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NASPL: Inaugural Lottery Week Recognizes Important Industry
Contributions
CONCORD, Ohio, July 15, 2019 –
As America’s lotteries continue to report record sales and profits for
fiscal year 2019 (which for most ended June 30), the North American Association
of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) – the industry’s trade
association – would like to recognize the important role lotteries play in
their jurisdictions.
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After all, lotteries were created to
raise revenue for good causes, such as education, college scholarships,
environmental conservation, senior citizen programs, tourism, tax relief, local
aid for cities and towns, economic development and more.
They do this by providing
entertaining games that give all adults a chance to win big prizes for small
stakes.
And it doesn’t end there.
Throughout North America, lotteries provide hundreds of thousands of retailers
with lottery-specific revenue as well as additional foot traffic, and provide
tens of thousands of jobs either directly or indirectly. They also team up with
responsible gambling groups to educate their retailers and consumers,
encouraging safe, responsible play.
In addition, lottery organizations
and their partners in private industry are often involved in supporting local
causes in other ways as well, by hosting events like food drives and community
clean-ups.
NASPL created Lottery Week, which
begins July 15, to recognize all of these contributions by lotteries to the
communities they serve.
“We launched Lottery Week to
showcase the good lotteries do in their communities,” said Executive
Director David Gale.
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| NASPL
Executive Director David Gale |
“In the U.S. alone, their
creative and entertaining products produced more than $23.4 billion in revenues
to good causes during fiscal 2018, plus some $4.8 billion in revenues to
retailers – from single-store mom-and-pops to massive corporate chains
– for selling traditional lottery products. In addition, the industry
suppliers that partner with lotteries also contribute to their communities by
creating jobs and making substantial financial investments.”
Many lotteries have gone far beyond
the role of selling traditional products, which include instant tickets and a
multitude of draw games including Powerball and Mega Millions in the United
States and Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 in Canada.
Nine American lotteries and four of
the five Canadian lottery organizations are also involved in casino-style
gaming in one way or another.
All Canadian lotteries and an
increasing number of American lotteries also offer sports betting.
“Governments around the
world recognize that lotteries are effective, trusted operators for all games
of chance, and even games of skill if those are authorized,” said
Gale, adding that while sports betting is a brave new world for the United
States, it is embraced by some 60 countries globally. “About 70 percent
of sports betting revenue around the world is generated by
lotteries.”
Lottery Week evolved from an idea
implemented with great success by the Massachusetts Lottery last year.
Declaring July 17, 2018, as National Lottery Day, Massachusetts offered
consumers and retailers a special day of lottery promotions and celebrated the
provision of billions of dollars in local aid since the state’s Lottery
was created in 1972.
About NASPL
The North American Association of
State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971. Evolving from an informal
exchange of information among three pioneering lottery directors, the
organization has grown into an active association representing 52 lottery
organizations.
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. Media contact: David Gale,
Executive Director, 440-361-7962 or dgale@nasplhq.org
SOURCE: NASPL.
IGT Demonstrates Commitment to Systems Innovation at OIGA
2019
LONDON – July 16, 2019 –
International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE:IGT) today announced
that the Company will demonstrate the many benefits of its IGT ADVANTAGE®
Casino Management System (“CMS”) at the 2019 Oklahoma Indian Gaming
Association Conference and Tradeshow (“OIGA”) in Tulsa, Okla. July
22-24. IGT Advantage CMS and its suite of modular, mobile systems solutions
will be joined in IGT’s OIGA booth #602 by a range of the Company’s
newest games and hardware.
“IGT’s Advantage CMS
will anchor our OIGA showcase because of its capacity to help our customers
optimize their slot floors, cultivate world-class patron loyalty programs, and
modernize play,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming.
“When our valued tribal customers leverage Advantage with
high-performing games and solutions, they are well-positioned to maximize the
ROI of their IGT solutions.”
Product highlights within
IGT’s OIGA booth will include:
An Innovative Systems
Ecosystem: IGT will demonstrate how the IGT ADVANTAGE® CMS can enhance
the player experience when combined with mobile systems solutions such as
Cardless Connect™, Intelligent Offers, and Resort Wallet solutions. Trade
show attendees can also experience M5 media content. Built with HTML-5, M5
places player conveniences, such as promotion redemption and beverage ordering,
within a slot machine’s Service Window. The Company will also highlight
its Mobile Suite which gives operators the ability to manage voucher
redemption, jackpots, comps, and more; all from a mobile device.
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Proven Core Content: The
Company will present several titles from its expanded video Core content
portfolio with proven titles such as the Coin O Mania™, Golden Jungle
Grand™, and Fortune Charm™ games on the widely placed
CrystalCurve™ gaming machine.
