IGT Launches PlayBingo Solution in Norway

State Lottery Operator Norsk Tipping Goes Live with Enhanced Games and Chat Room to Seamlessly Drive Results Across All Game Categories

LONDON, U.K. (May 15, 2019) -- International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE:IGT) announced that Norsk Tipping, Norway's state lottery operator and a World Lottery Association (WLA) member, has launched IGT’s new digital PlayBingo platform. The solution was awarded to IGT as part of a competitive procurement process, and replaces Norsk Tipping’s previous digital bingo platform provided by IGT since 2014.

The new solution includes IGT PlayCasino slot titles and a selection of mini-games that can be played for extra entertainment between or during rounds, while extensive chat features let players socialize with one another. PlayBingo offers exclusive bingo variants including Picture Bingo and Roulette Bingo, which customers can easily configure and customize. Built on multi-channel HTML5 for desktop, tablet, and mobile, it provides a variety of popular IGT digital casino slot games within a single game window, so players can seamlessly experience multiple game categories.

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“Thanks to IGT’s PlayBingo platform, Norwegian players are responsibly enjoying a new and more entertaining Bingo experience, enhancing our program and keeping proceeds in Norway to support arts, sports, and cultural initiatives,” said Hans Erland Ringsvold, Head of Gaming Operations, Norsk Tipping.

“As a leader in regulated digital gaming, Norsk Tipping has recognized the benefits of PlayBingo not only as a baseline product with crossover appeal, but as a vertical that supports responsible gaming through its social aspect and low average player spend,” said Declan Harkin, IGT Senior Vice President and COO, International. “Our experience in WLA markets in Europe and North America have proven that PlayBingo is a powerful driver of player acquisition and player retention, while accelerating growth across an operator’s entire digital offering.”

IGT’s PlayBingo solution offers both standalone and network bingo capabilities, and is part of a complete suite of PlayDigital products, game platforms, content, and business systems that work seamlessly together, with the flexibility and modularity to grow, adapt, and integrate with all types of lottery and casino businesses. IGT’s PlayInstantWin and PlayCasino game portfolios feature many popular titles from IGT’s leading PlayRGS game content library, including exclusive, popular titles adapted from the Company’s land-based game library.

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Norsk Tipping has been a valued customer of IGT, previously legacy GTECH, since 2012. In May 2018, IGT announced the five-year contract with Norsk Tipping for the digital Bingo solution, which can be extended for an additional three two-year extensions, for a total of up to 11 years.

In addition to Norsk Tipping, IGT's Nordic WLA digital customers include Veikkaus in Finland and Svenska Spel in Sweden. IGT also provides its digital content through a third party to Danske Spil in Denmark.

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.

IGT CONTACTS:

• Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications, +1 (401) 392-7452;
• James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190;
• Giuliano Frosini, +39 06 51899584; for Italian media inquiries.

SOURCE: IGT.

Gibraltar Gambling Division signs MoU with the Swedish Gambling Authority

STRÄNGNÄS, Sweden (May 8, 2019) -- Gibraltar Gambling Division (GGD) and Spelinspektionen (the Swedish Gambling Authority) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purposes of enhanced cooperation between the two authorities in furtherance of the authorities’ public policy objectives and mutually common values.

The aim of this MoU is to facilitate on-going close communications between the two authorities, and to support effective sharing of information on matters of mutual interest and policy areas.

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Both authorities have also agreed to provide the best possible operational assistance to one another, on a continuous basis, in accordance with both their respective procedures and regulatory policies.

The Director General of the Swedish Gambling Authority, Camilla Rosenberg said that: “Some of the companies that have received a Swedish license also have technical equipment and a license in Gibraltar.

By opening the communication channels between the authorities we become stronger in our supervisory activities.

This is the beginning of a broad and long-term cooperation.

Earlier this year we entered a MoU with Malta Gaming Authority and our plan is to initiate corresponding collaborations with more gambling authorities in Europe.”

