IGT Receives 10-Year Contract Extension from the Michigan Lottery

LONDON, U.K. (July 31, 2018) -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation (with International Game Technology PLC, hereinafter "IGT"), has signed a 10-year contract extension with the Michigan Lottery to provide new lottery technology and ongoing services through January 2031.

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...

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Michigan Lottery, one that dates back to 1988," said Jay Gendron, IGT COO, Lottery.

"As one of the most successful lotteries in the United States, the Michigan Lottery continues to achieve record sales and contributions to the Michigan School Aid fund, its beneficiary. We look forward to providing industry-leading technology that will assist the Michigan Lottery in managing and growing its business now and in the years ahead."

Under the terms of the contract extension, IGT will provide the Michigan Lottery with innovative tools from IGT's Aurora™ platform, such as Aurora Navigator™, and several of IGT's BizApps lottery applications including Performance Wizard, Retailer Wizard, Order Wizard, and Instant Tracking Wizard which enable the Lottery to drive profitable growth.

IGT's new Retailer Pro terminals will replace the 11,550 existing lottery terminals. WinCheck™ ticket checkers will also be installed in retail locations allowing for players to easily check whether their tickets are winners. In addition, the Lottery will receive 2,100 GameTouch™ self-service touch-screen lottery vending machines.

IGT will maintain its primary data center in Lansing, Michigan, and will continue providing services for the Michigan Lottery including installation and maintenance of the new central system and terminals; maintenance of the communications network; retailer training; field merchandisers; marketing support; call center services; field services; and instant ticket warehousing and distribution. IGT is also providing backup data center services from its Data Center of the Americas facility located in Austin, Texas.

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.

CONTACT:

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC (IGT)

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) First Test Lab to Achieve Accreditation by the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires (LOTBA)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (July 30, 2018) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has become the first test laboratory to be accredited by the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires (LOTBA). The accreditation permits GLI’s experts to perform crucial functions for LOTBA including forensic investigations; gaming device, systems, and RNG testing and certification; testing of betting and totalization systems; and any other systems implemented for the administration, management, and control of games of chance and skill. LOTBA has the competence to authorize, organize, operate, collect, administer, and control games of chance, skill games and pari-mutuel wagering, and connected activities in the territory of the City of Buenos Aires.

They will procure the correct operation of the Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo Sociedad Anónima (HAPSA), Casino Buenos Aires and official agencies. “GLI is very pleased to have attained accreditation as a certification laboratory from the Lottery of the City of Buenos Aires,” said Karen Sierra-Hughes, GLI’s Director of Latin American and Caribbean Government Relations and Business Development.

“The evaluation performed by LOTBA was a detailed, extensive, and thorough process wherein GLI provided proof of its expertise and capabilities to the full satisfaction of the investigating body. We are thankful to LOTBA for their trust in GLI and we look forward to a committed and long-term relationship for the benefit of the City of Buenos Aires’ industry.”

“In addition to supporting the regulators’ plan, with this accreditation, GLI is also supporting the suppliers and operators that continue to move forward with confidence knowing that we are ready to support them in their testing and certification needs; allowing for a fast and efficient entrance in the market, where our thorough testing processes at the same time helps to maintain the public trust,” Sierra-Hughes added.

GLI’s experts ensure licensing is handled as a priority, resulting in fast response times to accreditation requirements established by jurisdictions. The company’s testing services provide regulators, suppliers, and operators with significant risk mitigation. The company has worked closely with gaming regulators as well as government lotteries around the world for nearly 30 years, offering an unparalleled range of services designed to support its clients in creating the competitive edge of a world-class organization with security and integrity. GLI has been working with the Latin America and the Caribbean industry, regulators, and lotteries for 20 years. Specific to Argentina, GLI had been providing services for the City of Buenos Aires jurisdiction since 2004. GLI South America, which is the firm’s laboratory based in La Plata Argentina, has been serving local suppliers since 2008.

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

SOURCE: Gaming Laboratories International.

Skilrock Speaks on Industry Leading Innovations at CIBELAE Seminar, Brazil

GURGAON, India (August 1, 2018) -- Skilrock is back from it's participation in the Cibelae Seminar, held recently by the hosts CAIXA, in the beautiful city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The theme of this seminar was “Innovation & Sustainability of Lotteries”. The event was an amalgamation of key national lotteries of LATAM, service providers as well as key industry experts.