New Class II Content:
Attendees can also experience the Company’s latest Class II video bingo
games with IGT titles such as Magic Moons™, Rosa’s Fiesta™, and
Disco Dolphin™ on the CrystalDual™ 27 gaming machine.
Premium Content that Excites:
IGT will showcase the depth and breadth of its premium portfolio with games
inspired by world-class licensed brands with titles such as Wheel of
Fortune® Cash Link™ with the two engaging base games Australian
Outback™ and Egyptian Adventures™. Attendees can also experience
IGT’s TRUE 4D™ technology with American Gods™ 4D Video Slots.
Making its OIGA debut and standing 11-feet tall, The Price is Right®
Showcase Showdown on the Megatower™ Universal cabinet will recreate many
of the TV show’s most memorable moments.
Innovative Poker Hardware and
Content: Also making its OIGA debut, is the CrystalSlant™ Poker gaming
machine with industry-leading poker themes including Game King®. Attendees
can also experience 25 50 100 Play on the large-format Poker XL cabinet. The
large-format cabinet features an enlarged display and an extended touchscreen
for a modern and immersive poker experience.
Electronic Table Games: IGT
will showcase its cutting-edge Dynasty Electronic Table Games (ETG) including
RNG offerings such as baccarat and triple hand blackjack with expanded options
for side bets.
For more information, visit IGT.com
or go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter,
twitter.com/IGTnews or watch IGT videos on YouTube, youtube.com/igt.
About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader
in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all
channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Digital
and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial
investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise
and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of
consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local
presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100
countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest
standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000
employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
IGT CONTACTS:
- Phil O’Shaughnessy, Global Communications,
toll free in U.S./Canada (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada (401)
392-7452
- Francesco Luti, +39 34 85475493; for Italian media
inquiries
- James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401)
392-7190
- Kelley Waynert, Global Communications (702)
669-3236
SOURCE: IGT.
Pollard Banknote Expands Galaxy of Arcade Game Brands with
Galaga™
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (July 17, 2019)
-- Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (“Pollard Banknote”) a leading
lottery partner that provides instant tickets, interactive programs, retail
solutions, and full marketing support, is pleased to announce the addition of
GALAGA™—the classic arcade game—to its portfolio of licensed
brands. Under an agreement with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.,
Pollard Banknote is excited to offer GALAGA™ branded instant tickets to
its lottery clients. This marks the first time the GALAGA™ brand is
available in the lottery industry.
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GALAGA™ has made a lasting
impression on arcade players and pop culture alike based on its popular
intergalactic theme and superior game play. In the GALAGA™ universe,
players must defend the galaxy from formations of alien forces ready to
destroy, collide with, or capture their spaceship. The thrill elicited by its
exciting playstyle and retro design has catapulted GALAGA™ to iconic
status. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the best video games of all time,
GALAGA™ has stood the test of time.
Pollard Banknote’s suite of
licensed brands includes several powerhouse arcade games from the early
1980’s. GALAGA™ joins retro classics Frogger, Tetris®,
PAC-MAN®, and Ms. PAC-MAN®, which have proven to be fan favorites with
lottery players across North America.
Under the agreement, Pollard
Banknote will leverage the GALAGA™ signature logo and colorful pixilated
icons for eye-catching ticket designs and promotional merchandise. Just as
Pollard Banknote has done with its other arcade properties, such as Frogger and
PAC-MAN®, ticket artwork will utilize distinctive GALAGA™ imagery to
mimic the game’s acclaimed playstyle, with spaceships facing off against
insect-like alien invaders. GALAGA™ branded merchandise, including
full-sized vintage arcade games, will be available to lotteries for social
media contests and second chance draws. In addition, customized trips to retro
gaming events, such as the GALAGA™ World Championship held in New Mexico
in 2018 and live streamed to more than 300,000 online viewers, provide exciting
experiential prize possibilities.
“Pollard Banknote’s
retro arcade brands have captivated lottery players around the globe, and we
are confident that GALAGA™ will give players more of the classic arcade
look and feel they love,” said Brad Thompson, Vice President, Sales
and Marketing, Pollard Banknote. “We look forward to helping lotteries
bring GALAGA™ to market, supported by our 360˚ approach to marketing
and promotional programs that promote player excitement and
engagement.”
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About Pollard Banknote
Pollard Banknote is a leading
lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing high quality
instant ticket products, licensed games, Schafer Systems and Fastrak retail
merchandising solutions, and a full suite of digital offerings, ranging from
game apps to comprehensive player engagement and iLottery solutions, including
strategic marketing and management services.
The company is a proven innovator
and has decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement,
sales, and proceeds for good causes.