GGD´s Executive Director, Andrew Lyman, also expressed his satisfaction on this agreement whereby he stated that: “Gibraltar is committed to working collaboratively and effectively with first tier regulators such as the Swedish Gambling Authority who share common values in terms of consumer protection, a fair market, promoting social responsibility and reducing crime associated with gambling.”

The MoU came into force as of the 8th of May 2019.

SOURCE: Spelinspektionen.

Arizona Lottery Awards Pollard Banknote Instant Ticket Warehousing And Distribution Contract

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (May 13, 2019) -- Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (“Pollard Banknote”) is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with the Arizona Lottery to deliver instant ticket warehousing and distribution services, as a result of being awarded a contract through a competitive procurement process. The six-year contract began on February 14, 2019, and will end on August 30, 2026.

Pollard Banknote has been an instant ticket printing and production services provider for the Lottery since 1998 and was awarded the first pull-tab ticket warehouse and distribution services contract in Arizona in 2010.

Under this new contract, Pollard Banknote will operate an instant ticket warehouse and distribution center for the Lottery, which will include telemarketing services, inventory storage and management, order fulfillment, and distribution to retailers, as well as marketing support to foster sales growth and retail excellence.

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In order to create greater efficiency, pull-tab and instant ticket warehousing and distribution services will be consolidated under this contract once the existing pull-tab agreement has expired.

Pollard Banknote will manage the Lottery’s instant ticket inventory using our state-of-the-art, proprietary SureTrack™ Lottery Management System. SureTrack™ is a web-based, turnkey solution with a range of flexible tools for inventory control and management, forecasting, ordering, distribution, validation, and reporting that support lottery goals for sales and retail expansion.

Pollard Banknote’s SureTrack™ technology solution has been used by a variety of lotteries around the world for 18 years.

“Pollard Banknote is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with a long-standing client like the Arizona Lottery in a new capacity to deliver instant ticket warehousing and distribution services,” said Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Pollard Banknote. “We have worked diligently to develop a modern and sophisticated lottery management solution that offers outstanding operational support. We look forward to implementing this solution for the Arizona Lottery, and we are confident that it will play an important role in our holistic approach to helping the Lottery drive sales of pull-tabs and instant tickets.”

“At the Arizona Lottery, our mission is to maximize net revenues in a responsible manner to support programs that benefit Arizona communities,” said Gregg Edgar, Executive Director, Arizona Lottery.

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“Over the course of our more than 20-year long relationship, Pollard Banknote has demonstrated a keen ability to provide quality products and services that help us deliver on our mission. We are confident that Pollard Banknote is the right partner to help us take our sales to new heights by providing instant ticket warehousing and distribution services.”

About the Arizona Lottery

Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated more than $4 billion in net funding in support of programs that help to improve the quality of life for the people of Arizona. Proceeds from Lottery ticket sales – more than $4 million per week – fund programs in education, economic development, environmental conservation and health and human services. The mission is to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.

About Pollard Banknote Limited

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 PollardBanknote.com.

CONTACT:

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote Limited.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) Announces Key Promotions and Appointments at Its Sydney Laboratory

Daniel Pennisi Promoted to Technical Manager; Tony Blayney Named Service Delivery Representative; Daniel McDougall Named Technical Specialist

SYDNEY, Australia (May 16, 2019) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has announced three key staff appointments at GLI Australia’s® Sydney laboratory.

Daniel Pennisi has been promoted to Technical Manager, Tony Blayney has been named Service Delivery Representative, and Daniel McDougall has been named Technical Specialist. The promotions underscore GLI’s commitment to its customers as well as highlight GLI’s core principle of creating a culture of developing its team members at all levels.

“Our people are what truly sets GLI apart as the global testing and certification leader,” said GLI Australia COO Erdal Eskin. “Daniel M., Tony, and Daniel P. exemplify our philosophy of hiring the best and brightest in their field; thereby providing our valued customers, both in our Sydney lab and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with the superior quality and customer service they expect from GLI.”

In his new role, Pennisi provides overall management and leadership of the Sydney lab’s technical team; including supervising staff and developing operational processes and procedures to enhance overall efficiency.

