International Game Technology PLC Announces Tender Offer

LONDON, U.K. (June 18, 2018) -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) (“IGT”) today announced a tender offer (the “Offer”) for its outstanding:

• €700,000,000 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 represented by the Regulation S global note (the “4.125% Notes”) (ISIN: XS1204431867); and
• €500,000,000 4.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “4.750% Notes” and, together with the 4.125% Notes (the “Notes”)) (ISIN XS0860855930),

on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the offer to purchase (the “Offer to Purchase”), and subject to the offer and distribution restrictions set out in the Offer to Purchase. For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the 4.125% Notes, the Offer is only being made for such 4.125% Notes which are represented by the Regulation S global note (ISIN: XS1204431867).

IGT hereby also announces that it intends to launch a new offering of euro notes (the “New Notes” and the offering, the “New Notes Offering”). The purpose of the Offer and the New Notes Offering is to extend the weighted average maturity of IGT’s debt.

Subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Offer to Purchase, IGT intends to purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes (if any) validly tendered for an aggregate tender offer consideration with respect to such Notes across both Series up to an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the New Notes Offering (the “New Notes Proceeds”).

However, IGT reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept an aggregate principal amount of Notes (if any) validly tendered for an aggregate tender offer consideration that is significantly more or significantly less than the New Notes Proceeds and, in the event that any accrued interest, costs, fees or expenses are subsequently designated by IGT to be paid with the New Notes Proceeds, this would reduce by such amount the tender offer consideration available to be paid and consequently the aggregate principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase.

The funding of the New Notes Offering is a condition to the Offer (though such condition may be waived in whole or in part by IGT).

Tender Offer Consideration

The tender offer consideration for each €1,000 principal amount of the 4.125% Notes will be €1,050. The tender offer consideration for each €1,000 principal amount of the 4.750% Notes will be €1,070.

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In addition to the respective tender offer consideration, all holders of purchased Notes will also receive a cash amount equal to accrued and unpaid interest on the applicable Notes.

Timetable

The Offer begins on June 18, 2018, and expires on June 25, 2018, unless the period for the Offer is extended, reopened, amended or terminated.

IGT will promptly announce the results of the Offer by issuing a news release.

Beneficial owners are advised to check with any broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other intermediary or nominee through which they hold Notes whether such institution would require receipt of instructions to participate in the Offer before any applicable deadlines.

Further Information click here.

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 Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships 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.

CONTACT:

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC (IGT).

FY 2017-2018 - Loto-Québec Report Increased Revenues for a Third Year

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (June 14, 2018) – Finance Minister Carlos Leitão submitted Loto-Québec’s 2017-2018 Annual Report to the National Assembly this morning. The Corporation’s total revenues reached $3.769 billion, which is $133.6 million higher (+3.7%) compared to the previous fiscal year. Loto-Québec paid a dividend of $1.310 billion, or $104.9 million more than last year, exceeding the target announced by the government by $169.0 million.

Quote

“Our excellent performance is attributable to the combined efforts of all our business sectors to make our offerings more attractive and apply efficient management practices in compliance with our responsible commercialization framework,” explained Lynne Roiter, President and CEO of Loto-Québec.

Highlights

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• Lottery sales are on the upswing. Quebecers enthusiastically adopted Grande Vie, the pan-Canadian product launched in October 2016, as demonstrated by Loto-Québec’s significant market share of 33.4%. These impressive results are also attributable to instant lotteries (+13.9%) and event betting (+12.3%), which were very popular this past financial year.
• Revenue growth in the four casinos is mainly due to the focus placed on varied entertainment offerings. Casinos recorded almost 290,000 additional visits (+3.1%) as compared to 2016-2017, a year where a 3.0% increase in visits over FY2015-2016 was recorded.
• The gaming establishment sector (video lottery terminals in bars and brasseries, as well as gaming, bingo and Kinzo halls) recorded slightly higher revenues. Revenues from video lottery terminals in bars and brasseries were relatively stable, or declined in areas targeted by the VLT withdrawal plan. On the other hand, the two gaming halls continued to put in a good showing. Bingo continued to be affected by the general industry downswing.
• The popularity of our online gaming site is growing year over year. Over the past fiscal year, total revenues for all types of games combined reached $118.0 million, or an increase of 37.5%. In early 2018, Loto-Québec launched its new lotoquebec.com portal to bring together all types of online games in a single location. The initiative simplified navigation between all our product lines in order to provide customers with a more fluid and user-friendly online experience.
• Loto-Québec’ overall performance is improving thanks to a sound social responsibility initiative that provides a positive contribution to communities from social, economic and environment standpoints. The responsible commercialization of our offerings is at the very heart of that initiative. The World Lottery Association (WLA) has renewed the Corporation’s Security Control Standard Certification, which attests to the security and integrity of its operational practices.

