IGT Signs Long-Term Contract with Norsk Tipping to Provide New Online Bingo Solution

Contract for up to 11 years includes Room/Game, Chat Host, and Promotions management services

LONDON, U.K. (May 23, 2018) -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Services Ltd. (with International Game Technology PLC and its subsidiaries, hereinafter “IGT”), has signed a contract with Norsk Tipping AS (“Norsk Tipping”) to provide its new online Bingo solution and related services.

Norsk Tipping, Norway's state lottery operator and a World Lottery Association (WLA) member, has been a valued customer of IGT, previously as legacy GTECH, since 2012.

"Since the launch of our iGaming program, IGT’s online solutions and content within multiple categories have played a key role in the program’s success," said Hans Erland Ringsvold, Head of iGaming and VLT, Norsk Tipping. "With IGT’s new online Bingo solution, Norwegian players can safely and responsibly enjoy an enhanced digital offering, with proceeds remaining in Norway to support arts, sports, and cultural initiatives.”

“This agreement enables Norsk Tipping, a leader in regulated digital gaming, to strengthen player acquisition and retention through IGT’s new online Bingo solution, offered in combination with online casino and instant win games and available seamlessly in a single game window,” said Declan Harkin, IGT Senior Vice President and COO, International. “IGT is proud to be part of the next evolution of their program, and to further enhance player entertainment in Norway.”

The five-year contract was awarded as part of a competitive procurement, and includes provisions for three two-year extensions. IGT will provide its new online Bingo solution, as well as complete Bingo management services including Room/Game management,

Chat Host management, and Promotions management. In addition, IGT will supply a mixture of online casino and instant win content, including third-party side games. The contract also includes an option for IGT to manage a potential digital Bingo network with other World Lottery Association member lotteries on behalf of Norsk Tipping.

The online Bingo solution replaces Norsk Tipping’s current digital bingo platform provided by IGT since 2014. The new solution, built on multi-channel HTML5 for desktop, tablet, and mobile, offers more than 10 game variants and will help Norsk Tipping enhance players’ Bingo experience by also offering a variety of popular IGT digital casino slot and instant win games within a single game window, so players can seamlessly experience all game categories. IGT’s instant win and game portfolios feature many popular titles from IGT’s leading RGS game content library, including exclusive, popular titles adapted from the Company’s land-based game library. IGT’s exclusive game variants include Picture and Roulette bingos.

IGT’s online Bingo solution offers both standalone and network bingo capabilities, and is part of a complete suite of digital 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.

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

CONTACT:

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC (IGT).

New York Traditional Lottery & Video Lottery Gaming Set New Record with $9.97 Billion in Sales/Net Win For Fiscal Year 2017-18

Total Aid to Education Contribution up 3.2% or $105 million over 2016-17

NEW YORK (May 24, 2018) -- The New York State Gaming Commission today announced yet another monumental year marked by a record-breaking Aid To Education contribution totalling $3.37 Billion and traditional Lottery sales and Video Lottery Gaming net win totalling $9.97 Billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018.

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“New York’s Lottery and Video Lottery Gaming operations continue to lead the industry in contributions made in support of New York schools,” said Commission Acting Executive Director Ronald Ochrym. “We are pleased to be able to maintain funding for education while incorporating best practices to promote responsible gaming in the state.”

As the largest lottery in the nation, the New York Lottery has earned $64.6 billion to support education statewide since 1967. The $3.37 billion in Aid To Education raised in Fiscal Year 2017-18 represents 13 percent of total state education aid to local school districts.

The funds disbursed by the state provide a valuable means of support to school districts in the state. New York Lottery and Video Lottery Gaming revenue is distributed to school districts by the same formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account a school district’s size and income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery/Video Lottery Gaming school funding.

The New York Lottery also has a significant impact on the economy in the state. The Lottery’s 17,000 plus retailers earned $475 million in commissions during FY2017-18. The commissions paid to retailers help support businesses large and small in the state. Video Lottery Gaming operators earned $913 million in commissions during the same time frame.  

A County-by-County breakdown of combined Lottery and Video Lottery Gaming Aid to Education disbursements can be found here.

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

SOURCE: The New York Lottery press release.

Lotto Bayern - The Reliable Partner of a World-Class WTA Tournament

MUNICH, Germany (May 18, 2018) -- Lotto Bayern has been a reliable partner of the NÜRNBERGER Insurance Cup since 2014. His activities around the WTA tournament on Valznerweiher started again this year before the first serve. In its LOTTO Academy on Nelson Mandela Square, the state gambling operator has already kicked off the peloton for the fifth time.

