start the year.”

Wisconsin will send three winners and their guests to New York City this New Year’s Eve to attend an exclusive POWERBALL party in Times Square.

Each trip prize winner will also be eligible to win an additional $1 million. To enter:

1. Collect any one Wisconsin Lottery POWERBALL ticket (with or without Power Play) purchased between May 1 and 8:59 p.m. on May 25.
2. On the ticket back, place full name, address, phone number, and signature. Each entry must clearly state one person’s name and address.
3. Place the ticket in an envelope no larger than 4 ½” x 9 ½”, affix sufficient postage, and mail to:
   POWERBALL DRAWING
   PO BOX 8919
   MADISON, WI 53708

The first POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year campaigns are set to occur in 24 participating jurisdictions. Entry dates and requirements vary by participating lottery.

More than 300 winners from those jurisdictions will head to New York City to enjoy experiences, including a performance at Radio City Music Hall and holiday cruise on the Hudson River with dinner and entertainment.

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The experience also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and an exclusive New Year’s Eve gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, featuring live entertainment and prime viewing of the Times Square ball drop.

One lucky trip winner will be randomly drawn to win $1 million.

Additional information about the POWERBALL Millionaire of the Year is available on the Wisconsin Lottery website at www.wilottery.com.

ABOUT THE WISCONSIN LOTTERY

The Wisconsin Lottery enriches communities statewide by giving back 93 percent of its revenue to winners, retailers, and Wisconsin homeowners.

Of each dollar spent on the Wisconsin Lottery, 57 cents goes back to prizes, 30 cents to property tax credits, seven cents to operations and six cents to retailers.

Since 1988, the Wisconsin Lottery generated:

• More than $14.5 billion in total revenue;
• Over $8.2 billion in prizes paid; and
• More than $4.3 billion in funding for property tax credits to eligible Wisconsin homeowners.

For more about the Wisconsin Lottery, visit wilottery.com. The Wisconsin Lottery is on social media via Facebook and YouTube (/wilottery) and Twitter and Instagram (@wilottery).

SOURCE: The Wisconsin Lottery.

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Hails Passage of Assembly Bill 221 that Expands Nevada’s Gaming Technology Workforce

CARSON CITY, Nev. (May 2, 2019) – The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced today the passage by the Nevada Legislature of Assembly Bill 221 that expands the state’s technology and manufacturing workforce by giving those 18 to 20 years legal status as a “gaming employee” working for slot machine, systems, table game and component suppliers.

Previously, Nevada statute prohibited any person under 21 from being employed as a “gaming employee” except as a member of a casino count room staff. The passage of AB221 retains the count room exception for casino operations, and otherwise applies only to the technology supplier sector, which previously couldn’t even offer internships to those under 21.

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Nevada serves as the manufacturing epicenter for global gaming equipment, both hardware and software, exported to every regulated gaming market in the world. Further, AGEM members are responsible for manufacturing every gaming machine in Nevada, and leading providers include International Game Technology (IGT), Scientific Games, Aristocrat Technologies, Konami Gaming, Everi, Ainsworth Game Technology, AGS and others (full list of AGEM members below).

“We are keenly interested in workforce development and employment opportunities within the state and Assembly Bill 221 will take us all in a positive direction,” said Marcus Prater, Executive Director of AGEM. “The gaming suppliers are further interested in hiring those in the 18-20 age group in a variety of company department categories, as well as being able to offer internships to college students. The opportunities could run the gamut from visionary young adult game designers to graduates from our state’s technical schools to math wizards who are all seeking a unique career path previously unavailable to them.”

Expected to be signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak, AB221 was originally introduced by Assembly Judiciary Chairman Steve Yeager and garnered the formal support of the Nevada System of Higher Education, the College of Southern Nevada, the Washoe County School District, Clark County School District and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.

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The gaming technology sector continues to grow, according to an in-depth economic impact analysis by the respected Nevada firm Applied Analysis that was released this month, revealing that supplier companies either headquartered in Nevada or have some operations here account for $11.7 billion in direct revenue annually and directly employ nearly 29,000 people across all of their operations.