The 2017-2018 annual report [French version, PDF – 7 MB] is available on Loto-Québec’s website. The English version will be available at a later date.

1 Prizes paid to lottery and gaming hall (bingo and Kinzo) winners.

2 The gaming establishment sector includes video lottery terminals in bars and brasseries, as well as gaming, bingo and Kinzo halls.

3 Revenues generated by lotoquebec.com are included in lottery or casino income, as appropriate.

SOURCE and information: Patrice Lavoie, Corporate Director, Public Affairs, Press Relations and Social Media, Loto-Québec, T: 514-499-5130, E: patrice.lavoie@loto-quebec.com, twitter.com/patricelavoie.

SOURCE: Loto-Québec.

Georgia Lottery Corp. Celebrates 25th Anniversary

ATLANTA, Georgia (June 20, 2018) -- The Georgia Lottery Corp. marked its 25th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday at the Georgia State Capitol. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin was joined by Gov. Nathan Deal to commemorate the occasion, which was a celebration of the Georgia Lottery, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

“The Georgia Lottery has not only lived up to the vision and promises of 25 years ago, it has exceeded them,” said Gov. Deal.

“Behind every one of the millions of HOPE and Pre-K beneficiaries is a life made better through greater opportunity, a mind made stronger through sound education and a lifetime of dividends that result from our continued investment in Georgia’s children.”

In 25 years, the Georgia Lottery has contributed more than $19.5 billion to the state of Georgia for education.

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“As we celebrate the Georgia Lottery, we also celebrate our supporters and partners,” Corbin said. “We honor Gov. Zell Miller for his vision to create an education lottery in Georgia. I’d also like to extend a special thanks to Gov. Deal for his steadfast support.”

Since the Georgia Lottery began in 1993, more than 1.8 million students have received Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE scholarships and grants.

“We are very proud that Georgia’s HOPE program remains one of the country’s largest and most generous scholarship programs. Supported by the Georgia Lottery Corp., HOPE has been a critical component of Georgia’s workforce development efforts by providing students with over $10 billion dollars in awards,” stated Caylee Noggle, interim president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

“As we celebrate our success over the past 25 years, we also look forward with confidence knowing that HOPE will be available for future generations thanks to the leadership of Gov. Deal, the support of the General Assembly, and a strong footing from the Georgia Lottery Corp,” Noggle added.

More than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have received a jumpstart on their education with high-quality, Georgia Lottery-funded Pre-K.

“The first step necessary for developing Georgia’s Pre-K Program was to create and maintain a dedicated funding stream for the program,” said Amy M. Jacobs, commissioner for Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

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Click here for the latest electronic version of Lottery Insights.

“The primary reason Georgia was able to successfully develop and grow this program was because the public and policymakers of Georgia were committed to it financially. And that commitment was, and still is, possible only because of the Georgia Lottery Corp.”

“The Georgia Lottery’s 25 years of success is a milestone that all Georgians can celebrate,” Corbin said. “Georgia’s students, families, schools and communities have benefited and are stronger because of the opportunities provided by lottery-funded HOPE and Pre-K. We understand the far-reaching impact of these important educational programs and remain committed to our mission of responsibly maximizing dollars for HOPE and Pre-K.

“Our achievements are the result of a team effort,” Corbin said. “I’m grateful to the Georgia Lottery’s board of directors, employees, players, retailers, business partners and our education partners.”