LOTTO Bayern's Vice President Josef Müller justifies the already traditional commitment: "The NÜRNBERGER Versicherungscup has established itself in just six years as a true test of endurance before the start of the French Open. Also this year we expect exciting world-class duels on Valznerweiher. I am delighted that we can support a top-class women's tournament in the Free State. LOTTO Bayern has always considered itself a partner of the sport, which is why the NÜRNBERGER Versicherungscup has been an integral part of our commitment to top-level sport in Bavaria for five years."

Barbara Rittner ( National Coach ), Josef Müller (Vice President LOTTO Bavaria), Katharina Hobgarski, Mona Barthel, Sandra Reichel (Tournament Director), Martina Lutkova (WTA Supervisor)

"The draw of the player field in the LOTTO -Academie Bayern will surely be extremely exciting once again. And with the original LOTTO drawing device, this ceremony is also a lot of fun. We are looking forward to further joint and creative activities in the supporting program of the NÜRNBERGER Insurance Cup,” says organizer Sandra Reichel.

As a premium partner, LOTTO Bayern will be presenting a comprehensive advertising package on gangs, press and interview walls as well as all official print products for the tournament with its logos "Bayernlos" and "LOTTO Bayern" throughout the tournament.

Its product range extends from the sports bet ODDSET on rip-off and scratch cards, the number lottery KENO with the additional lottery plus 5, the football TOTO, the European lottery Euro Jackpot, the pension lottery Glücks Spiral with its additional lottery "The winner chance" up to the main product LOTTO 6aus49 with the additional lottery games 77 and SUPER 6. LOTTO Bayern is also operator of the nine Bavarian casinos.

SOURCE: Lotto Bayern.

Nederlandse Loterij Implements iDIN

Extra control contributes to responsible gaming

The Hague (May 18, 2018) -- Nederlandse Loterij (The Dutch Lottery) games are intended for people aged 18 and older. To make it easier to verify the age of participants in the games online, Dutch Lottery introduces iDIN, the online tool with which consumers can safely and easily identify themselves via their bank login on 30 May.

"IDIN is fully in line with our vision of offering our games to the Dutch consumer in a responsible manner," explains Willemijn Jansen, Responsible Gaming Manager of Dutch Lottery.

"Our gaming policy is focused on consumer protection, addiction prevention and combating illegality and crime. iDIN is a new step to effectively implement that policy."

Informed

Dutch Lottery will inform its players as well as possible about iDIN in the coming period. For example, existing players receive personal notification about the implementation of iDIN.

Anyone with a Dutch Lottery account will be asked to carry out an age check in the next three months via iDIN.

Director Marja Appelman of the Gaming Authority, the regulator on the market for games of chance, applauds the implementation of iDIN by Dutch Lottery.

'Top priority of the Gaming Authority is to prevent young people from being able to participate in gambling.

That's why we think it's a good thing that Dutch Lottery does an age check with all its online players.'

What is iDIN?

iDIN is an online service developed by Dutch banks to log in to (government) agencies and webshops in the same way. Dutch Lottery uses this service per 1 June to verify the age of players.

With iDIN, consumers identify themselves online with the safe and trusted means of login from their own bank.

SOURCE: Nederlandse Loterij.

Codere Appoints Moshe Edree as Chief Operating Officer Leading the Digital Division

SPAIN (May 22, 2018) - - Codere, a leading company in the private gaming sector worldwide, has announced today the appointment of Moshe Edree, who will lead the Online division and will report directly to the General Management of the Group.

Mr. Edree comes together with a team of professionals with years of expertise in the sector.

The appointment of Mr. Edree is part of the company’s new strategy, which seeks to boost online business as one of the pillars of growth and development within the European and Latin American markets in which it is present.

Thus, Codere will strengthen its competitive position in this area, which is already present in Spain and recently started operations in Mexico and Colombia.

Edree, who has more than 15 years of experience in online gaming management, will be responsible for strengthening the current structure, incorporating new specialized talent in the management of the online betting and casino business, in line with the challenge that the company sets out.

SOURCE: Codere press release.