A significant portion of supplier employees are highly educated engineers, software designers, creative development specialists, hardware and sub-assembly experts, game designers, graphic artists, animators, and marketing and financial staff. The average annual salary among AGEM-member companies is $91,240, well above the national average equivalent of $51,960 for the private sector. When considering the “ripple effect” of the industry, those with operations in Nevada are responsible for approximately $31.5 billion in total global economic activity annually.

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, 170 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.

Addressing Africa’s Imminent Regulatory and Fiscal Needs in an Exceptional Way!

REPORT: Legal and Fiscal Seminar, An ALA/WLA event, Hosted by LONACI

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Africa (April 25-23, 2019)

BASEL, Switzerland (April 30, 2019) -- From April 23–25, 2019 a legal and fiscal seminar organized by the African Lottery Association (ALA), with the support of WLA, took place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. LONACI (Loterie National du Côte D’Ivoire) graciously hosted the seminar, and went to great effort to ensure the success of the event.

ALA President, Mr. Amadou Samba Kane, Chief Executive Officer of LO.NA.SE (Loterie Nationale Sénégalaise) opened the seminar, welcoming the more than 100 participants from 14 different African nations, France, and Belgium. Mr. Dramane Coulibaly, Chief Executive Officer of host lottery LONACI extended a further warm welcome to the participants.

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Following the welcome ceremonies, Philippe Vlaemminck, European Lawyer and renowned expert on gaming regulations, took over the moderation of the two-day seminar. Day one of the seminar centered around regulation best practices. Vlaemminck began with a presentation entitled, “A modern framework to regulate the lottery and gaming market”. In this presentation Vlaemminck posited that the starting point of any good legislative framework is the implementation of total prohibition with explicit exceptions.

He warned of the potential risks posed by aggressive online-gaming lobbyists, who guarantee high returns to the government, a promise they can never keep. Vlaemminck also underlined the need to fight illegal gaming operators, including the secondary lotteries, which in many cases violate the sovereignty of the nations in which they operate.

The second presentation entitled "Regulator challenge: fund a lottery" was made be South African lawyer, Dawid Muller. Muller warned of the difficulties of financing a lottery concession, if when following a public bidding, no clarity is provided for the operational license.

Philippe Vlaemminck returned for another two presentations, which covered the impact of competition law. Using anonymous case studies, Vlaemminck showed the risks that lotteries can incur when facing an open market.

Florence Gras, General Delegate of the European Pari Mutuel Association (EPMA), followed with an overview of the horse race betting sector, and emphasised the need to preserve the integrity of the industry.

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Click here for the latest electronic version of Lottery Insights.

Rounding out the morning session, Philippe Vlaemminck returned speaking about the possibilities and complexities of coordinated multi-jurisdictional games.

During the afternoon session, four case studies were presented on the regulation of lotteries and games of chance. The first presentation was made by Peter Naessens, acting General Director of the Belgian Gaming Commission. Naessens spoke on the need for the strict regulation of online gambling and ways to enforce laws against illegal operators. Next followed Souphiane Sankhon, Director of Operation for LONAGUI (Loterie Nationale de Guinée) speaking on the complex structure in Guinea where LONAGUI operates not as a lottery, but rather as regulator overseeing various operators. Dawid Muller then returned speaking on the tensions between the central South African government and its provinces on the licensing of secondary lotteries. The final presentation of the session was made by Roger B. Abim-Karmon, Chief Policy Advisor to the General Director of the National Lottery of Liberia, Martin S. Kollie. Abim-Karmon gave an informative presentation on the lottery landscape in Liberia.

The second day of the seminar was reserved for a debate on African taxation models and issues, including questions on VAT, exemptions, and corporate and gaming tax. The morning started with a excellent presentation by Mohamed Lahlou, Chief Financial Officer of MDJS

(La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports). Lahlou pointed out the most important tax issues that need to be considered.

From LONAB (Loterie Nationale Burkinabé) Mr. DA Badé Laurent, Inspector of the General Directorate of Treasury of Public Accounting of Burkina Faso, provided a further overview of the complexity of tax matters that affect the lottery in his country. Mr. Pacôme Mondon, of Mondon Conseil International, followed providing an overview of tax issues in the Ivory Coast. Among other items, he discussed VAT and whether a lottery tickets should be considered as goods or as a service. In response moderator Vlaemminck referred to the 1994 Schindler case before the European Court of Justice who ruled that a lottery ticket was a service of a particular nature.