Blayney’s new responsibilities include building and maintaining business relationships with assigned clients; ensuring that they receive the utmost in professional, courteous, and timely support and service. This includes all sales activities from lead generation through contract signing, and post-service follow-up to achieve customer-satisfaction and revenue-generation goals and objectives.

As Technical Specialist, McDougall will be utilizing his 20+ years of experience in the gaming industry to provide expert-level analysis of gaming systems and machines. From 1997 through 2013, McDougall held various key roles at GLI Australia, including Group Engineering Manager, Operations Manager and Technical Manager. His responsibilities included all testing completed within the Australian region and supervising a staff of more than 30 full-time engineers.

For information about career opportunities at GLI, visit the careers page of gaminglabs.com.

About Gaming Laboratories International

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

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

SOURCE:  Gaming Laboratories International.

New York Lottery & Video Lottery Gaming First in the Nation to Break $10 Billion in Combined Sales & Net Win in a Single Fiscal Year

• Record profits generate $3.47 Billion in Lottery Aid to Education in FY2018-2019, a $102 million increase over FY2017-2018
• Commission earns the gaming industry’s highest responsible gaming recognition during record-setting year

NEW YORK (May 13, 2019) -- The New York State Gaming Commission’s Lottery and Video Lottery operations today reinforced their collective standing as North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery businesses by becoming the first to break $10 billion in combined sales and net win for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. Combined, the record-breaking earnings generated $3.47 billion in Lottery Aid to Education which accounts for 13 percent of all New York State School Aid disbursed in FY2018-2019.

Fiscal year sales of traditional Lottery games, comprised of in-state draw games, multi-state games, and instant scratch-off tickets, totaled more than $8.2 billion. The total makes New York’s state-administered lottery the 7th most profitable in the world, surpassed only by the two National Lotteries of China, and those of Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

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Video lottery gaming net win (proceeds after all prizes have been paid) amounted to more than $2.08 billion during the same period, besting all other American video lottery gaming operations and is third behind two Italian independent operators.

“New York’s long history of increasing earnings for New York’s public K-12 schools is a direct result of sound business planning, mature and responsible stewardship of our lottery and video lottery products, and a fundamental continuous improvement effort,” said Commission Acting Executive Director Robert Williams.

See attached for New York Lottery Aid to Education disbursements.

In addition to fulfilling their primary mission of raising revenue to support education, the Commission’s Lottery and Video Lottery Gaming operations also generated significant revenue for New York businesses – large and small – during FY 2018-2019. Licensed Lottery retailers earned $492 million in commissions and video lottery gaming operators netted $964 million during the same 12-month period.

New York’s Gaming Commission is one of eight gaming jurisdictions in North America to earn the global gaming industry’s highest level of achievement – Level 4 Certification – from the World Lottery Association. The accreditation recognizes the Commission for incorporating responsible gaming principles into its everyday business practices and its commitment to continuous improvement.

CONTACT: Communications, T: (518) 388-3415, E: info@gaming.ny.gov.

SOURCE: The New York State Gaming Commission.

Lottery Jackpots Continue to Grow, Along with Proceeds for Scholarships

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (May 13, 2019) -- The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery’s (ASL) three major draw game jackpots continue to grow. Powerball® stands at $250 million, Mega Millions® has climbed to $316 million and the Natural State Jackpot is up to $300,000.

“Draw game sales actually produce more proceeds for scholarships,” said ASL Director Bishop Woosley. “And when jackpots get big, our sales go up, which means more money for scholarships.”

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The lottery has raised $82.5 million for scholarships so far this fiscal year, and that’s more than $11 million over the projected budget, according to Woosley.

“From a sales and proceeds standpoint, we have never been in a better position at this time in a fiscal year (which ends June 30),” he said. “If this trend holds, we may surpass our previous record for sales and proceeds.”

Woosley said the new Taxes Paid scratch-off tickets have only be in the market for two weeks. One of the top prizes on the $200,000 ticket, which sells for $10, was claimed last week. Since the lottery is paying the taxes on the top-prizes on these tickets, the player won $289,855. There is about $7.5 million in prizes remaining in that game. About the same amount of prize money is available on the other three Taxes Paid tickets that sell for $5, $2, and $1.