There were mainly four panels and the event was divided into: Product, Marketing, Security and Sales Network. Skilrock featured in the product portfolio panel owing to its innovative digital techniques and progressive future product strategy for lottery and gaming Industry.

Skilrock shared its views on digitization in the context of innovation and the various innovative product offerings in its portfolio.

Mr. Sujit Lahiry, Executive Director at Skilrock Technologies Pvt. Ltd, said “We received an overwhelming response with varied interests ranging from digital scratch, e-gaming on tablet to mobile lottery. Skilrock has always been at the forefront of the global lottery & gaming industry and presented its exciting content with innovative solutions for lottery operators and their end customers. Skilrock would like to thank all the Cibelae and Caixa members for organizing such an amazing seminar with such a thought intriguing theme.”

The event was attended by many senior delegates from the Industry including the likes of national lotteries representation from Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, El Salvador and FDJ.

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There was key presence from technology suppliers who all enthusiastically shared their new offerings in bringing digitization and innovation to the use of lottery industry and making it more advanced.

In the security panel, there was a detailed discussion on applying security essentials to lotteries and the need of certifications, regularization for all forms of lotteries which is only possible through digitization.

About Skilrock Technologies

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

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

The all-encompassing WEAVER Gaming Platform of Skilrock serves RETAIL, iGAMING & SELF SERVICE channels with equal ease, supporting a wide variety of games like Lotto, Keno, Bingo, Instant, Sports, Poker, Rummy, Casino and Slots.

More than 120,000 retail touch points and over 3 million iGaming players across 18 jurisdictions have been serviced using Weaver Platform.

SOURCE: Skilrock Technologies.

Camelot Global Congratulates Arkansas and Illinois Lotteries on Record-Breaking Sales and Increased Profits

Both lotteries reach new performance results supported by Camelot Global, a leading provider of lottery business managed solutions

CHICAGO, Illinois (July 30, 2018) -- Camelot Global congratulates its customers the Arkansas and Illinois Lotteries for reaching critical performance benchmarks, with both lotteries advancing new strategic initiatives to attract wider audiences and increase net profits.

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The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery recently announced record-breaking sales for the 2018 fiscal year, leading to increased proceeds to scholarships totalling almost $92 million.

“Our mission is to maximize proceeds to scholarships in a responsible way,” said Arkansas Lottery Director Bishop Woosley.

“We’ve made it a priority to identify new opportunities for growth, while also strengthening the image and brand of the Lottery.”

Camelot provides business consulting services to the Arkansas Lottery, supporting the Lottery’s business plan aimed at improving sales and net revenue to benefit scholarship recipients.

The Illinois Lottery is also seeing positive returns and expects to increase revenues by almost four percent in the upcoming year, with its focus on modernizing systems, investing in retail point of sale equipment and responsibly growing its base of players across the state.

With Camelot’s proven global operator credentials and experience providing business solutions and advisory services to lotteries around the world, it was recently selected as private manager of the Illinois Lottery.

"Our ambition is to create a modern lottery that attracts new players and maximizes returns to the state in a socially responsible way,” said Camelot Illinois General Manager Colin Hadden.

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“We are looking forward to the technology conversion and realizing a Camelot Global iLottery platform for digital player engagement and brand marketing across multiple channels, including retail.”

Camelot Global Chief Executive Officer Wayne Pickup congratulated the Arkansas and Illinois Lotteries on the successful performance of the customer-focused business plans.

“We’re thrilled with the outstanding results delivered by the Arkansas Lottery for its scholarship recipients, and the positive returns and increase in sales delivered by the Illinois Lottery,” said Mr. Pickup.

“We look forward to celebrating the continued success of both of these lotteries in the years to come.”

ABOUT CAMELOT GLOBAL

Camelot operates lotteries in Illinois, the U.K. and Ireland and serves as an adviser to multiple U.S. state lotteries. Its sister company, Camelot U.K., has operated the U.K. National Lottery since 1994 and has an unrivaled track record of success, helping the U.K. National Lottery deliver over $92 billion to winners and $52 billion to good causes (as of November 2017). Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) won a 20-year license to operate the Irish National Lottery in February 2014, with Camelot providing a dedicated and specialist interactive managed service to develop and grow the PLI digital channel. Over the three years to the end of 2017, PLI has grown overall sales by 16 percent and nearly tripled digital sales.

SOURCE: Camelot Global press release.