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He also mentioned the problem of state aid when it comes to exemptions, a matter that is of equal concern in the two African economic communities, UEMOA and COMESA. Mr. Raphaël Jean-Louis Nougbode, Director of Audit and Internal control for LNB (Loterie Nationale du Bénin) gave a presentation on the legal structure in Benin and how it affects the lottery.

Concluding the discussion, Mr. El Hadji Ibrahim Diop, independent expert and former director of legislation of the Senegalese Tax Department, extensively outlined the various tax issues that should be seriously considered and the need for comprehensive governance.

The session was closed with another in-depth question and answer session. Both ALA President, Mr. Amadou Samba Kane, and Driss Hamdoune Secretary-General of MDJS – who represented ALA Secretary General, Younes EL Mechrafi – emphasized the need of ALA set up a committee on legal and fiscal matters.

Moderator Philippe Vlaemminck closed the seminar by summing up the main issues that were addressed over the two days, expressing his optimism for the future of the African lotteries and the support that ALA provides them.

He called the seminar “memorable experience” owing to its excellent organization, its strong content, and the very active participation of the large audience.

Many thanks to go out to the LONACI and ALA teams for their tremendous work and organization of this this highly successful event.

SOURCE: World Lottery Association (WLA).

LOTTO Bayern Remains Premium Partner for BMW Open

MUNICH, Germany (April 27, 2019) -- "As a premium partner, LOTTO Bayern will once again be in the game for the next two years when it comes to presenting world-class tennis in Bavaria to a broad audience.

With regard to the great popularity of the BMW Open, there are suitable intersections for the image of LOTTO Bayern.

As a traditional sponsor of the sport, LOTTO Bavaria fits in well with the most important tennis tournament of the year on Bavarian soil, "said Minister of Finance and Home Affairs Albert Füracker on the occasion of the signing of the contract by Josef Müller, Vice President of LOTTO Bay-ern, and MTTC Iphitos am Saturday (27.4.)

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In Munich with. LOTTO Bavaria has been a premium partner of this traditional tournament since 2001.

The state gambling provider was again this year style with the draw of the main round by LOTTO drawing device the prelude to the subsequent qualifying matches.

From April 27 to May 05, 2019, visitors to the BMW Open can expect the finest tennis, paired with good entertainment in a family atmosphere and a fine culinary offer.

"LOTTO Bayern, as a state-owned gambling operator and operator of the nine Bavarian casinos, has paid around 410 million euros in lottery tax and profit transfer to the Bavarian state budget in 2018.

These funds allow a variety of additional benefits for the citizens of Bavaria, "emphasized Füracker. The game participants, who won more than 582 million euros in Bavaria alone last year, also benefited. Among them were 24 new millionaires.

SOURCE: Lotto Bayern.

Gambling Commission Launch New National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harm

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. (April 25, 2019) -- The Gambling Commission has today (25 April) launched the new National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, a three-year strategy which will drive and coordinate work to bring a lasting impact on reducing gambling harms.

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For the first time health bodies, charities, regulators and businesses will come together in partnership to effectively tackle the issue – with the Commission calling for action and combined efforts to deliver two strategic priority areas:

• Prevention and Education – making significant progress towards a clear public health prevention plan which includes the right mix of interventions.
• Treatment and Support – delivering truly national treatment and support options that meet the needs of users.

As part of the new strategy, the Commission will continue to take a firm regulatory enforcement approach whilst also further improving gambling harms research and evaluation so that there is widespread adoption of what works. The Commission will also explore the establishment of a new National Research Centre and work is being undertaken to build a National Data Repository for research purposes.

William Moyes, chairman of the Gambling Commission, said: “This new strategy will provide us and our partners the opportunity to make faster progress to reduce gambling harms.

It will not just benefit the health and wellbeing of those directly affected and in need of support, but also those such as friends, families, communities and wider society.

“The success of this strategy relies on everyone working together to reduce gambling harms through prevention and education, and treatment and support.

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Everyone has a role to play to combat gambling harms and I’m delighted that the health sector, charities and businesses are showing their commitment to get behind the strategy and make it a success.