Since its first year, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has returned more than $19.5 billion to the state of Georgia for education. All Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. More than 1.8 million students have received HOPE, and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have attended the statewide, voluntary prekindergarten program.

For more information on the Georgia Lottery Corp., please visit: www.galottery.com

Play Responsibly – Be An Informed Player – It’s All about Fun!

CONTACT: Tandi Reddick, Communications Director, Georgia Lottery Corp., (404) 215-5062 office, (404) 323-4644 cell, E: treddick@galottery.org.

SOURCE: Georgia Lottery Corp.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming

LAKEWOOD, NJ (June 20, 2018) – Gaming Laboratories International, (GLI®) is celebrating its 30th anniversary working in partnership with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.

To mark this historic milestone, GLI President and CEO James Maida presented the Commission with a special plaque commemorating the renewal of GLI’s longstanding consulting contract during the Commission’s quarterly business meeting in Deadwood, South Dakota on June 20, 2018.

South Dakota became a pioneer in the gaming industry more than three decades ago by being the first state in the country to implement a video lottery system.

At the time, the state’s Lottery Commission turned exclusively to a new company called GLI for start-up consultation and video terminal/system testing and certification.

Soon after, the South Dakota Commission on Gaming was created to regulate casinos and contracted with GLI for slot machine testing. Now, 30 years later, GLI and the South Dakota Commission on Gaming are continuing their three-decade relationship by renewing GLI’s consulting contract.

Since it first began, the contractual relationship between GLI and the South Dakota Commission on Gaming has evolved along with gaming in the state.

Today, GLI tests a wide variety of advanced electronic gaming equipment and consults with the state on the latest emerging gaming technologies.

“In 1989, the State of South Dakota took a chance on a small startup gaming test lab and today we can look back with a sense of pride in all that we have accomplished together during these many years,” said James Maida, President and CEO of GLI.

GLI President/CEO James Maida presents a commemorative plaque to Exec. Secretary for the South Dakota Commission on Gaming Larry B. Eliason

“We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the State of South Dakota and the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for believing in our company and sharing our vision of how gaming could flourish under the protection of independent testing. We look forward to working together for years to come to ensure the integrity and prosperity of South Dakota’s trailblazing gaming industry.”

“Since the inception of gaming in South Dakota, GLI has been an invaluable part of our accomplishments from the outset,” stated Larry B. Eliason, Executive Secretary for the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. “As we began the process of implementing gaming throughout the state, we needed to ensure our residents, and ourselves, that gaming could be conducted honestly and successfully, while protecting competition and public policy. Our close relationship with GLI was, and continues to be, a key element in achieving those goals.”

About Gaming Laboratories International

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

CONTACT: Christie Eickelman, VP of Global Marketing, E: c.eickelman@gaminglabs.com.

SOURCE: Gaming Laboratories International.

Arizona Lottery Welcomes Back Player-Favourite WILLY WONKA GOLDEN TICKET™ Scratchers®

Over $14 Million in Cash Prizes and an Exclusive Trip to Las Vegas for a Chance at winning up to $1 Billion

PHOENIX, Arizona (June 20, 2018) – The Arizona Lottery is welcoming back an iconic ticket that is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! WILLY WONKA GOLDEN TICKET™ Scratchers® is returning to the Arizona Lottery giving players the opportunity to win instant cash prizes and an exclusive trip to Las Vegas for the chance to win up to $1 billion!

“The Arizona Lottery is dedicated to offering the most entertaining tickets to our players, and we are thrilled to be bringing back a player-favourite,” said Gregg Edgar, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “What sets this ticket apart is its whimsical theme of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY™ and its unparalleled second chance prize. We saw incredible amounts of enthusiasm and excitement surrounding this game last year, and we can’t wait to provide that to our players again.”

The popular WILLY WONKA GOLDEN TICKET™ Scratchers has more than $14 million in cash prizes, including eight chances to instantly win a top prize of $100,000.

Players can enter their non-winning tickets into second chance drawings for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas and the chance to win up to $1 billion dollars in the BILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE™.

Each trip to Las Vegas includes roundtrip coach airfare for the prize-winner and one guest, three nights in one deluxe hotel room, $1,000 in spending money and admission to the BILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE™ venue for the prize-winner and their guest.