ALEA: 68th Ordinary Assembly -- Reincorporation of the City and Province of Buenos Aires

CÓRDOBA, Argentina (May 21, 2018) -- On Thursday, May 17, 21 representatives of the 24 jurisdictions of Argentina participated in the 68th Ordinary Assembly, which took place in the Hall of the Fishermen's Club, located on Av. Costanera, in front of Aeroparque, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Regarding the election of the authorities for the 2018-2019 bienniums, it was decided to move to a fourth interim and ratify the current Board of Directors during said period of time.

At the beginning, the Assembly approved the incorporation of LOTBA SE as a regular member. It should be noted that the presidents of the Lottery of the City and the Lottery of the Province, respectively, Martín García Santillán and Matías Lanusse, participated in the meeting, a fact that made possible the dialogue between the authorities and representatives of the regulatory entities, in order to reach consensus on objectives and workspaces on common themes.

The President of ALEA, CP Alfredo Monaco, in the opening, had underlined the projects carried out and the basic principles of his management of 'listening and giving participation to all the members of the Association, considering the experience and situation of each one; to combine criteria and positions through joint work spaces, to build a federal, facilitating, responsible and strategic ALEA '. The reincorporation of the jurisdictions of the city and province of Buenos Aires allow us to glimpse that this guideline is closer to being a reality.

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Dissemination and training of the sector-specific standard

The presentation of Normative Referential No. 19, the ALEA IRAM quality standard specific to the gaming sector, occupied a prominent place in the Assembly. Monaco thanked the Board of Directors of ALEA and, in particular, the Presidents of the Lotteries of Córdoba, the CP Hector Trivillin; Black river; the CP Luis Ayestarán; Among Rivers, the CP Silvio Orestes Vivas; and from Mendoza, Lic. Josefina Canale.

Also congratulate and thank the time and dedication of the staff of these agencies that, together with the Provincial Institute of Games of Chance of Neuquén, integrated the technical team that developed this reference.

And he announced that the referential will be presented on May 29 and 30 in the seminar organized together with the Institute of Social Assistance of the Province of Formosa, called 'Strengthening Tools in our Lotteries: Quality Management and Prevention of Money Laundering' . And he invited the entities and member companies to participate because 'in the future, we must work so that both the regular members and the associates can access this certification, and incorporate their main suppliers in the process, internally training their human resources.'

During the meeting, the presentation of Normative Reference Nº19 ALEA-IRAM, was in charge of Ing. Ernesto Kerner, Manager of Relations with the Government and Mario Font Guido, president of the Argentine Accreditation Organization. Both exposed the characteristics and scope of the referential. Font Guido expressed, 'regarding the estimation of the times, for those who have certified ISO 9001 2015, it should readjust to certify this referential within a period of six months. And for an organization that does not have the ISO 9001 2015 it would be necessary to calculate approximately nine months of work '.

Agenda 2018

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Among the activities under development, at the beginning of the Assembly, President Monaco had highlighted the Technique in Administration and Management of Games of Chance. In this regard, he announced that the 2018 cycle has 65 students for the new modules on Communication, Analytical Thinking and Game Anthropology.

About the cycle organized together with the School of Public Senior Management, of the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP), underlined that on April 27, with 100 participants, high-level managers and provincial agencies, participated in 'Management by results', activity organized in conjunction with the Institute of Lottery and Casinos de Corrientes.

The ALEA face-to-face seminars planned for the current year, the Lottery Evaluation Campaign, the WLA certifications in Responsible Gaming reached by the members of the association and the recent activities developed in CIBELAE were synthesized in their opening remarks.

On WLS 2018, he highlighted the coordinated work between ALEA and the WLA, and among other aspects, he recalled that online registration is open on the official site of the event, in which ALEA members can register as a WLA member lottery . 'On this occasion the registration costs have been revised to offer a reduction of up to 25%, compared with the previous events'.

In another order of topics, the incorporation of Rapipagos SA as an adherent member was approved.

The 68th Ordinary Assembly culminated with the celebration of Telekino's 26th Anniversary.

SOURCE: Asociación de Loterías, Quinielas y Casinos Estatales de Argentina (ALEA).

Delaware Planning to Launch Sports Betting Through State Lottery in June

Department of Finance, Delaware Lottery expect to launch in June

WILMINGTON, Delaware (May 17, 2018) -- The Delaware Department of Finance, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, has determined that there are no legal obstacles to moving forward with full-scale sports betting in Delaware, including head-to-head-betting, which permits single-game wagering.

Under state law passed in 2009, Delaware may authorize betting on professional and collegiate sports, with the exception of games involving Delaware-based teams.