“We all need to better understand the harms that can be caused by gambling, moving away from simply counting problem gamblers and instead build a greater understanding of the harms experienced. Over the lifetime of the strategy we will better understand the full range of harms and how to protect against them.’’

Minister for Sport and Civil Society Mims Davies, said: “Protecting people from harm should be at the heart of every gambling business. Addiction can ruin lives and it is vital that those who need help are given the right treatment at the right time.

“The Gambling Commission’s strategy reflects our clear expectation that the whole sector must come together to reduce problem gambling and the harm it does to people and their families. Through increased research, education and treatment I want to see faster progress made in tackling this issue.”

Claire Murdoch, national director for mental health at NHS England, said: “There is increasing evidence of a link between problem gambling and stress, depression and other mental health issues and this is an important step in the battle to reduce the harm caused.

“The NHS is playing its part with the Long Term Plan committing to an increase in mental health services for patients with a gambling problem but gambling addiction is not just the NHS’s problem – it is an issue for the whole of society affecting people of all ages and backgrounds which is why it is everyone’s responsibility to act.

That is why the NHS looks forward to working closely with our partners to protect vulnerable people and ensure they have the right support."

Public Health England will also be conducting the first ever review of evidence on the public health harms in England relating to gambling. The review will look at the range and scale of gambling harms and identify the impact of gambling on peoples’ health and wellbeing.

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Rosanna O’Connor, Director of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco and Justice at Public Health England, added: “PHE welcomes the Strategy’s commitment to taking a public health approach to gambling related harms.

“There is an urgent need to develop a better understanding of these harms and how best to respond to them and PHE has been commissioned by Government to undertake a comprehensive independent evidence review on the public health harms of gambling.

“In addition, the National Institute for Health Research has commissioned a complementary review of the effectiveness of policies and interventions for reducing gambling-related harm, which will form part of PHE’s report. Our full evidence review is expected in spring next year.”

To support the new strategy, a new website has been launched where all information on the strategy’s priorities can be accessed and progress can be tracked. It is available through www.reducinggamblingharms.org

Ahead of the new strategy launch, last month the Gambling Commission also announced that its independent advisors, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), had been renamed as the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) as part of a renewed focus on the safety of consumers and prevention of harm.

SOURCE: Gambling Commission.

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Expands Partnership with Sportradar Integrity Services

PARIS, France (April 26, 2019) -- The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) – the world governing body for motor sport that promotes safe, sustainable and accessible mobility for road users across the world - has extended its multiyear partnership agreement with Sportradar Integrity Services – the world’s leading supplier of sports integrity solutions – to monitor and safeguard the integrity of its championships, including the prestigious FIA Formula One World Championship.

Under the agreement, FIA competitions will continue to be monitored by Sportradar’s Fraud Detection System (FDS), which has been independently assessed and verified by recognised experts in the field of sports betting and integrity.

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As part of the renewal, FIA will also utilise Sportradar’s Education and Prevention Services to help further safeguard their competitions. Sportradar will conduct integrity workshops to educate participants on potential integrity threats and how they can promote correct and ethical behaviours within the sport. In addition, FIA and Sportradar are also set to launch a dedicated e-learning tool and associated webpage platform.

Speaking about the partnership, FIA Head of Governance, Integrity and Regulatory Affairs, Pierre Ketterer said: "Safeguarding the integrity of motor sport worldwide is of paramount importance. By utilising Sportradar’s monitoring solutions, we continue to have oversight of any threats to our competitions. With the addition of their Education and Prevention Services too, our efforts within this space are further strengthened. Through the tailored education workshops, our participants will learn about the risk factors to be aware of and best practices to follow. By adopting this multi-faceted approach to integrity, we are confident that our competitions will continue to be run with ethical values at the forefront.”

Sportradar Integrity Services Managing Director Andreas Krannich added: “We are honoured to be working alongside FIA. As the global leader in sporting integrity, we make it our top priority to support our partners and help establish an effective framework to help minimise integrity related issues. Our team will focus on safeguarding FIA competitions against integrity related threats through education, and will be driven by our market-leading FDS solution on race days. We look forward to working more closely with FIA in the years to come and continuing to play a part in upholding the integrity of some of the world’s best-loved motor sports championships.”

SOURCE: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.