Pollard Banknote also provides
pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, and its Diamond Game and Oasis-branded
electronic ticket machines to charitable and other gaming markets in North
America.
Established in 1907, Pollard
Banknote is owned approximately 67.5% by the Pollard family and 32.5% by public
shareholders, and is publicly traded on the TSX (PBL). For more information,
please visit our website at:
www.pollardbanknote.com.
CONTACT: Brad Thompson Pollard
Banknote Limited, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Telephone: (204)
474-2323, E-mail: bthompson@pbl.ca.
SOURCE: Pollard Banknote.
South Carolina Lottery Reports Record Year-End
Results
COLUMBIA, SC (July 11, 2019) –
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) enjoyed its best year ever, setting
records for proceeds raised for education, prizes paid to players and
commissions earned by retailers.
SCEL transferred $487.6 million to
support education programs in our state during Fiscal Year 2019, which closed
on June 30th.
This tops last year’s record
transfer by $52.8 million and brings the Lottery’s total contribution to
education to more than $5.5 billion since startup in 2002.
In other firsts, players won more
than $1.3 billion in prize money and lottery retailers earned in excess of $138
million in commissions in Fiscal Year 2019.
The selling of a $1.5 billion Mega
Millions® jackpot ticket in October and a sustained interest in instant
“scratch-off” games contributed to the Lottery’s unprecedented
year-end results.
“Each and every one of our
players, retailers and staff played a critical role in helping us achieve such
an outstanding year,” the Lottery’s Executive Director Hogan
Brown said.
“We remain committed to
operating our Lottery in the most efficient manner possible to provide more
funds to improve education in South Carolina while continuing to market our
products in a socially responsible manner.”
Lottery proceeds are deposited into
the Education Lottery Account, from which the General Assembly makes
appropriations in support of higher education scholarships and grants, K-12
public education programs and community education programs throughout the
state.
SOURCE: The South Carolina Education
Lottery (SCEL).
First Annual Lottery Week Kicks-Off July 15th
Celebrating
lotteries’ contributions to communities
TRENTON, NJ (July 12, 2019) –
For the first time ever, the New Jersey Lottery, in collaboration with
lotteries across North America, has declared the week of July 15th as the
inaugural observance of Lottery Week.
Lottery Week is a celebration of
lotteries across the United States and Canada, in acknowledgement of their
collective contributions to the communities they serve.
In fiscal year 2018, together, U.S.
lotteries generated $23.4 billion to support initiatives in their individual
states and transferred $4.8 billion to their retailer partners.
As its fifth largest revenue
producer, the Lottery is a significant economic engine for the State of New
Jersey. Since its inception in 1970, the Lottery has contributed more than
$26.8 billion to the State. In Fiscal Year 2018, the Lottery generated
approximately $3.3 billion in sales.
The strong sales resulted in a
contribution to the State of approximately $1.03 billion, helping to bolster
the public employee pension system for teachers, police and fire personnel and
other public employees, as well as supporting businesses and communities
throughout New Jersey.
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The Lottery's success in FY 2018 was
shared by many with the award of more than $1.991 billion in prize money won by
players and payment over $188 million in commissions to our retailers.
Lotteries team up with responsible
gambling groups to educate their retailers and consumers, to help encourage
safe, responsible play. Since June 1999, the New Jersey Lottery has
participated on the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.'s Board
of Directors. The Council's 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number is printed on every
Lottery ticket, and on all brochures and signage, and it also appears as a tag
line on all of the Lottery's radio and television advertisements. The Lottery's
website directs visitors to the Council's site, where members of the public can
get free information and help.
And, of course, lotteries provide a
fun, exciting source of entertainment for all their players – not to
mention a big payout for the lucky winners. In fact, the largest jackpot ever
won in New Jersey was $533 million from the March 30, 2018 Mega Millions
drawing. Just two months later, the Powerball jackpot of $315.3 million was won
in New Jersey from the May 19, 2018 drawing. In March of 2019, a resident of
Alpha won a $273 million Mega Millions jackpot.
"While millions of people who
never play the Lottery certainly benefit, those that do take a chance and buy a
ticket often win as well," said New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive
Director James Carey.
The goal of Lottery Week is to
highlight these positive impacts that lotteries make and improve public
perception and awareness.
INQUIRIES: MaryAnn Rivell, Public
Information Office, Phone: (609) 599-5875, E:
PublicInfo@lottery.nj.gov.
SOURCE: New Jersey Lottery.
Excitement Builds for 30-Year Celebrations on 13 August
2019
SYDNEY, Australia (June 28, 2019) --
There are less than two months until the biggest hospitality and gaming event
in Australia. Celebrating its 30th year, the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE)
will showcase many of your favourite suppliers, give you access to new and
innovative industry providers, and present to you the latest in thinking.