May is the third and final month in the lottery’s Spring Cash Giveaway promotion. Players can enter winning and non-winning Powerball tickets along with non-winning instant tickets that launched in March, April and May for a chance to win cash. The final drawing will be June 4. 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 so to play for fun and to play responsibly.

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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

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 $248 million in retailer commissions and more than $125 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: Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

Illinois Lottery Launches New Instant Ticket To Benefit Police Memorial Funds

CHICAGO, Illinois (May 13, 2019) -- The Illinois Lottery today celebrated the unveiling of its new police memorial instant ticket, Blue, which benefits police memorials across Illinois and the families of fallen law enforcement officers.

“The Illinois Lottery is proud to support such a worthy cause with this ticket that helps honor the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the people of Illinois,” Illinois Lottery Acting Director Harold Mays said.

The Blue ticket costs $2, and players can win up to $20,000. It was designed in collaboration with the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee and the Illinois State Police Memorial Park Fund. All of the profits from the ticket will be divided evenly among the three foundations.

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“The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is an invaluable resource for the families of fallen Chicago police officers,” said Philip Cline, Executive Director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. “This new Illinois Lottery ticket will be an important part of supporting the Foundation’s mission moving forward. I know I speak for families all across the city when I express my gratitude for the Lottery’s involvement here.”

Funds from the ticket can be used to build and maintain police memorials, hold commemorations and provide scholarships and assistance for families of fallen officers or those officers who have been injured on the job. Funds also can be used to purchase or replace bulletproof vests to be used in the line of duty.

“We are grateful to the Illinois Lottery and players across the state for their support of our officers and their families through the Blue police memorial ticket,” Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said. “Playing this ticket really makes a difference for the families of the fallen and the troopers serving our state every day.”

“The Illinois Police Memorial holds special meaning for the law enforcement community across our state,” said Dave Johnson, President of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee. “Recently, we recognized the sacrifice of two of our fallen officers at the Memorial. In this time of reflection, it is heartening to see the support for our officers that this Lottery ticket represents.”

The Blue police memorial ticket is the newest addition to the Illinois Lottery’s portfolio of instant tickets that support special causes. Since 2006, Illinois Lottery specialty ticket sales have raised more than $50 million for special causes throughout the state. This is the first new ticket to be added to the specialty cause portfolio since 2015.

The Blue ticket was introduced this morning at a ceremony in the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park near Chicago’s Soldier Field. For video footage of the ticket launch event, click here.

The ticket is available for purchase at more than 7,200 Illinois Lottery retailers across Illinois.

For more information on the ticket and how it will benefit officers and their families across the state, please visit https://www.illinoislottery.com/giving-back/specialty-tickets/blue-police-memorial.

About 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.

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

SOURCE: The Illinois Lottery.

New Wheel of Fortune Game Offers a $200,000 Top Prize and VIP Trips to L.A.

RALEIGH, NC (May 14, 2019) -- A new Wheel of Fortune instant game starts today in North Carolina with four top prizes of $200,000 and VIP trips to L.A. where winners can compete for a $1 million prize.

Long-time co-host of Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White, will help get the new instant game started with an appearance in North Carolina on Friday.

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White will meet Wheel of Fortune fans at the Charlotte Motor Speedway just before she serves as grand marshal of the NCEL 200.

Just like the TV game show, the lottery’s Wheel of Fortune game has proved popular with lottery players here. It is the third time that the lottery has offered a Wheel of Fortune-themed game.

“We’re in the business of making fun things happen,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “This game not only offers a great top prize, but once-in-a-lifetime trips to Los Angeles where you can see the Wheel of Fortune show and compete for a $1 million prize. Along the way, this fun will help the lottery meet its mission of raising money for education.”

The $5 game begins today with more than $13 million in prizes, including four top prizes of $200,000.