The Department will begin training lottery and casino staff next week in preparation for a June launch of full-scale sports betting in Delaware. Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger issued the following statement on Thursday:

“Following Monday’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and consultation with the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, we are confident that Delaware has the legal and regulatory authority to authorize sports gaming in Delaware. The Delaware Lottery has had plans in place for months, and we will begin training lottery and casino staff early next week. We will continue to provide public updates as we prepare to launch full-scale sports gaming in Delaware next month.”

SOURCE: Department of Finance | Office of the Governor.

NASPL Release on Supreme Court Ruling on Sports Betting (PASPA)

CONCORD, Ohio (May 18, 2018) -- In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding sports betting, U.S. lotteries remain keenly focused on any activities that might help or hinder their mission to maximize revenues for good causes in all lottery jurisdictions, according to the lottery industry’s North American trade association.

“As states begin to consider sports wagering, the lottery industry is ready to help establish the real-world network that would be involved if called upon to do so,” said Charles McIntyre, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Lottery and President of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). The organization, based in Concord, Ohio, represents all government-sanctioned lotteries in the United States and Canada.

McIntyre noted that U.S. lotteries already have strong relationships with more than 200,000 retail locations across all lottery jurisdictions, many of which are the bars, clubs and pubs that would be natural venues for sports-betting products. In addition, some American lotteries already sell their products on the internet, a potential avenue for sports betting if a state allows that option. McIntyre also noted that all lotteries have the technical expertise to offer a wealth of detailed sports information – upon which sports bettors rely – via their well-developed websites, and most also have mobile apps.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 14 that states themselves should have the right to regulate and tax sports betting, and that it was unconstitutional for the federal government to ban them from doing so.

The Court’s decision came in the case of Murphy, Governor of New Jersey vs. the National Collegiate Athletic Association, a challenge by New Jersey to the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which banned all states outside of Nevada from offering single-event sports betting. Three other states -- Montana, Oregon and Delaware -- were allowed to offer limited forms of sports betting under PASPA.

The Court determined that PASPA, passed by Congress in 1992, attempted to "regulate state governments' regulation" of their citizens by preventing them from enacting sports betting laws. The Court said that under the U.S. Constitution, Congress does not have the right to do so. The Court also noted that under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, all legislative power not conferred on Congress is reserved for the states.

“The legalization of sports gambling requires an important policy choice, but the choice is not ours to make. Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each state is free to act on its own. Our job is to interpret the law Congress has enacted and decide whether it is consistent with the Constitution. PASPA is not,'' Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the Court.

McIntyre noted that NASPL members agreed to a resolution in 2011 and reaffirmed it by acclamation in 2012 that states have the right to determine the best gaming alternatives for their own jurisdictions. The resolution states:

“NASPL, on behalf of its membership, is opposed to federal legislation that would encroach on the traditional state prerogative to regulate gaming within each state’s borders. Bills such as this would federalize the internet as a gaming portal, and create a costly and duplicative federal gaming-licensing regime, and moreover, they would impair the ability of states to represent the sensibility of their citizens, which states are uniquely qualified to do and which they accomplish by regulating gaming within their borders to, among other reasons, raise revenue for worthy causes. We believe that the use, regulation, and ultimate beneficiaries of the internet for gaming are best left to the legislative determination of each state. Throughout U.S. history, states have retained, under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, the authority to establish their own gambling policies and the federal government has deferred to the states by enacting only the laws necessary to support state policies. Lotteries move cautiously and deliberatively toward new revenue opportunities, always keeping in the forefront the express mission to maximize the dollars for the good causes supported in each state and the District, and the regulatory and statutory framework within which the individual lotteries operate.”

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This resolution was adopted in the face of proposed federal regulation of internet wagering, but its principles apply to any attempt by the federal government to impinge upon states’ rights. The Supreme Court made it clear that PASPA did exactly that.

Estimates claim that Americans spend anywhere from $67 billion to $400 billion on illegal sports gambling annually. In addition to forcing those interested in sports gambling to engage in unlawful behavior, PASPA prevented states from enacting consumer protections, hindered law enforcement from investigating and prosecuting illicit activity, and unlawfully blocked state lawmakers from acting on the will of their own residents.

“NASPL respects the sovereignty of state governments to legislate gambling within their respective jurisdictions,” McIntyre noted. “Member lotteries operate within strict state laws to transparently support benefits to good causes while protecting the population by offering safe games in a legal and socially responsible manner.