Keeping your venue in sync with your customers' expectations.
You'll get hands-on experience with
the latest in cutting-edge gaming design from Australia's leading gaming
machine makers. Compare machines on the show floor, and gain insights into
Australia's product innovation roadmap from the developers and regulators
through the presentations and panel sessions in the seminar rooms.
You'll also see many new names on
the show floor including Cellarmasters, RTC Foods, MJ Playgrounds, HOLOGATE,
and Power Knot. You'll hear about customer expectations and learn about
sustainability and what it means for your bottom line. You may even walk away
the winner of a trip for two to G2E in Las Vegas – there’s a new draw
each day.
Celebrate with your industry peers.
The AGE's 30th milestone is a testimonial to the people and businesses that are
our community.
Whether it's your first time to the
AGE or you are a 30-year veteran, the variety of products and information
available will leave you informed, inspired and ready to take your business
forward.
Register
here to attend.
The Australasian Gaming Expo is on
the 13th to the 15th August 2019. Visitor registration is available at
www.austgamingexpo.com or call the Gaming Expo Registration
line on 02 9211 7430.
NOTE: The Australasian Gaming
Expo is a trade exhibition, for management representatives of Gaming Industry
Organisations only including government, regulatory, research and support
bodies, clubs, hotels, casinos, resorts and similar Hospitality Industry
venues. Trade suppliers are not eligible to attend the event unless exhibiting.
GTA’s primary members are
Ainsworth Game Technology, Aruze Gaming Australia, IGT (Australia), Interblock
Asia Pacific, Konami Australia, Scientific Games and Tabcorp,
For further information contact:
info@gamingta.com.
SOURCE: Gaming Technologies
Association Limited
Governor Kelly Appointed Three Members to the Kansas Lottery
Commission
TOPEKA, KS (July 11, 2019) --
Governor Laura Kelly appointed three members to the Lottery Commission.
“This team will play an
integral role in enhancing the Kansas Lottery,” Kelly said.
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“I look forward to seeing
what they can do to improve our lottery system.”
- Catherine Moyer (D), Ulysses, retained as Chair;
she is CEO and General Manager of Pioneer Communications and CEO of High Plains
Telecommunications, Inc., and chair of the Telcom Insurance Group. She sits on
the board of the Rural Trust Insurance Company and on the advisory council of
the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association Board of
Governors.
- Kala Spigarelli (D), Pittsburg, succeeds Tom
Roberts. Spigarelli is an attorney at the Spigarelli Law Firm.
- Ed Trimmer (D), Winfield, succeeds Alan Roethle.
Trimmer is a retired teacher and former legislator.
These appointments are pending
confirmation by the Senate and were submitted prior to Sine Die.
The Lottery Commission administers
the lottery in the state of Kansas.
The commission consults with and
advises the executive director on the operation of the lottery, in the
establishment of policies governing the lottery, and reviews and approves its
annual budget.
No more than three of the five
members of the commission may be of the same political party.
SOURCE: Office of the Governor.
Texas Lottery to Highlight Its Impact on Public Education and
Veterans' Services During Inaugural Lottery Week
Texas Lottery to
highlight its impact on public education and veterans’
services
AUSTIN, Texas (July 11, 2019) –
For the first time ever, the Texas Lottery, in collaboration with lotteries
across North America, has declared the week of July 15 as the inaugural
observance of Lottery Week.
Lottery Week is a celebration of
lotteries across the United States and Canada, in acknowledgement of their
collective contributions to the communities they serve.
“We are thrilled to join
lotteries across the continent in celebrating the first-ever Lottery
Week,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery.
“Throughout the week on our social media channels, we will highlight
the positive impacts the Texas Lottery has had on our beneficiaries –
public education and programs for veterans in the state of Texas.”
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As much as 96 percent of funds
generated from traditional U.S. lottery games goes directly back into the
economy through prizes, public beneficiaries and retailer commissions. Lottery
proceeds fund different programs according to each jurisdiction’s
guidelines and are dedicated to a variety of important causes, including
education, environmental conservation, elderly care, tourism, economic
development and more.
In fiscal year 2018 alone, U.S.
lotteries generated $23.4 billion for good causes and transferred $4.8 billion
to their retailer partners. Of that total, the Texas Lottery transferred record
funds to the Foundation School Fund ($1.432 billion) and to the Fund for
Veterans’ Assistance ($18.1 million). It also paid out $281.5 million in
retailer commissions, which was the highest commission paid out to retailers in
Texas Lottery history. To date, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $23
billion to Texas public education and more than $115 million to Texas veterans
since the dedication of such funds by the Texas Legislature.