New Instant Game Offers $3.7 Million in Top Prizes

More Than $6.9 Million Awarded Lottery Winners Last Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 30, 2018) -- The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery will launch four new instant scratch-off games tomorrow, including $50K Blowout that offers more than $3.7 million in $50,000 top prizes.

There are 27 chances to win on one $20 ticket, including two bonus spots.

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The other three games are a family of instant tickets that multiply winnings:  $5 25X with a top prize of $100,000; $2 15X with a top prize of $20,000 and $1 5X with a top prize of $3,000.

“Lottery players tend to like instant tickets that offer lots of chances to win,” said Lottery Director Bishop Woosley.

“Our instant ticket sales continue to be very good because people are winning. In fact, last week we awarded more than $5.4 million to instant ticket winners.”

Woosley added that during the week of July 23 a total of more than $6.9 million was awarded to players in all lottery games.

That total included a $1 million Play It Again® Second-Chance Drawing winner from Cabot; a $500,000 200X The Money scratch-off ticket winner from Texas; a $70,000 Cash 10X scratch-off winner from Nashville, Ark.; two $70,000 Match 7’s scratch-off winners – one from Texarkana and one from Jonesboro; and a $50,000 Powerball® winner from Little Rock.

The other winners had played Cash 3 and 4, Mega Millions® and the Arkansas Progressive Jackpot games.

Woosley reminds players that the Natural State Jackpot (NSJ) has grown to $230,000 and is only sold in Arkansas. NSJ drawings occur Monday through Saturday.

The Mega Millions® jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing is $45 million, and Wednesday’s Powerball® jackpot stands at $187 million.

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 275,000 college scholarships, more than $2.6 billion in prizes to players, about $224 million in retailer commissions and more than $116 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.

CONTACT: Kara Lee Ford at 501-683-1646 for more information.

SOURCE: The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

New Gaming System Positions Kansas Lottery for Continued Success and Growth

TOPEKA, Kansas (July 30, 2018) --The Kansas Lottery’s new, advanced central gaming system is now “live” at more than 1,700 Kansas Lottery retailers across the state. This follows a successful conversion by the Lottery’s new technology partner Scientific Games as part of an overall plan to responsibly increase returns to the State of Kansas.

The Lottery’s data transfer and official switch-over from the old systems technology took place July 29.

“Careful planning started more than two years ago for this complex technology project,” said Terry Presta, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery. “The entire Lottery staff and hundreds of Scientific Games technologists and personnel have worked closely together on this enormous effort. The expertise of all of these lottery professionals and extensive quality testing has ensured the security and integrity of the games Kansans enjoy so much.”

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Players can look forward to these changes:

• New retail point-of-sale terminals and other in-store equipment that offer convenience and speed-of-service.
• Modern new TV monitors for Keno have been installed at Lottery retailers.
• Kansas players can enjoy an exciting portfolio of draw games, plus a new electronic virtual race game called Racetrax that offers the thrill of horseracing and the payout and prizes of a Keno game.  All Kansas Lottery retailers offer Racetrax, including more than 300 locations where players can watch the races on TV monitors.

Players’ Tips:

• Players who use play slips will need to fill out new play slips available at every lottery retailer. Old play slips will no longer work.
• Draw game tickets (Powerball, Mega Millions, etc.) printed before July 29 cannot be scanned on new Ticket Checkers.  Clerks will be able to scan these “legacy” tickets on lottery terminals, however.  To learn more about claiming “legacy” tickets, click on Kansas Lottery Legacy Tickets YouTube Video.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Kansas Lottery to the Scientific Games’ systems family. The new enterprise gaming system and related services from Scientific Games will help the Lottery achieve the strategic goals it set to maximize returns to State of Kansas programs,” said Pat McHugh, Senior Vice President of Global Lottery Systems for Scientific Games.

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“We are honored to be the provider of choice to help the Lottery grow over the next decade and serve its players and retailers by continuously integrating the industry’s most innovative game content, products, and technology.”

Kansas Lottery Video of Ceremonial Conversion Event

Since the Kansas Lottery’s start up in November 1987, lottery ticket sales have produced more than $1.8 billion in revenues transferred to the State of Kansas.

Where Does the Money Go?

Kansas Lottery Revenue goes into the State Gaming Revenues Fund.

On a yearly basis, the first $50 million is divided by a formula which first transfers $80,000 to the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund.