“The court’s ruling on PASPA will help preserve the founding principles and integrity of American lotteries. The ruling will also potentially provide the freedom necessary to enhance the more than $22 billion that American lotteries returned to their states in FY2017, helping to fund a wide range of programs, services and scholarships within each state.” 

About NASPL

The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971.  Membership includes all government-sanctioned lotteries in the US and Canada.  NASPL’s basic mission is to assemble and disseminate information on the lottery industry through education and communications, and where appropriate publicly advocate the positions of the Association on matters of general policy.

CONTACT: David Gale, Executive Director, E: dgale@nasplhq.org.

SOURCE: NASPL.

Government Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures Published

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. (May 17, 2018) -- The Government has published its review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures.

As part of the review the Government has decided that it will reduce the maximum stake on an FOBT [B2] to £2.

In March the Gambling Commission published its advice to Government – advice aimed at reducing the risks that consumers, especially those that are vulnerable, face from gambling.

Gambling Commission Chief Executive Neil McArthur said: “We’re pleased Government has supported a comprehensive package of measures to protect consumers, and that this includes a substantial stake cut. Whilst we welcome the reduced stake, that alone will not be enough to address the risks of harm that can come from all forms of gambling."

“That is why we will continue to act in other ways to reduce those risks– including delivering enhanced consumer protection for online gambling in the areas of customer verification, fairness and interaction, implementing strong penalties for businesses who breach advertising guidelines, and reviewing gambling product characteristics to identify whether particular features pose greater risk of harm than others.

“We are particularly pleased that Government has formally recognised gambling related harm as a public health issue and has asked Public Health England to conduct an evidence review to inform action on prevention and treatment. This marks an important step forward in understanding the wider harms that problem gambling can have in our communities.”

“It should not be forgotten that tackling gambling-related harm is a complex issue, so we will support the Government in monitoring the impact that any of the changes announced today will have.”

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

SOURCE: Gambling Commission.

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Reaffirms ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation for Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®), Making it the Most Highly Accredited Lab in the World

Zero Deficiencies Found in Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Wheat Ridge Labs

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (May 21, 2018) – Gaming Laboratories International’s (GLI®) laboratories in Lakewood, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Nevada, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Wheat Ridge, Colorado have once again earned biennial accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025 technical standards from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The audit yielded zero deficiencies in the Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Wheat Ridge labs.

GLI laboratories have been accredited by the A2LA for 12 years. With 14 accredited labs globally, GLI has established itself as the most highly accredited gaming testing lab in the world by a wide margin. The GLI Group of Companies maintains 27 accreditations from various accreditation bodies worldwide.

The rigorous accreditation process takes several weeks to complete and involves written responses and onsite inspections.

A2LA accreditation is a requirement by some regulators and serves the purpose of holding GLI’s operations accountable to a third party with internationally accepted standards for quality and excellence.

“Achieving A2LA accreditation is a costly and highly involved process. This accreditation is absolutely essential to the work we do for our customers around the globe because it gives our customers all the more reason to have increased confidence in GLI,” said GLI Vice President of Compliance Chris Gallo. “GLI has a very mature and effective management system that assures consistently high quality and comparable results across all offices, and it is that consistency in quality that is important to our regulatory, supplier, and operator clients.”

Upon completion of the Las Vegas lab audit, an A2LA auditor commented that he was impressed with the management systems in place which lead to consistent quality in the execution of testing processes across all GLI offices.

GLI invests nearly $120,000 in fees and expenses each year to uphold global accreditation. This does not account for the labor cost for the dedicated team that manages GLI’s quality system globally, or the nearly 1,000 hours required in support of the accreditation process annually.

GLI Quality Manager Mark Mensik is responsible for GLI’s global accreditations, and he and his team are diligent in using quality metrics to constantly refine GLI’s procedures in compliance with accreditation standards.

“Because of Mark’s expertise and constant pursuit of excellence, our lab teams are able to live up to our commitment to be the trusted global compliance and quality expert relied upon by our clients – delivering world-class customer service and value that is unmatched,” Gallo said.

About A2LA

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, A2LA is the only independent, 501(c)3, non-profit, internationally recognized accreditation body in the United States that offers a full range of comprehensive laboratory and laboratory-related accreditation services and training. Established in 1978 as a non-profit, public service membership society, A2LA is dedicated to the formal recognition of competent testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, and reference material producers. For more information, please visit a2la.org/.

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.