While individual jurisdictions vary,
the Texas Lottery’s financial breakdown is in line with industry averages.
During the 2018 fiscal year, the Texas Lottery returned 65.1 percent in prizes
to players, 25.8 percent to Texas education and Texas veterans and 5.4 percent
to its retailer partners. The remaining 3.7 percent that was directed to
supporting lottery administration is one of the lowest administrative
expenditure rates in the country.
About the Texas Lottery
Beginning with the first ticket sold
in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $29 billion in revenue for the state
and distributed $60 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas
Lottery has contributed $23 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. Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket
game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $115
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.
SOURCE: Texas Lottery.
The Ukrainian National Lottery Announced the Termination of the State
Lottery "COSMOLOT"
KYIV, Ukraine (July 12, 2019) –
We inform the players and partners about the cessation of the distribution of
the state cash instant lottery "COSMOLOT" from July 6, 2019.
The sale of lottery tickets
(acceptance of rates / participation payments) of the state cash instant
lottery "KOSMOLOT" will be carried out by 23:59:59 on July 5, 2019.
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All accepted payments for
participating in the state cash instant lottery "KOSMOLOT" after 23:59:59 hours
on July 5, 2019 will be considered illegal and violate the requirements of the
Law on State Lotteries in Ukraine and the Law on the Prohibition of Gambling in
Ukraine »
Thanks to the loyal players for
participating in the state cash instant lottery "KOSMOLOT" and we suggest
paying attention to other lotteries conducted by the Ukrainian National
Lottery.
We emphasize that the last day of
the validity of the certificates issued by the Enterprise "Ukrainian National
Lottery" for the distribution of the state cash instant lottery "KOSMOLOT" is
July 05, 2019.
Starting from July 6, 2019,
contracts of commission and re-assignment to the distribution of the state cash
instant lottery "COSMOLOT" are terminated.
Taking into account the above and in
order to protect your rights and interests, we ask that after 23:59:59 on July
5, 2019, not to make or receive rates in the state money instant lottery
"COSMOLOT" both at land distribution points and on the Internet site: https://cosmolot.com.ua and other online
resources that have similar titles.
We consider it advisable to remind
that acceptance and payment (bet) for gambling for money, other than holding a
state lottery, is a prohibited form of activity in accordance with the Law "On
the prohibition of gambling in Ukraine", which may entail administrative and
criminal liability in accordance with current legislation.
SOURCE: The
Ukrainian National Lottery
(UNL).
Camelot Lottery Solutions Congratulates Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
on Record-Breaking Year
Camelot Lottery
Solutions’ strategic partner ends fiscal year 2019 with new records set
for both sales and net proceeds including a 17% increase in draw-based game
sales
CHICAGO, Illinois (July 15, 2019) --
Camelot Lottery Solutions congratulates its valued customer the Arkansas
Scholarship Lottery on its second successive record sales year and achieving a
new record for net proceeds to scholarships.
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Supported by business services from
Camelot, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery’s total sales for FY19 were
$516.2m and net proceeds to scholarships were $98.4m - both new records.
The record figures were achieved due
in part to a 17% increase in total draw-based game sales, including
double-digit sales growth in MegaMillions, Lucky For Life, Fast Play and
Arkansas’ Natural State Jackpot lotto game.
Camelot started its business
relationship with the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery in 2015 as part of a
long-term strategic partnership with the specific aim of responsibly growing
the lottery’s performance to deliver greater benefits to the citizens of
Arkansas.
In that time, the Arkansas
Scholarship Lottery has grown total sales more than 26%, with a 35% higher
return to scholarships.
Bishop Woosley, Executive Director
of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, said, “The Arkansas Scholarship
Lottery exists solely to fund college scholarships for the citizens of
Arkansas.
“I’m extremely proud
that this year we have been able to return over $98m, more funds than ever
before, to help students and families make paying for college just that little
bit easier.
“Over the past 10 years of
the Lottery’s existence, we have worked incredibly hard to raise funds for
the students of Arkansas, funding over 542,000 scholarships worth more than
$803m.
“Setting a new record this
year is a fantastic achievement and my congratulations go to the whole Arkansas
Scholarship Lottery team.”
Wayne Pickup, CEO of Camelot Lottery
Solutions, said, “Congratulations to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
for a second recording-breaking sales year in succession.
“The key drivers of our work
with the Arkansas Lottery have always been to help engage players and
responsibly grow the lottery and deliver greater benefits to the citizens of
Arkansas.
“I’m delighted that net
proceeds to scholarships have reached a new record level, allowing tens of
thousands of students to attend college in the State.”