Players can find their WILLY WONKA GOLDEN TICKET™ in stores now. Tickets are available at all 3,000+ Arizona Lottery retailers for $10. For more information, please visit www.arizonalottery.com.

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

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and all related characters and elements © and ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s18)

About the Arizona Lottery

Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated more than $3.9 billion in net funding in support of programs that help to improve the quality of life for the people of Arizona. Proceeds from Lottery ticket sales — nearly $4 million per week – fund programs in education, economic development, environmental conservation and health and human services. The mission is to support Arizona programs for the public benefit by maximizing net revenue in a responsible manner. Learn more at ArizonaLottery.com.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world.  WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, the Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes ground-breaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (opening 2018). With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

SOURCE: Arizona Lottery.

Gambling Commission Backs National Licensing Week

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. (June 18, 2018) -- Keep an eye on the Gambling Commission’s twitter feed (@GamRegGB) to discover what colleagues are doing to support the Institute of Licensing’s National Licensing Week.

Throughout Britain Commission colleagues will be supporting regulatory partners with joint inspections in gambling premises as well as providing training sessions and presentations.

Now in its third year Licensing Week highlights the significant role licensing plays in protecting consumers in everyday life – whether that be catching a taxi, buying a beer, purchasing a dog or placing a bet.

Commission Executive Director Helen Venn said: “We’re very excited about taking part again this year as it’s a chance to shout out about the work licensing bodies do on a daily basis – work that keeps people safe and enables them to enjoy their social and leisure time with confidence.”

This year colleagues will be supporting Licensing Week with visits to Oxford, Bristol, Exeter, Stockport, Glasgow, Lewisham and many more.

CONTACT our press office on T: 0121 230 6700 or email: communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

SOURCE: Gambling Commission.

Dutch Gaming Authority to Revisit Game Companies' Illegal Loot Boxes

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (June 19, 2018) -- De Kansspelautoriteit (The Gaming Authority) will check from tomorrow (June 20, 2018) whether game companies have made adjustments to their illegal loot boxes, treasure boxes in games. If they have done so, it will be checked whether the adjustments are sufficient to be no longer able to be characterized as a game of chance as described in the Betting and Gaming Act.

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The Gaming Authority investigated loot boxes in popular games in the period November 2017 - April 2018.

The reason for this was concerns about these gambling elements in games among players of games, parents and care institutions. The study resulted in the report Investigation of loot boxes | a loot or a load (see also some loot boxes in violation of the gambling law).

The conclusion was that four of the ten loot boxes (ten popular games were selected for this study) are in conflict with the gambling law.

Law on games of chance

The Gaming Authority informed the parties in question here in April. They had until June 20 to adjust their game. That is why the Gaming Authority can check from tomorrow whether adjustments have been made and, if so, whether they are sufficient.

No influence

Loot boxes are kind of treasure boxes that can be obtained in a game ('game'). Sometimes it has to be paid, sometimes not. The player cannot exert any influence on the content of the loot box. The proceeds sometimes make the game only cosmetically nicer, sometimes it is also easier to win the game. In addition, the contents of a loot box can be traded outside the game and thus receive monetary value. The Betting and Gaming Act does not allow the latter: offering such a game of chance without a license is forbidden. This concerns the combination of marketability and acquisition by chance.

Gambling addiction

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Concerns at the Gaming Authority are mainly about the fact that there are indications that loot boxes encourage gambling addiction. There is consensus worldwide that gambling cannot be played by minors. An adjustment that providers could make is replacing the loot boxes in their game with 'direct buy': virtual items that are known in advance can then be purchased.

Enforcement

If it turns out that the game companies have not made sufficient adjustments, the phase of enforcement will start. To this end, the Gaming Authority has various options. For example, administrative fines can be imposed of up to 830,000 euros (or, if that is more, 10 percent of the company's worldwide turnover that violates the law). If administrative enforcement does not prove effective, the Gaming Authority can appeal to the Public Prosecution Service to prosecute criminal proceedings.