China Lotsynergy Wins Bids in Two Provinces in China

Expands Sales Channels at Full Speed

HONG KONG, SAR (May 18, 2018) -- China LotSynergy Holdings Limited ("CLS" or "the Company", together with its subsidiaries "the Group", HKEX stock code: 1371) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Guangzhou Lottnal Terminal Company Limited has successfully won bids for the sports lottery computer-generated ticket games ("CTG") terminal procurement programmes of Guangxi and Hunan.

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Of these two provinces, Guangxi was a sixth win while Hunan was a second win. Guangxi, a new strategic stronghold for the opening-up and development of the southwest and central-south China, has seen its strong Sports Lottery sales performance in recent years and achieved many outstanding records. Sports Lottery sales in Guangxi ballooned by 88.1% YoY for the first quarter of 2018, claiming second place in terms of growth nationwide. Hunan Sports Lottery sales exceeded RMB 4 billion and RMB 6 billion in 2015 and 2016 respectively, and reached new heights of RMB 8 billion in 2017, representing a big leap in sales performance with its national rankings by sales volumes jumped to ninth from sixteenth over the past three years. Sports Lottery sales in Hunan took the top spot nationwide with over 1-fold YoY increase for the first three months of 2018. CLS is honored to provide superb terminals and services with sense of responsibility, fueling the robust development of Sports Lottery in Hunan and Guangxi. The spectacular results of these two provincial markets that can propel and expedite CLS's Sports Lottery CTG terminal business.

CLS has engaged in the Sports Lottery CTG terminal market since 2013. With five years of rapid development, the Company has become a major participant in the China's Sports Lottery space with rising market share, providing products and services to almost half of the provincial markets across the nation. In March 2018, a new android terminal designed and manufactured by CLS passed the third party test by the China Sports Lottery Administration Centre, gaining a head-start in new approach of new sales channels expansion by new terminal type. CLS will uphold its core values of "focused, practical and innovation", be closer to users and markets, be grounded, and continue to enhance its corporate value and competitiveness to maintain its industry leading position.

SOURCE: China LotSynergy (ACN Newswire).

Churchill Downs Incorporated Announces Entry Into Real Money Online Gaming and Sports Betting Markets

CDI announces a strategic partnership with SBTech to utilize their integrated technology platform

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (May 17, 2018) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq:CHDN) today announced its entry into real money online gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting markets. It Churchill Downs Incorporated Announces Entry into Real Money Online Gaming and Sports Betting Marketsalso announced a strategic partnership agreement with SBTech to utilize their integrated technology platform for CDI’s iGaming and sports betting operations. SBTech will provide CDI with an iGaming platform, consisting of the consumer website, mobile apps, and back office systems to manage iGaming and sports wagering, where permitted, pursuant to which CDI may offer branded products separate from TwinSpires.com to its iGaming and sports betting customers.

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The strategic partnership with SBTech initially is intended to enable CDI to enter New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which have already approved iGaming and sports betting. In addition, the strategic partnership will enable CDI to enter Mississippi for sports wagering. CDI and SBTech’s entry into these states is subject to gaming license approvals and finalization of iGaming and sports betting regulations.

• In New Jersey, CDI has announced an agreement with Golden Nugget to enter the New Jersey iGaming and sports betting markets.
• In Pennsylvania, CDI previously announced the acquisition of Presque Isle Downs & Casino (“Presque Isle”) in Erie, Pennsylvania from Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (“Eldorado”). The definitive purchase agreement between CDI and Eldorado for the acquisition of Presque Isle requires Eldorado to apply for certain iGaming licenses, subject to reimbursement by CDI at closing, if the exclusive time periods to acquire Pennsylvania iGaming licenses are expected to expire prior to the closing of the Presque Isle acquisition.
• In Mississippi, CDI has two existing brick-and-mortar casinos that will be utilized to offer on-property sports betting products.

“We are confident that our strategic partnership with SBTech provides us with an industry leading platform to offer innovative and exciting, integrated iGaming and sports betting products,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs. “We have the unique opportunity to leverage our knowledge and experience operating the largest legal online horse racing wagering business in the U.S. as we enter the iGaming and sports betting markets.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Churchill Downs and to introduce our award-winning iGaming and sports betting platforms in the U.S.,” said Richard Carter, Chief Executive Officer of SBTech. “We both share a deep commitment to technological innovation and excellence, and we look forward to working with them during this exciting time in the history of the U.S. gaming market.”