Another way to win is by entering Wheel of Fortune tickets into second-chance drawings offering trips for two to Los Angeles as prizes. Eight trips can be won. The trips include round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, four nights’ deluxe accommodations, a tour of Sony Studios, a bus tour of Hollywood, studio audience tickets for a taping of the Wheel of Fortune show, and tickets to a Big Money Spin Event where up to $1 million can be won.

Wheel of Fortune fans can meet White during her appearance in Charlotte. Instead of turning letters, White will get to say the most famous words in racing, “Drivers. Start your engines!” at the NASCAR truck race. Her events include:

• Meeting fans beside the Education Lottery’s booth at the speedway’s Fan Zone from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Greeting NASCAR drivers as they are introduced to NASCAR fans.
• Performing grand marshal duties to help get the truck race started.

More information about the Wheel of Fortune game is available on the lottery’s website, nclottery.com.

Instant games such as Wheel of Fortune make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $650 million a year for education. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.  

CONTACT: Van Denton, Phone: (919) 301-3308.

SOURCE: N.C. Education Lottery.

New Mexico Lottery Offers a Chance to Become the First Powerball® Millionaire of 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (May 9, 2019) -- If you ever wanted to win a million dollars and visit Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve, now’s your chance.

New Mexico Powerball® players can now enter for a chance to become the First Powerball Millionaire of the Year at the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve event in 2020.

This promotion offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We are excited to offer our players the chance to attend this iconic event while also having a chance to win a million dollars,” said David Barden, Powerball Product Group Chairman and New Mexico Lottery CEO. “It’s an opportunity for ten lucky New Mexico Lottery players to check off items on their bucket lists.”

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To enter, players must purchase a minimum of $6 in Powerball plays on one ticket to receive an entry coupon. Then they must enter the serial number from their coupon on the promotion entry site, available at nmlottery.com, by September 30, 2019 for a chance to win. There will be four separate drawings.

Ten lucky New Mexico players will be selected to take a trip for two to New York City to ring in 2020 in Times Square. Winners will receive airfare for two, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, dinner on a Hudson River cruise, tickets to an iconic Broadway show, and spending money. On New Year’s Eve, winners will have a private viewing area of the ball drop in Times Square and the First Powerball Millionaire of the Year will be drawn just after midnight.

Details and entry for the First Powerball Millionaire of the Year Promotion can be found at nmlottery.com.

Legislative Lottery Scholarships

All profits from the sale of New Mexico Lottery games fund an in-state college tuition assistance program. Since 1996, the New Mexico Lottery has raised $812.1 million for education and more than 122,000 students have attended college on Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

More information about Legislative Lottery Scholarships is available at www.nmlottery.com.

Follow the New Mexico Lottery on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nmlottery)

SOURCE: New Mexico Lottery.

Illinois Lottery Re-Launches Deal or No Deal Instant Ticket

Ticket offers top prize of $100K and a second-chance contest

CHICAGO, Illinois (May 10, 2019) – The Chicago Crusader report the second-chance contest is for players with non-winning tickets. Players can enter non-winning tickets at IllinoisLottery.com for a chance to win a trip for four to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the Deal or No Deal Experience and a shot at winning $1 million.

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Deal or No Deal airs on CNBC and features host Howie Mandel. It will air 10 all-new episodes starting Wednesday, June 12. The Illinois Lottery last launched a Deal or No Deal instant ticket in 2006.

Included in the second-chance grand prize:

• Five days, four nights in Orlando with roundtrip coach airfare for four people from any U.S. International airport
• Ground transfers from Orlando International Airport to the destination hotel and any contest-related events
• Accommodations of two 3-star or better hotel rooms for four nights
• $1,000 in spending money for the trip
• Theme park tickets

Admission to the DEAL OR NO DEAL™ Experience for all four guests; Prize-winner has chance to win a cash prize in the game show itself.

How to play Deal or No Deal™

Scratch BRIEFCASES 1-18 one at a time to reveal either a prize amount or a "NO DEAL" symbol.

For every prize amount revealed in the BRIEFCASES area, scratch the corresponding prize amount shown in the PRIZE BOARD.