Clarity

The Gaming Authority cannot say at the moment when more clarity can be given; enforcement procedures generally take a long time. If the Gaming Authority imposes a fine or measure, it becomes public.

SOURCE: De Kansspelautoriteit press release.

AGTech’s Lottery Terminal Wins Another Hardware Bid in Henan Province

The 7th Successful Tender in the First Half of 2018

HONG KONG, SAR (June 19, 2018) – AGTech Holdings Limited (“AGTech” or the “Company”, HKEX stock code: 08279) is proud to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing AGTech GOT Technology Co., Ltd. (“GOT”), has won another lottery hardware tender for China Sports Lottery in Henan province. This marks the 7th successful bid GOT has won in the first half of 2018. GOT has also won tenders in provinces, municipality and autonomous region of Guangxi, Jilin, Hunan, Guizhou, Shanghai and Hebei since the beginning of 2018.

With the growth of GOT’s market share of the lottery hardware terminal and the launch of the new lottery terminal model for China Sports Lottery, AGTech’s leading position in China’s sports lottery hardware market continues to grow.

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John Sun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AGTech, said, “We are pleased that our hardware division’s continued dedication to China’s lottery industry is reaffirmed with the winning tender in Henan province.

“We are only in the first half of 2018 and yet GOT has already made 7 successful bids. With its current momentum, GOT is set to achieve more in the future. GOT’s continued efforts in product innovation and safety and compliance in R&D are contributing to the healthy development of the Chinese lottery market as a whole.”

About AGTech Holdings Limited

AGTech was incorporated in Bermuda and its Shares are listed on the GEM (Stock Code: 08279). AGTech is an integrated technology and services company engaged in the lottery and mobile games and entertainment market with a focus on China and selected international markets.

A member of the Alibaba Group with around 400 employees, AGTech is the exclusive lottery platform of Alibaba Group and Ant Financial Group.

AGTech’s businesses are broadly divided into two categories:

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

• Games and Entertainment.

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

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

For enquiries, please contact Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia:

SOURCE: AGTech (www.agtech.com).

ALEA and UPAP Sign Agreement for Technique in Management of Games of Chance

CÓRDOBA, Argentina (June 20, 2018) -- On June 19, at the la Asociación de Loterías Estatales Argentinas (ALEA) sub-office in the city of Buenos Aires, the Rector of the Provincial University of Public Administration (UPAP) of Salta, Roberto Robino, together with the President of ALEA, Alfredo Monaco, signed the agreement for the cycle 2018 of the Technique in Management and Administration of Games of Chance.

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During the meeting, the President of ALEA stressed that for the current year, 'the Tecnicatura has more than seventy students, adds new specific modules and offers four venues for face-to-face meetings in the cities of Salta, Buenos Aires, Neuquén and Paraná '

For his part, after the signing, Roberto Robino, stressed 'the trust that ALEA places in UPAP to give continuity to the Technique in Management and Administration of Games of Chance. For us it is very important to have the counterpart with a team like ALEA has to carry out this project.

The association allowed us to fulfill one of the objectives of the University, which is to reach the different points of the country with the training that adapts to local needs.

And it is a very strong commitment to commit to the continuity of this three-year career, with the context we have. And it shows the confidence that, we, of course, correspond with work. '

Also attending the meeting were the Executive Director of ALEA, Mario Trucco, the advisers Enrique Ucedo and Luis Zanazzi.

Managed jointly by both entities, the Tecnicatura is the first specific tertiary career for the training of personnel for the regulating bodies of gambling or private operating companies. In 2017 it began to be dictated, with more than seventy registered, from 15 jurisdictions.

In May of this year began the dictation of the 2018 cycle with the modules referred to Verbal and nonverbal communication, analytical thinking, current and prospective geopolitical scenarios, and traditional games.

From September to December the Citizen Attention, Casinos, Written Communication, Cultural Anthropology of Game, Statistics and Probability modules will be taught.

SOURCE: la Asociación de Loterías Estatales Argentinas (ALEA).