Then 85 percent of the balance is transferred to the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, 10 percent to the Correctional Institutions Building Fund, and 5 percent to the Juvenile Detention Facilities Fund.

Any receipts in excess of $50 million must be transferred to the State General Fund.

The Economic Development Initiatives Fund supports state programs that create and retain jobs in Kansas. Those include Kansas Department of Commerce programs, Tourism and Parks programs in the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, the Kansas Board of Regents for vocational education programs, and many more.

CONTACT:  Sally Lunsford, T: (785) 296-5708, E: sally.lunsford@kslottery.net.

SOURCE: The Kansas Lottery.

New Special Conditions for Society Lotteries Using Phone Payment

PSA launches new Special conditions for society lotteries

UNITED KINGDOM (August 1, 2018) -- New tailored conditions introduced to support services which raise money for good causes through raffles and similar competitions.

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) has introduced new Special conditions for society lotteries services using phone payment.

The new conditions are set to come into effect on the 1st October 2018 and will complement the PSA’s existing Code of Practice. Several large charities and associations offered views during the consultation phase.

Society lotteries are an emerging service type in the phone-paid services market which allow charities and other organisations such as local clubs and community centres to raise money by charging supporters for entry to raffle-style competitions. 

A growing number of these are being offered digitally, with payments charged to participants’ phone bills. 

As the PSA is responsible for regulating content, goods and services charged to a phone bill, the regulator is supporting providers in bringing these services to market within a framework that will help build consumer confidence. 

A special shortcode operating on numbers beginning 72 has been established for society lotteries. This follows on from the introduction of the 70 shortcode for charity text donations, which has successfully raised millions of pounds for good causes in the UK over the last few years. 

There were 10 responses to the PSA policy consultation on the proposed Special conditions, which opened in February 2018.

Following consideration of the feedback received during the consultation period, the conditions have remained largely the same as originally proposed.

There were some changes to the proposed conditions governing promotional material, which can be read in the document published today.

SOURCE: Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA).

New Jersey Instant Ticket Players Celebrate a Joyous June

• Instant Games Players Received More Than $108.4 Million in Prizes in June
• “Local Flight Attendant’s Luck Takes Off”

TRENTON, NJ (July 26, 2018) – Linda Biernacki, a flight attendant living in Voorhees, often finds herself traveling for work. She enjoys playing scratch-off tickets and recently experienced a new type of sky-high feeling when she played a $250,000 Crossword ticket from the New Jersey Lottery.

She uncovered letter by letter and filled out the crossword puzzle on the ticket, watching word after word reveal itself. When she finished scratching and counted up the words, she realized there were ten words uncovered for the top prize of $250,000!

When asked what she will do with the prize, Linda mentioned that it will help with costs associated with her son's college, as well as providing some financial security for the future. Linda purchased her lucky ticket at Speedy Mart on 715 Somerdale Rd., Blackwood in Camden County.

Jan Balut of Manville is a fortunate gambler, and he is very proud of a handful of four- and five-figure prizes that he has won at casinos over the years. Those prizes were exciting enough on their own, but Jan had his eyes on an even bigger prize. He recently purchased a lucky $1,000,000 Gold Rush game at his local retailer, The Pantry Market on 7000 JFK Blvd., Guttenberg in Hudson County.

After purchasing the ticket, Jan happily scratched away at his ticket, hoping for a gold rush of his own. By the time he was done scratching, Jan saw his winning number match one of the revealed numbers on his ticket. He uncovered the prize amount to see his first ever seven-figure prize, an incredible $1,000,000 payday!

Jan has a handful of plans with his seven-figure prize money, setting some aside for a house and a new car before safely saving the rest for his future and his retirement.

New Jersey Lottery players claimed more than $108.4 million in prizes playing Instant Games in June. Below is a listing of the top prizes over $10,000 won for the month.

SOURCE: New Jersey Lottery.

Texas Lottery General Counsel Wins Top Industry Honor

AUSTIN, Texas (July 31, 2018) – The Texas Lottery Commission today announced that Bob Biard, general counsel, was a recipient of the 2018 Powers Award at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries’ (NASPL) seminar held recently in Orlando, Florida.

“I want to congratulate Bob on this prestigious honor,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery.