About Camelot Lottery
Solutions:
Camelot is a leading lottery
solutions and advisory provider to lotteries around the world. Camelot’s
digital and data platforms and digital services power some of the most
innovative and fastest growing digital lotteries in the world, including the
Illinois Lottery, the Irish and UK national lotteries, and Loterie Romande
(Switzerland). Camelot is the integrated business manager of the Illinois
Lottery and is a long-term strategic partner to the Arkansas Scholarship
Lottery.
For more information, visit
camelotls.com
About The Arkansas Scholarship
Lottery:
More than 92 cents of every dollar
of Lottery revenue goes to prizes, scholarships, retailer commissions, and
other expenses in Arkansas. Since 2009, the Lottery has provided more than $803
million to help fund more than 542,000 college scholarships, more than $2.9
billion in prizes to players, more than $250 million in retailer commissions
and more than $126 million in state and federal tax revenue.
For more information, visit:
MyArkansasLottery.com.
CONTACT: Emilia Mazur - Director of
Corporate Affairs, Camelot Lottery Solutions, T: +44 (0) 7889 232 755, E:
Emilia.Mazur@camelotls.com.
The Florida Lottery Celebrates The Inaugural National Lottery
Week
A Celebration of All
Things Lottery and Contributions to Communities
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (July 15,2019)
-- The Florida Lottery, in collaboration with Lotteries across North America,
announces the week of July 15th as the inaugural observance of Lottery Week
– a celebration of Lotteries across the country in acknowledgement of
their collective contributions to education and the communities they serve.
Each day during the week of July
15th, the Florida Lottery is focusing on a different theme to highlight the
ways in which it gives back to Florida communities from the Panhandle to the
Keys. These daily themes include contributions to education; recognizing
dedicated retailers; encouraging responsible gaming practices; and highlighting
winners.
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Approximately 98 percent of Florida
Lottery revenue is reinvested back into Florida’s economy through prize
payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Florida retailers, and contributions
to education. Florida is ranked second among U.S. Lotteries in terms of sales
and efficiency, making Florida one of the most successful Lotteries in the
country.
National Lottery Week is also an
opportunity to highlight important impact the Florida Lottery has on education.
Over the years, the Florida Lottery has been dependable funding source for
education, contributing more than $35 billion since 1988.
“Our contributions to
Florida communities go far beyond the numbers,” said Florida Lottery
Secretary Jim Poppell. “Through the Bright Futures Scholarship and
enhancements to education, we are able to create opportunities for students all
across Florida. We also work to create lasting impacts in Florida communities
through food drives, cleanups, mentorship programs and more. The Florida
Lottery is proud to celebrate National Lottery Week and the partners, players
and retailers across our state that help us give back to Florida
communities.”
ABOUT THE FLORIDA LOTTERY
The Florida Lottery is responsible
for contributing more than $35 billion to enhance education and sending more
than 808,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship
Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its revenue back into
Florida's economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000
Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games
have paid more than $65 billion in prizes and made more than 2,500 people
millionaires. For more information, please visit:
www.flalottery.com.
CONTACT: Florida Lottery
Communications, T: (850) 487-7727.
SOURCE: Florida Lottery (www.flalottery.com).
APLA Regional Conference 14-18 October, 2019 Brisbane,
Australia
BRISBANE
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN AND
HOST
Join us in Brisbane!
On behalf of the Executive Committee
of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association Limited (APLA), it is my great pleasure
to invite you to attend the
APLA 2019 Regional Conference, hosted by the Lott, Tabcorp
in Brisbane, Australia from the 14 to 18 October.
The Regional Conference is
always an important event in the APLA calendar, combining a high-quality
business program with an excellent opportunity to network with your colleagues
in the Asia Pacific lottery community.
This year's conference theme is CX
Unlock the Exceptional. Customer experience encompasses every aspect of a
company’s offering and achieving success in this area is paramount to the
success of our lottery businesses.
This theme will drive the business
program with leading keynote speakers discussing their knowledge in the CX area
and providing delegates with key learnings. Industry expertise will be added to
the program through a range of high-quality speakers from lotteries and supply
partners.
For the first time, the conference
features an additional half-day program that focuses solely on how technology
aides the lottery business in its pursuit of exceptional customer experience.
This is a must for delegates who work in the information technology, security
and data fields.
Appreciation is extended to our
conference gold sponsors, Pollard Banknote Limited, INTRALOT, Jumbo
Interactive, IGT, Scientific Games and silver sponsor, Carmanah Signs.
As the conference host, we look
forward to providing an exceptional business and social program where you will
be able to gain valuable insights and knowledge, as well as network with
lottery colleagues and key industry partners.
I look forward to personally
welcoming you to the beautiful river city of Brisbane, Australia in October
2019 for the regional conference.