For each "NO DEAL" symbol revealed in the BRIEFCASES area, scratch ONLY ONE "NO DEAL" box under the PRIZE BOARD.

TO WIN: If the last symbol remaining in the PRIZE BOARD is a prize amount, you win that amount.

BANKER'S BOX: Reveal two matching prize amounts in the BANKER'S BOX, win that amount.

*Enter your non-winning DEAL OR NO DEAL™ game 7307 into the Second-Chance Promotion for a chance to win a trip to Orlando, FL.

If selected as a trip winner, you will have the opportunity to play the Lottery Winners Only $1 Million DEAL OR NO DEAL™ Experience for a chance to win up to $1 Million.

SOURCE: Illinois Lottery.

Veikkaus Reports a Good Start in Q1 2019 Despite the Challenging Market Situation

• Turnover EUR 774.0 million (-3.9%).
• Gross gaming revenue EUR 438.8 million (+0.4%).
• Profit EUR 261.5 million (+2.2%).
• 69.2 percent of the turnover came from the retail sales network and 30.8 percent from the digital channel.
• Veikkaus revised its cost structure and enhanced its operations. As a result of cooperation negotiations, 330–360 employment contracts will be terminated.
• Lotto boasted a record-high jackpot for six weeks in a row, which caused Lotto’s turnover (EUR 108.2 million) to increase by 26.3 percent.
• 46.1 percent of gaming took place identified (+1.4 percentage points).

HELSINKI, Finland (May 15, 2019) -- Olli Sarekoski, Veikkaus President and CEO:

”Veikkaus’ year 2019 had a good start in terms of business. The result was affected especially by a Lotto jackpot, which rolled over for six weeks in a row. February also brought with it the biggest jackpot won in Lotto’s entire history, EUR 15.5 million.

At the beginning of the year, we had to make difficult decisions at Veikkaus, with the objective of revising our cost structure and enhancing our operations.

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We decided to discontinue table gaming services in restaurants and at the Pelaamo arcades, as they were unprofitable and tied up a significant amount of resources. Veikkaus conducted cooperation negotiations, following which ca. 330–360 employment contracts will end. Around 300 of them are part-time.

The table gaming services are to end in restaurants and at the Pelaamo arcades by the end of May. We will continue to develop the table gaming activities at Veikkaus’ Feel Vegas clubs, the Casino Helsinki, and the Casino Tampere, which will open in 2021.

We will take good care of both the employees who will be leaving Veikkaus and of those who will continue. We will, for example, offer comprehensive personal job search support to everyone affected by the personnel cuts.

Our objective is to ensure Veikkaus’ future in the tightening digital competition, where gaming is shifting strongly towards the digital channel.

As a result of the structural changes in retail trade, our point-of-sale network has also been reduced considerably in the past few years.

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By acting in a cost-efficient way, we can make sure that Veikkaus will be able to offer excitement and experiences to the customers even in the future and continue to be a good employer to a large number of gaming industry professionals.

There has been a lot of public debate over gambling problems. It is good that the responsibility of our operations and the reliability of our games are still seen as significant values. Veikkaus keeps monitoring the development of gambling-related problems regularly and developing measures to control problem gambling. At present, Veikkaus is preparing for comprehensive identification on decentralised slot machines, which will be introduced in 2021, enabling the players, for example, to set limits on their own gaming. According to Veikkaus’ estimate, the compulsory identification will reduce the profit from slot machines by ca. EUR 100–150 million annually. This will affect the lottery tax paid by Veikkaus by ca. EUR 12–36 million.

The monopoly status is based, in part, on Veikkaus’ competitiveness. We want to be able to provide games responsibly, minimizing gaming-related harm even in the future, in order to channel the gaming revenue to the benefit of Finns.”

For more information, pleaseCONTACT:

President and CEO Olli Sarekoski through Communication Unit’s media service, tel. +358 9 4370 7000.

SOURCE: Veikkaus press release.