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“Bob's experience, along with his sound legal advice, attention to detail, and ability to analyze our legal challenges with an eye towards finding a solution have played a key role in the Texas Lottery’s ability to pursue unique opportunities over the years. I can attest to the fact that Bob possesses all the traits that the Powers Award represents.”

Each year, the Powers Awards are presented in recognition of the significant contributions lottery and lottery vendor employees have made through exceptional job performance. These awards are named in honor of the late Edward J. Powers, the “Father of U.S. Lotteries.” Powers spent more than 25 years in the lottery industry helping to define the most effective organizational structures that have become a blueprint for today’s lotteries. The drive, commitment and integrity Powers demonstrated set the standard of excellence exhibited by lottery and vendor employees nominated for this award.

Biard joined the Texas Lottery Commission in December 2008 as assistant general counsel and was promoted to general counsel in September 2012. He advises the commissioners, executive director and senior agency management on legal issues impacting the agency’s regulatory and business initiatives, and in interactions with vendors, players, legislators and other lottery organizations. Biard also directs the Commission’s Legal Services Division, which provides legal support to all agency divisions.

About the Texas Lottery

Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $28 billion in revenue for the state and distributed $56 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $22 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $99 million for programs supporting Texas veterans.

The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five® and scratch ticket games. For more information visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or at www.txlottery.org.

CONTACT: Media Relations, T: 512-344-5131, E: mediarelations@lottery.state.tx.us.

SOURCE: Texas Lottery, Press release.

ESSA Report 62 Suspicious Betting Alerts in Q2 2018

BRUSSELS, Belgium (July 25, 2018) -- International betting integrity body ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity) reported 62 cases of suspicious betting to the relevant authorities during the second quarter (Q2) of 2018. The Q2 cases involved 8 sports with: 44 cases in tennis, 12 cases in football, and one each in bowls, handball, boxing, basketball, beach volleyball and eSports.

ESSA Secretary General Khalid Ali said: “We have played a crucial role in bringing transparency to betting related match-fixing, which is why we have taken a keen interest in the recent publication of the Interim Report into tennis by the Independent Review Panel.

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We support many of the recommendations made by the Panel and we wish to work with the sport to address betting related issues.

However, we have serious concerns about a blanket discontinuation of the sale of data for events at the lowest level of tennis and whether that approach is proportionate to the issue and will provide a practical and effective solution.”

He added “We are seeking to deliver a number of alternative evidence-based options that we hope the Panel and the various governing bodies within the sport will be willing to explore in more detail and to reaching a position that is mutually beneficial, places integrity to the fore and also serves to avoid any adverse commercial impacts”.

The Q2 report includes an article from the American Gaming Association (AGA), where they explain what the legalised sports betting landscape will look like, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is unconstitutional.

ESSA holds positions on high-level betting policy forums at the European Commission, Council of Europe and the IOC. It is driving a number of important initiatives aimed at addressing match-fixing and hosted an international betting integrity conference at Lords Cricket Ground (see here) at the end of last year, attended by over 150 senior officials from sports bodies, regulators and other key stakeholders. A copy of ESSA’s Q2 integrity report can be accessed here along with previous reports.

About ESSA:

ESSA represents many of the world’s biggest regulated sports betting operators, serving over 40 million consumers in the EU alone. Concerned regulated bookmakers created ESSA in 2005 to monitor betting markets and alert sporting bodies and national regulators to suspicious betting patterns. The goal was, and is, to protect consumers from potential fraud caused by manipulating sporting events. ESSA helps to combat this with evidence-based intelligence it provides to sporting bodies and regulators.

SOURCE: ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity).

Malta Gaming Authority - New Gaming Act Comes Into Force

MALTA (August 1, 2018) -- The new Gaming Act, approved by Maltese Parliament on 8 March 2018, together with the subsidiary legislation and Authority-issued binding instruments which establish the detailed processes and procedures constituting the holistic regulatory framework for the gaming sector, came into force today 1 August 2018 after undergoing the EU Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) process, in line with European Union Directive 2015/1535.

The new framework elevates the jurisdictional profile of Malta from a regulatory perspective by strengthening the MGA’s supervisory role, specifically the Authority’s compliance and enforcement functions to better achieve its regulatory objectives.

This is in line with concurrent developments relating to anti-money laundering and combating the funding of terrorism.

The new regulatory framework also empowers the Authority to be more agile in its decision-making, by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens not conducive to the regulatory objectives, whilst simultaneously strengthening supervision and focusing the regulator’s efforts on areas which present a higher risk profile.