European Lotteries An Official Partner of the European Week of Sport
2019
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (July 16,
2019) -- EL is an official partner of the European Week of Sport, and this
year’s 5th edition is set to be the biggest ever with events supported by
47 partner associations in 41 countries. Stay tuned to find out more!
THE EUROPEAN WEEK OF SPORT –
#BEACTIVE!
Every year from 23 to 30 September,
millions of sports professionals, enthusiasts, experts and associations from
across Europe – and beyond – come together to take part in one of the
biggest sport initiatives in the world: the European Week of Sport. Led by the
European Commission and co-organised by national coordinators and sport
partners all over Europe, the European Week of Sport promotes an active
lifestyle through a variety of celebrations and events and really is a week for
everyone – regardless of age, background or fitness level - helping
individuals, public authorities, the sport movement, civil society
organisations and the private sector to collaborate in the field of sport. More
information about the Week and how to get involved is available here
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EL AND THE EUROPEAN WEEK OF SPORT
2019
EL is an official partner of the
European Week of Sport, and this year’s 5th edition is set to be the
biggest ever with events supported by 47 partner associations in 41 countries.
The opening ceremony will be held alongside Austria’s Day of Sport in
Vienna’s Prater Park on 22 September.
Preparations for EWoS 2019 are well
underway. EL actively participated at the kick-off seminar in May organised by
the European Commission in Sintra, Portugal. The Seminar was a good opportunity
to learn about this year’s #BeActive campaign and a chance to network and
meet key players.
With a new European Parliament and
Commission, the European Week of Sport this year is the perfect opportunity for
EL and its members to engage with EU decision makers on important sport topics,
such as the funding of grassroot sports through lottery contributions, the
manipulation of sport competitions and the benefits of physical activity of
well-being and health. This is also an occasion to promote the Sports
Intergroup in the European Parliament. Stay tuned to find out more! EL
continues to work closely with its members and like-minded associations during
the European Week of Sport. For example, in 2018, EL co-organised a two-day
event with ENGSO and Panathlon International to combine physical activities
with discussions about gender and sport. In 2017, EL organised an event with
ENGSO focused on grassroot sports as a tool for social change. EL members also
planned diverse activities all over Europe. More information on the activities
of EL and its members from previous editions is available
here
ACTIVITIES BY EL MEMBERS AT EWOS
2019
Just like in previous years, EL
members are encouraged to plan their activities in order to encourage their
citizens to #BeActive and engage in an active lifestyle. Lotteries can promote
the European Week of Sport in their respective countries through activities,
projects, and communication platforms.
SOURCE: The European State Lotteries
and Toto Association.
Connecticut Lottery Corporation Has Its Best Year Ever, FY2019
Results in $370 Million to Connecticut General Fund
Keno Sales Also up Nearly 20%
Over Fiscal Year 2018
ROCKY HILL, CT (uly 16, 2019) -- The
Connecticut Lottery Corporation returned more than $1 million per day, a total
of $370 million, to the Connecticut General Fund in the 2019 fiscal year (July
2018 - June 2019). This was an increase of $25 million from last fiscal year.
In addition, Lottery sales were up more than 5 percent over the same period
last year, with $1.333 billion in total sales. These strong sales and general
fund transfers represent the best results ever in the Lottery’s
history.
The CT Lottery’s Keno sales
totaled $102.9 million, almost 20 percent over FY18. Sales for the
Lottery’s multistate draw games were especially strong and added $154.1
million in revenue. Mega Millions and Powerball sales totals equaled
$72.6 million and $81.5 million, respectively.
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In accordance to its dedication to
responsible gambling, the organization again gave $2.3 million to the
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The CT Lottery
also sponsored various responsible gambling efforts throughout the year,
including during the holidays.
In FY2019, the CT Lottery placed 200
automated vending machines throughout the state as an added convenience for
players, with even more terminals slated to debut at retail. These vending
machines sell all of the CT Lottery’s products, including Keno.
“The CT Lottery is pleased
to continue to be a consistent and significant financial contributor to the
state,” said Greg Smith, President and CEO, CT Lottery. “In
order to maintain and build upon these results in the coming years, we hope to
soon become authorized for additional revenue streams, such as sports betting
and internet lottery games.”
About CT Lottery:
Lottery sales benefit Connecticut's
residents in valuable ways. In fiscal year 2018, players won more than $791
million in prize money and retailers earned $70 million in commissions. At the
same time, the CT Lottery provided $34 million to support the valuable services
and programs funded by the state’s General Fund including public health,
libraries, public safety, education and more. Since the Lottery began in
1972, our contributions to the General Fund have exceeded $9.5 billion.