ECOGRA Enhances Self-Regulation Player Protection Measures

Improvements in responsible gambling, data privacy and security requirements

LONDON, U.K. (June 15, 2018) -- eCOGRA, the independent online gambling testing laboratory, has announced the latest updates to its self-regulatory requirements, known as eCOGRA Generally Accepted Practices (eGAP).

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The changes include improvements based on new legislation, emerging trends, and the need to achieve the objectives of player protection, fair gaming and responsible conduct by all relevant parties involved.

eCOGRA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Beveridge commented that “the latest amendments are aimed at refining and advancing eGAP to ensure that the framework remains relevant in protecting players and promoting operator and software supplier responsibility towards players”.

The enhanced requirements affect the responsible gambling and promotional practices of eCOGRA’s seal holders, and include important aspects of information security and data privacy pertaining to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Shaun McCallaghan, Chief Operating Officer at eCOGRA, said that "the evolution of eGAP continues to be based on risks faced by players and the provision of ongoing value to industry stakeholders. The expert framework supplements and supports other regulatory objectives and requirements, and demand for the eCOGRA Safe and Fair Seal steadily continues in spite of higher levels of regulation in certain jurisdictions”.

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eGAP remains a very important part of the compliance activities of leading operators, software suppliers and relevant service providers. The requirements have a particular emphasis on fair and responsible gambling, and are validated through annual onsite reviews and continuous monitoring.

ABOUT eCOGRA:

Founded fifteen years ago to establish and improve operational standards and player safety requirements in the online gambling space, eCOGRA has amassed a wealth of experience in implementing international best practice standards and requirements, and ensuring these are maintained through regular review and monitoring.

The independent test laboratory is staffed by professional auditors with Big 4 auditing firm experience, information security experts, test engineers and responsible gambling specialists, and acts as a regulatory audit partner to over 100 multi-jurisdictional operators, software providers and other relevant service providers in the online gambling industry.

This includes bet365, 888, GVC, BetVictor, Kindred (Unibet), Danske Spil, 32Red, Betway, Casino Rewards Group, Penningautomatförening (Paf), SBTech, Scientific Games, NetEnt, Microgaming, Relax Gaming, Quickspin, Croatian Lotteries and Fortune Lounge.

The company has been awarded the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ISO approval ISO/IEC 17025:2005 : General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories for the United Kingdom and Denmark, as well as ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, which is a prerequisite for carrying out third-party ISO/IEC 27001 audits and accredited certifications of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). eCOGRA is the first online gambling testing laboratory authorised to offer operators and service providers accredited ISO/IEC 27001 certifications for ISMS, and is an approved testing laboratory with several online gambling jurisdictions.

SOURCE: eCOGRA press release.

Increase in Mobile Betting Drives Growth in Online Wagering

SYDNEY, Australia (June 18 2018) -- Australians are increasingly using mobile phones to place a bet, although overall fewer are taking a punt than in recent years. The overall gambling eco-system whether via betting, casino gaming or buying lotteries and scratchies tickets will be explored in more detail in the coming days.

Overall some 3.4 million Australians placed a bet whether on a sporting event, horse racing, harness racing (trots), greyhound racing or some other event in the 12 months to March 2018. This is down from over 3.7 million Australians in the year to March 2012.

Among bettors a growing proportion are turning to the Internet to place their bets. Now 34.1% of Australians making a bet use the Internet, more than double the comparable figure of 15.7% from six years ago.

The growth is clearly being driven by the increasing use of mobile phones to place bets. Now over a fifth of Australian bettors, (or 22.7%) use their mobile phone compared to only 5.6% in 2012. This is a more than four-fold increase over the past six years.

In contrast, now 15.1% of Australians placing a bet use their computers to make bets, virtually unchanged from the 15.2% who used their computers six years ago.

To understand the scope of betting and gambling in Australia means gaining insight into what Australians bet on and who is doing the betting. The Roy Morgan Gambling Currency Reports delve into Australian gambling habits in depth including detailed analysis of betting, poker machines, casino table games, keno, lotteries and scratchies.

Tabcorp Holdings & Sportsbet.com.au dominate online betting in Australia

Australia’s online betting industry has consolidated considerably in recent years and several large players now dominate the industry.