SAZKA Release 2018 Group Annual Report

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (May 10, 2019) -- 2018 was marked by continued strong growth across all of SAZKA Group’s markets, through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions in certain markets, as the Group focuses on delivering the broadest gaming experience, with lottery at its core.

For the year ended 31 December 2018, the total amount staked grew 11% to €5,502 million (IFRS consolidated) with Group GGR up 13% to €1,886 million (IFRS consolidated).

The lottery industry represents a large and resilient segment of the European gaming market with significant barriers to entry, namely long-term contracts, typically with single operator status and high brand and customer loyalty building costs.

Furthermore, the lottery segment benefits from positive regulatory and public perception compared to other gaming segments.

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The SAZKA Group has an asset-light business model and unique distribution network that allows for an unparalleled customer reach within a growing and resilient lottery industry. The Group continues to build its leading position in the Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Austria and Italy supported by iconic and trusted brands and exclusive long-term licenses across Europe with unblemished renewal records. In 2018, the Group acquired an additional share capital of Casinos Austria, taking the total indirect stake to 38.2%.

Delivering best-in-class lottery services and games to customer’s remains at the centre of the Group’s strategy. We continue to respond to developments in the industry and changing consumer habits. The SAZKA Group is truly embracing the shift to digital gaming, whilst expanding its lottery product portfolio and diversifying to additional gaming verticals.

Income Statement

Group EBITDA increased by 29% from €427 million in 2017 to €553 million in 2018. This is mainly attributable to an increase of €51 million in Greece, a €19 million increase in the Czech Republic and a €45 million contribution from the Croatian business following the SuperSport acquisition. Both the Austrian and the Italian businesses also contributed positively to the EBITDA growth, by €16 million and €8 million, respectively.

Profit for the year after tax was up 39% in 2018 to €263 million. The Group's Income tax expense was €90 million in 2018, implying an effective income tax rate of 25.6%. The net finance expense stood at €81 million in 2018, up 11% from the previous year

Cash Flow

Cash generated from operating activities before payment of interest and taxes increased by 18% from €318 million in 2017 to €388 million in 2018. Net cash used in investing activities went from €172 million to €347 million due to the SuperSport acquisition and the increase in the Group's shareholding in Casinos Austria.

Click Here to read/download the 2018 SAZKA Group Annual report

SOURCE: SAZKA Group.

German Lotto and Totoblock Release Key Issues Paper on the State Treaty on Gambling

GERMANY (May 10, 2019)

I. The 16 state lottery companies united in the German Lotto and Totoblock (DLTB) welcome the unanimous decision of the Conference of Prime Ministers of 21 March 2019 to reorganize the sports betting with the extension of the experimentation clause and the Third State Treaty on Gaming. The DLTB expects players in the sports betting market to comply with the legal requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling.

The Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Administrative Court have just recently stated once again that the current State Treaty on Gaming is constitutional and European law compliant. The DLTB is therefore confident that the above-mentioned legal and political decisions as well as the increased intervention of the regulators against illegal offers will contribute to the stability of the gambling markets in Germany.

The decisions of the Prime Ministers' Conference of October 2018 to initiate a structured debate on possible reform needs are expressly supported by the DLTB. The DLTB will continue to accompany this process in a constructive and relevant manner.

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II. The welfare-oriented gambling on the basis of the regulatory law and in the context of the federal jurisdiction has proven itself. An amendment of the State Treaty on Gambling in 2021 should be based on the agreement of all parties concerned.

The 16 state lottery companies provide an adequate and responsible gambling offer. It is indisputable and exemplary that the requirements of addiction prevention, the protection of minors and the protection of gamblers are sufficient.

In particular, large lotteries are due to the current design for decades to less addictive gambling. The negative side effects of gambling, especially gambling addiction, could be minimized by organizing in state monopoly and strict regulation. For large lotteries, the governance function of state regulators is immediate and efficient. The dampening effect of high taxes and duties is evident. Any manipulation hazards are maximally reduced.

Each year, the 16 state lottery companies pay nearly 3 billion euros in taxes and fees for public interest purposes. That's about 8 million euros per day. They secure many jobs in small and medium-sized companies with about 21,500 points of sale. The positive impact of the reception centers in the social fabric, especially in rural areas, is undisputed.