SOURCE: Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Codeta Launch Revolutionary Skill Score Feature

New and innovative feature evaluates players based on their performance and places them on a leader-board

MALTA (May 18, 2018) -- Codeta, the live dealer pioneer that delivers a personal skill-development experience to players, has launched a revolutionary new feature, Skill Score™

Codeta launches revolutionary Skill ScoreTM featureSkill Score™ ranks players based on their table game performance, and places them on a leaderboard so they can see how they compare with their rivals.

A player’s Skill Score™ is determined by the two factors that have the most impact on their performance – the ability to win big and to keep winning over time.

For the purpose of Skill ScoreTM, Codeta has named these factors dedicated wins and big wins. Dedicated wins are calculated as a ratio between wins and losses, while big wins summarize earned payout-ratios.

A multiplier on each factor ensures top performances are really valued. What’s more, the simplicity of the factors makes it possible to compare skills between players regardless of the size of the bets placed.

A player’s Skill Score™ can be increased by improving either factor, or by working on the balance between the two.

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Codeta offers tips, guides and the opportunity to benchmark a player’s Skill Score™ and the individual factors against other players.

The goal is to provide tools to enable players to improve their game regardless of whether they want to compete against themselves or others.

Codeta will run tournaments and promotions around Skill Score™ with the highest-ranked players winning a raft of prizes.

Edward Ihre, co-founder and Chairman of Codeta, said: “Skill development is a big part of why players engage with live table games, and Skill Score™ enables them to keep track of their progress while also competing with other players.

“Skill Score™ allows us to better engage our players and communicate with them on a regular basis. If we see they are performing well at blackjack but not so well at roulette, we can send them tutorials to help improve their roulette skills, for example.

“Skill Score™ really sets us aside from our rivals, and allows us to offer added value to our players. Our brand promise is to capture the skill and thrill of table games, and Skill Score™ is just one way we are able to offer this.”

The launch of Skill Score™ comes shortly after Codeta underwent a major redesign at the back end of last year.

The name Codeta is a take on the French phrase coup d’état; with the site kick-starting a revolution against the current status quo of the online casino industry.

About Codeta:

Codeta.com is a Malta and UK-licensed online casino operator with a focus on live table games. The sleek and intuitive site is powered by EveryMatrix, and offers players an authentic, immersive experience like no other. Codeta was founded by Edward Ihre back in 2015, and employs some of the gambling industry’s top innovators, designers, developers and marketers, who are all passionate about standing out from the crowd and delivering the best possible experience to players. The company has offices in Malta, Tel Aviv, London and Stockholm.

SOURCE: Codeta.com.

Maltco Lotteries Supports and Participates in ISACA Cybersecurity Conference

MALTA (May 18, 2018) -- Maltco Lotteries are sponsoring ISACA's Cybersecurity Conference 2018 taking place on May 22 at the Hilton. The conference is being organised by the ISACA Malta Chapter.

The full day conference entitled 'Cybersecurity: Securing our Future' will be attended by Maltco Lotteries Operations Director, Mr George Kakouras and Legal & Regulatory Manager, Dr Maria Barbara. Maltco Lotteries has one of the most sophisticated digital networks on the Maltese Islands and are constantly seeking best practice in information technology and protection.

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The conference will present cybersecurity trends, risks and challenges, focusing not just on the ones currently faced by local and international organisations, but also on disruptive trends that will soon hit the mass markets, including Cyber Espionage, IoT, Augmented Reality, BlockChain, GDPR and Privacy requirements, Cyberwar, AI, and related topics.

ISACA engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted, industry-leading knowledge and practices for information systems. ISACA is the voice of the information systems audit, IT governance, risk management and cybersecurity professions. By offering industry-leading knowledge, standards, credentialing and education, ISACA enables over 140,000 professionals in 187 countries to apply technology in ways that instil confidence, address threats, drive innovation and create positive momentum for their organizations.

Maltco Lotteries believes those who do not work in IT but use computing devices for work, it is necessary to have an understanding of cybersecurity to appreciate how minor mistakes or simple oversights might lead to a disastrous scenario regarding the security or bottom line of their organisation.

Maltco Lotteries is proud to be able to support this important event that brings such world-class speakers in the field to the Maltese Islands.

For further information email info@maltco.net, visit the Maltco website: www.maltco.com.mt or call 2388 3000.

SOURCE: Maltco Lotteries.