Nearly a fifth of Australians who bet, 17.9%, place bets via a Tabcorp Holdings online betting site. Melbourne-based Tabcorp Holdings includes market leading online betting sites TAB.com.au, UBET, Tatts.com/Tattsbet and the recently closed Luxbet.com.

The Irish-owned Sportsbet.com.au is used by 12.9% of Australians who bet while 6.5% use Crownbet for which a majority stake was recently sold to Canadian gaming company The Stars Group. Crownbet owns several online betting sites including Crownbet, William Hill, Sportingbet, TomWaterhouse, Centrebet and Betfair.com.au.

Michele Levine, CEO, says Australians the ease of betting via smart phones and apps is a bright spot for the betting industry as it consolidates into a few key players:

“Australia’s betting industry has undergone significant change in recent years. The merger between Tabcorp.com.au and Tatts group late in 2017 has created a gambling behemouth, irreverent Sportsbet.com.au has been bought by Irish bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair and in March this year Canadian gaming company The Stars Group bought 80% of Crownbet which has several well-known online betting sites including William Hill.

“The merger of Tabcorp Holdings and Tatts group means the Melbourne-based company now attracts nearly 600,000 Australians to place a bet through one of its websites – significantly more than the 440,000 that use Sportsbet.com.au.

“Increasingly these bets are being placed through smartphones. Now 22.7% of Australians who bet placed a bet via a smartphone compared to only 5.6% in 2012. In contrast, betting via a computer is virtually unchanged over the same time period at 15.1% of bettors in 2018.

“This growth of 17.1ppts by those betting via mobile phones is responsible for almost the entire increase of those betting via any Internet connected device. Now 34.1% of Australians who bet use the Internet, up 18.4ppts from six years ago.

“What is clear from these figures though is that a majority of Australians who bet still don’t bet via the Internet. Over two-fifths of Australians who bet have not used the Internet to place a bet and these are the key market companies offering online betting need to target to grow their revenue.

“To gain deeper insights into who the Australians that like to have a bet are, and more importantly, how much they are spending and betting when taking a punt, the series of Roy Morgan Gambling Currency Reports are an essential analytical resource to learn more about Australian gamblers and punters.

“Combing the power of Roy Morgan Single Source and the psychographic segmentation available via Helix Personas allows a qualitative and quantitative ‘deep-dive’ to understand what drives Australian consumers – including identifying those having a punt and likely to be interested in new gambling products that they’re currently unaware of.”

For comments or more information please CONTACT: Roy Morgan – Enquiries, Office: T: (+61) (03) 9224 5309, E: askroymorgan@roymorgan.com.

SOURCE: Roy Morgan Press release.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Issues First Monthly Fantasy Sports Contests Revenue Report

HARRISBURG, PA (June 20, 2018) -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today posted on its web site the initial Fantasy Sports Contests revenue report. The report provides a breakdown on fees collected from the play of Pennsylvania participants, Fantasy Sports Contests operators’ adjusted revenue, and the tax revenue due to the Commonwealth. The report can be found on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on its web site: www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.

Tax revenue is derived through a 15% assessment on adjusted revenue reported by the Fantasy Sports Contest operators, and is deposited into the Commonwealth General Fund. In total, tax revenue generated during May totalled $199,755.94.

Ten Fantasy Sports Contest operators have applied to provide fantasy sports contests. Those firms are listed under the Gaming Expansion link on the Board’s web site homepage.

Eight of the Fantasy Sports Contest operators reported tax revenue. The others offer specific seasonal games and either had no collected fees or could not yet calculate an adjusted revenue until payouts are made.

Fantasy Sports revenue and tax revenue for each of the providers for May 2018 is displayed in the following tables:

* Tax revenue figures reflect amount generated prior to any adjustments by the PA Department of Revenue

About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board:

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is tasked to oversee all aspects of the state’s casino industry, along with oversight of new gaming initiatives created through amendments to the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act recently approved by the signing of Act 42 of 2017.

The Commonwealth’s casino industry currently consists of 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos in operation, along with the two smaller resort casinos. These facilities collectively employ 17,000 people and annually generate approximately $1.4 billion in tax revenue from slot machine and table games play. The largest portion of that money is used for property tax reduction to all Pennsylvania homeowners.