Furthermore, the reform enhances consumer protection standards and responsible gaming measures, while promoting a risk-based approach towards regulation. It provides the MGA with wider powers in the fields of compliance and enforcement and establishes objective-oriented standards to encourage innovation and development.

Underlining the importance of this milestone the MGA’s Chief Executive Officer Heathcliff Farrugia stated that:  "Today marks one of the most important days in the history of the MGA. Years of hard work finally come to fruition. I would like to thank all those involved in making the new regulatory framework a reality, in particular my predecessor Mr Joseph Cuschieri for the foresight to initiate this project, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Silvio Schembri and the Maltese Government at large for their ongoing support and commitment, and especially the MGA's personnel for their relentless work in developing and implementing the new legal regime.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in Maltese gaming regulation. One which builds on the foundations of the previous laws, and which empowers the Authority to further strengthen the way it regulates the industry, and to continue being a thought leader for the years the come.”

Subject to the transitory provisions envisaged therein, this framework is applicable for remote gaming operators as of today 1 August 2018, whereas land-based operators shall become subject to these new laws as of 1 January 2019.

SOURCE: Malta Gaming Authority press release.

Gaming Standards Association Invite Gaming Industry to its Technical Summit: Focus on Blockchain

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 1, 2018) – The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) announces its first gaming industry focused conference event: GSA Technical Summit – Focus on Blockchain. 

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The event is scheduled for November 8 – 9, 2018 in the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, NV. GSA invites our members and anyone active in the gaming industry - operators, regulators and suppliers - to this informative summit around Blockchain.

The Blockchain technology - the second phase of the Internet - will have a dramatic impact on our lives and businesses.

It is poised to revolutionize data sharing, security and has the ability to provide regulatory authorities with previously unobtainable levels of transparency.

Those looking at how this technology will impact the gaming industry will be able to listen to companies that are using the technology today and regulators as they debate the benefits Blockchain provides them.

GSA President Peter DeRaedt said, “We have been approached for many years to bring more value to a conference program by emphasizing real knowledge over a ‘marketing session.’  For this unique summit we’ve used our extensive contacts within and outside the gaming industry to bring together speakers and participants who have the experience and know-how to offer attendees a more grounded foundation and education about this technology.”

Current companies that have committed to participate in the event are: Axes Network, Clear Poker, Dominode, Gioco Ventures, LLC, Global Market Advisors, IBM, Innovum Technology, INTEL, Loyra Abogados, Malta Gaming Authority, McDonald Carano, New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement, Nevada Gaming Control Board, ORACLE, RedChalk Group, Secure Communication, Berkeley Center for Law & Business, Unikrn.

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Blockchain Committee Chair Earle G. Hall said, “Blockchain is the answer to so many of our inefficiencies. It is inherently designed for transparent, secure and distributed information flow. Blockchain will exponentially increase the potential for collaboration, efficiency and connectivity. We look forward to this event and expect to truly educate the industry on this topic.”

For a detailed agenda, special rate accommodation information and registration, please visit GSA’s event website at - GSA Technology Summit: FOCUS Blockchain.  GSA also welcomes companies interested in sponsoring this event to contact us.

There is a level of membership for every type of company. Is your organization interested in working with GSA on the creation of future standards? Please join us – visit www.gamingstandards.com to learn more, and follow GSA on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

SOURCE: The Gaming Standards Association (GSA).

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.

Have You Registered Yet for the WLS 2018 in Buenos Aires?

It is already July, and WLS 2018 in Buenos Aires, the lottery event of the year, will soon kick-off in grand style.

If you have not yet registered for this important event, we encourage you to do so today. As a member-based association with a global reach, a key goal of the WLA is to provide our members with a platform for learning international lottery best practice, as well as a forum for networking with lottery colleagues from around the world. There is no other event in the industry that meets these goals better than the World Lottery Summit.

In the interest of our attendees, we have negotiated excellent room rates. We recommend you to act now and take advantage of this great offer, which will only last until October 12, 2018.

The WLA together with host ALEA look forward to welcoming you in Buenos Aires for WLS 2018, the WLA’s flagship event.

To register, please CLICK HERE.

Further information about the convention can be found at the WLS 2018 website at: www.worldlotterysummit.org

See you in Buenos Aires!

Sincerely,

Jean-Luc Moner-Banet

WLA President

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

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