Playtech Receives Italian Gaming Regulator Approval for Snaitech Deal

Update on the acquisition of Snaitech S.p.A - Consent from Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, the Italian gaming regulatory authority

LONDON, UK (May 21, 2018) -- Further to the announcement dated 12 April 2018 and the publication of the shareholder circular on 11 May 2018 regarding Playtech's agreement with certain shareholders of Snaitech S.p.A ("Snaitech") for the Group to acquire approximately 70.6 per cent of the issued share capital of Snaitech (the "Initial Acquisition") and, subject to completion of the Initial Acquisition, to subsequently make a mandatory takeover offer for the remaining shares in Snaitech not held by the Group (the "Mandatory Takeover Offer" and together with the Initial Acquisition, the "Transaction"), Playtech is pleased to announce that it has received formal consent to the Transaction from Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, the Italian gaming regulatory authority.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

The General Meeting for shareholders relating to the Transaction will take place on 29 May 2018 and Playtech now expects completion of the Initial Acquisition to occur in June 2018.

The overall Transaction is expected to complete later this year.

For further information please CONTACT: Playtech plc, James Newman, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, T: +44 (0) 16 2464 5954. Headland (PR adviser to Playtech) Lucy Legh, Stephen Malthouse, T: +44 (0) 20 3805 4822.

About Playtech

Founded in 1999 and premium listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, Playtech is a market leader in the gambling and financial trading industries.

Playtech is the gambling industry's leading software and services supplier to many of the world's leading regulated online, retail and mobile operators, land-based casino groups, government sponsored entities such as lotteries and new entrants opening operations in newly-regulated markets. Its business intelligence-driven gambling software offering includes casino, live casino, bingo, poker and sports betting.

It is the pioneer of omni-channel gambling which, through Playtech ONE, offers operators and their customers a seamless, anytime, anywhere experience across any product, any channel (online, mobile, retail) and any device using a single account and single wallet. It provides marketing expertise, sophisticated CRM solutions and other services for operators seeking a full turnkey solution. Playtech's Financials Division, named TradeTech Group, operates both on a B2C and B2B basis.

Playtech has in total c.5,000 employees across 17 countries.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information

SOURCE: Playtech.

Global Gaming Names Lars Kollind as Head of B2B

MALMO, Sweden (May 17, 2018) – Global Gaming has appointed Lars Kollind to the newly-created role of Head of B2B.

With his extensive industry knowledge, Kollind will spearhead the organisation’s future B2B offering with a view to bolstering Global Gaming’s growth objectives and ambitions to emerge as a leading player in the iGaming industry.

Kollind, who will be based at Global Gaming’s Malta Office in Sliema, previously enjoyed a successful career as Sales Director for B2B at Aspire Global and joins during a new and exciting chapter in Global Gaming’s history.

Some of the company’s successful brands including Netticasino and Vikingslots operate on the Aspire Global platform, meaning that Kollind has already gained a thorough understanding of Global Gaming’s offering.

“I could not think of a better time to join Global Gaming,” said Kollind. “As the organisation seeks to grow, it seems natural to add a new vertical in the B2B product.

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“Drawing from the success story that is NinjaCasino.com, our goal is to keep on focussing on innovation and enhancing the user experience. As a consequence, our B2B product focus will be on differentiation in the form of experience customisation, leveraging my experience in the field, as we seek to attract high-profile partners and white label casinos.”

His appointment closely follows a recent wave of key appointments in Global Gaming’s Product Team, including several ex- GiG talents.

Global Gaming Chief Product Officer and MD Malta, Mark Wadsworth, said: “Lars joins us to take complete business ownership and development of our B2B offering. His experience and knowledge of the B2B marketplace is invaluable as we continue to put in place the foundations for continued growth of Global Gaming.”

About Global Gaming

Global Gaming offers B2C and B2B gaming products and services to partners and consumers in regulated and emerging markets around the world.

Its flagship product Ninja Casino has revolutionised the online casino customer sign-up process by removing traditional registration requirements. It features a bespoke payment solution that simply requires a deposit via a player’s bank and ensures most winnings are paid under 5 minutes. 

The site offers 200+ slots from the likes of NetEnt and Play’n GO, including Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and progressive jackpots Hall of Gods and Mega Fortune, as well as a full range of table and live dealer games.

Ninja Casino was named Innovative Start-up of the Year at the 2017 EGR Operator Marketing and Innovation Awards, and claimed In-house Innovation of the Year for Global Gaming at the 2017 EGR Nordics Awards.

SOURCE: Global Gaming press release.