Additional information about both the PGCB’s gaming regulatory efforts and Pennsylvania’s gaming industry can be found at gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov. You can also follow the agency on Twitter by choosing @PAGamingControl.

CONTACT: Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey, T: (717) 346-8321.

SOURCE: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

2018 APLA Regional Conference 8 - 12 October 2018 - Registration OPEN!

Dear friends of APLA

Hurray! We are pleased to announce that the Registration for the 2018 APLA Regional Conference is now open!

The details for this event are as follows:

• Date: 8 - 12 October 2018 (Business Program on 9 - 11 October 2018)\
• Venue: Hilton Kuching Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
• Theme: Rumble in the Jungle

Classified Advertisement

Registration for the 2018 APLA Regional Conference is now open!

This Conference is being hosted and organized by Magnum Corporation Sdn Bhd.

A very interesting and varied business program has been drawn up to keep the attention of the delegates' interests on all 2.5 days.

Have a read at the ebrochure attached and you will find we have invited a Global Keynote Speaker, Guest speakers with domain knowledge on the topics selected, our very own Panelists from our peers to share their experiences, our popular debate with a thought-provoking topic and a special half day workshop on Design Thinking. Not forgetting the sharing from our valued Sponsors on their commitment and direction towards embracing which new technologies.

Do keep checking the APLA website for more announcements and updates (www.asiapacific-lotteries.com) and note that the Closing Date for the Conference Registration and Hotel booking is 24 September 2018.

See you all in Kuching!

Regards

Beh Swan Swan APLA Secretariat Administrator

www.asiapacific-lotteries.com

Technology and Innovation the Focus at Australasian Gaming Expo 2018

SYDNEY, Australia (June 18, 2018) -- In Australia, gambling expenditure has increased from $22.7 billion in 2014–2015 to $23.6 billion in 2015–2016 (up 3.9 per cent) [1]. The Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), from 14-16 August 2018, is an annual event run by the Gaming Technologies Association, focusing on fostering a sustainable and prosperous industry.

AGE is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s program focuses on  technology and innovation across the entire sector, featuring over 200 local and international exhibitors, as well as industry-led seminars covering new technology, gaming, hospitality, service, and the end customer.

Ross Ferrar, CEO, Gaming Technologies Association, shares his insights into the changing industry and what that means for the future.

“Our event is crucial for the health of the industry – we promote connections, education, regulation, technology and trends, business and more, to casinos, pubs, clubs and hotels. It’s about empowering local businesses to thrive.

“We’ve got a jam-packed show floor this year, featuring the latest innovations direct to the industry. It’s these new technologies driving the evolution of gaming and it’s our job to embrace, explore, train and innovate alongside them. We are proud to provide such a platform for our industry,” said Mr Ferrar.

 Key exhibitors confirmed from the gaming technology sector include:

•   Ainsworth Game Technology

•   Aristocrat Technologies

•   Aruze Gaming Australia

•   Atlas Gaming

•   IGT (Australia)

•   Independent Gaming

•   Interblock Asia Pacific

•   Konami Australia

•   Maxgaming

•   Paltronics Australasia

•   Scientific Games

•   Tabcorp

•   Utopia Gaming Systems

•   Wymac Gaming

This year’s event will incorporate technology into the visitor experience offering Teleportals, or virtual assistants, across the show floor to aid guests with their enquiries.

All AGE registered delegates will also have a Konduko reader in their lanyard – a small digital platform that can be tapped at exhibitor stands they visit.

At the end of each day a “Daily Digest” email containing a full round-up of information from the day is delivered to the delegate’s inbox, in either PDF, PowerPoint, or short video format.

“For 2018, we are really aiming to provide a 360 degree digital-focus, to elevate our event and provide real ROI to our stakeholders. We want to be at the forefront of the industry, to make Australasian gaming, global gaming,” added Mr Ferrar.

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

For more information or to register, visit austgamingexpo.com

[1] Queensland Government Statistician's Office, Queensland Treasury, Australian Gambling Statistics, 33rd edition.

SOURCE: Australasian Gaming Expo.