Attractive offers that meet the needs of the players are crucial for efficient channeling. In order to be able to offer and further develop sufficient gambling that is required to prevent gambling addiction, the state lottery companies must be in a position to co-operate with technical service platforms and to jointly use social media services and electronic media in addition to self-marketing.

The DLTB advocates the unrestricted preservation of the lottery monopoly in its present structures and adheres to the objectives of § 1 of the First Amendment to the State Treaty on Gaming. We expect that the future provisions of the State Treaty on Gambling will also strengthen this socially acceptable gambling offer.

III. The DLTB has a keen interest in effective oversight. They protect the legal providers. They are necessary to be able to push back illegal offers. They are indispensable for any regulation. The DLTB is in favor of a strong strengthening of supervision and enforcement in technical, personnel, legal and financial terms. This applies to all forms of distribution, in particular for the online area.

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In addition to the existing "white list" for licensed companies, the DLTB also holds a so-called "black list" for illegal gambling providers. In addition to blocking payment flows, it also blocks the blocking of illegal gambling services in the network. Close cooperation between supervisory authorities, state media authorities and tax authorities , Youth and consumer protection institutions, police and law enforcement agencies, as well as playing on the Internet, the identification and authentication under the same requirements for all promoters and intermediaries in the same gambling industry for indispensable.

The DLTB supports the creation of a transnational and independent online gambling supervisor to monitor and combat illegal online gambling services. In order to strengthen enforcement against illegal online gambling providers, the DLTB advocates the creation of a joint public law institution, as it ensures the participation of the federal states in matters of organization by statute and statutes.

IV. The DLTB joins demands for stronger support for addiction and prevention research. DLTB also considers it necessary to sustainably support appropriate care and prevention facilities throughout the federal states.

V. For DLTB advertising is an important part of the regulatory channeling order. Without appropriate advertising information work, the DLTB can not exist in a market enforced by illegal providers.

The DLTB considers it necessary to specify the type and scope of advertising. They should follow the principle derived from § 5 (1) of the First Amendment to the State Treaty of Gambling that advertising must take more account of the idea of channeling, even in the case of large lotteries in a selected provider environment. The different risk potential of gambling offers must be taken into consideration.

VI. Black lottery betting must be prohibited. They operate product piracy, pay virtually no taxes and duties in Germany and are not obliged to the common good. The ban must continue to be enforced at all levels.

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VII. The DLTB points out that in the field of e-sports and e-games are increasingly game elements to find that either lead to gambling offers or even are already games of chance. Especially from the point of view of the protection of minors, we suggest to examine legislative measures.

VIII. The companies of the DLTB do not offer online casino games as they are prohibited by the applicable State Treaty on Gaming.

In the course of the amendment of the State Treaty on Gaming in 2021, a possible lifting of the ban on these offers is also being debated. For the DLTB applies that from a possible relaxation of the on-line prohibition for casino offers no direct and indirect threats for the welfare-oriented gambling in Germany and the federally organized national lottery monopoly may go out.

For the DLTB relevant questions are connected. On the one hand, how, in particular against the background of the coherence requirements of the European Court of Justice and the requirements of the Federal Constitutional Court, the aforementioned threats can be legally excluded. On the other hand, how the legally compliant regulation of the terrestrial slot machine game can be maintained while simultaneously allowing online casino offers. And last but not least, how it can be ensured that, following the previous enforcement experience, the regulatory requirements are actually adhered to.

IX. Finally, the DLTB is convinced that for a sustainable regulation of gambling, it is not necessary, as any other asset, to have uniform legislation by the states. We therefore warmly welcome the efforts of the federal states to reach a joint decision on the State Treaty on Gambling from 1 July 2021.

German Lotto and Totoblock

The German Lotto and Totoblock is the community of 16 independent lottery companies in the federal states. The companies of the German Lotto and Totoblock carry out the national gambling offers nationwide according to common principles.

SOURCE: German Lotto and Totoblock.