The CT Lottery reminds the public
that purchasers must be 18 or older. If you gamble, use your
GameSense. For information about the CT Lottery, stop by any CT Lottery
retailer, visit CTLOTTERY.ORG, join us on Facebook (facebook.com/CTLottery),
Instagram (Instagram.com/ctlottery), Twitter (twitter.com/ctlottery), or call
(860) 713-2700
CONTACT: Tara Chozet, (860)
713-2696, Fax: (860) 713-2695.
SOURCE: Connecticut Lottery
Corporation (ctlottery.org).
Governor Northam Announces Record-Breaking Year for Virginia Lottery
Sales and Profits
Lottery generated nearly $650
million in profits for K-12 public education in Fiscal Year 2019
RICHMOND, Virginia (July 17, 2019)
-- Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Virginia Lottery recorded
its biggest year yet, with sales reaching over $2.29 billion and profits
totaling nearly $650 million in the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30.
The record profits represent a seven percent increase over last year and are
equivalent to about $1.78 million per day for education in the Commonwealth
generated by the Lottery. These numbers, which are unaudited figures, were
provided at the Lottery Board’s quarterly meeting held today in Richmond.
The final, audited results will be released in August. The previous record, set
in Fiscal Year 2018, was $606 million.
“Students and teachers in every
part of our Commonwealth continue to benefit from the Virginia Lottery’s
record-high proceeds, and with an increase in the Lottery per Pupil Allocation,
our school districts have more flexibility to use Lottery profits to meet their
diverse needs,” said Governor Northam.
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“With this funding we are
not only supporting a variety of important programs in our public schools, we
are also making critical investments in our young Virginians and expanding
opportunities for them to succeed.”
Approximately 10 percent of
Virginia’s education budget comes from the Lottery. Virginia’s
Constitution requires that all Virginia Lottery profits be deposited in the
Lottery Proceeds Fund, from which the General Assembly makes appropriations in
support of K-12 public education programs. Programs supported include
textbooks, school breakfast, and career and technical education, to name a
few.
“The Lottery is a great
partner in education across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of
Education Atif Qarni. “In addition to the Lottery Proceeds Fund, the
Virginia Lottery supports a variety of events, professional development
conferences, and campaigns that directly benefit our students, teachers, and
administrators.”
Virginia businesses that sell
Lottery tickets -- some 5,300 retailers -- earned nearly $130 million in
commissions and incentives in Fiscal Year 2019. Players also benefitted, as
roughly 60 cents of each dollar spent on lottery tickets in Virginia goes right
back to customers in the form of prizes. Lottery players won more than $1.4
billion in prizes, including 45 tickets that each won at least $1 million.
A new way of playing the Lottery was
unveiled during the year with MobilePlay, which utilizes Bluetooth technology
to allow people to play securely on the Lottery’s mobile app using their
smartphone or personal device while located on the premises of a licensed
retailer.
“As the competitive
environment for gaming continues to evolve in Virginia, the Lottery remains a
successful, well-run business and a proven, trusted brand,” said
Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “We’re working to
develop and deliver new types of games in new ways using new technology to meet
customers where they are today. We provide good fun for a great purpose, and
that is to generate additional funds for K-12 education in the
Commonwealth.”
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One of the most exciting and
high-profile events of Fiscal Year 2019 was the Mega Millions drawing on
October 23, which offered a $1.537 billion jackpot. In the week leading up to
the drawing, Mega Millions generated more than $27 million in profit for K-12
education. That week also saw four Mega Millions tickets bought in Virginia win
$1 million each.
Virginia’s two biggest wins of
the year were both $10 million. Charles Martin of Amelia Courthouse won it when
he scratched an Extreme Millions ticket that he bought in Blackstone in
September. In July, Juanita Simpson and Sharon Calhoun, both of Virginia Beach,
split the $10 million top prize in the 100X the Money Scratcher game. Their
winning ticket was bought in Newport News.
Along with record results in sales,
profits for education and retailer commissions, the Lottery also posted one
very low number: its operating expenses. Operating expenses are consistently
kept around five percent of total sales, far below the limit set by Virginia
law. The Lottery operates entirely on revenue from the sale of Lottery
products, not tax dollars.
“The Lottery uses
responsible business principles to efficiently deliver these profits for its
stakeholders—the people of Virginia and Virginia’s K-12 public
schools,” said Virginia Lottery Board Chairman Ferhan Hamid.
“Whether or not you choose to purchase lottery products, your local
public schools still share in the benefits of this well-run
business.”
For a complete list of Lottery funds
distributed to Virginia school districts through FY18, visit the Virginia
Lottery’s Giving Back page. For more information on the Lottery, visit our
website, download our app, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and
Instagram, and check us out on YouTube. The Virginia Lottery has been
recognized nationally for its continuing efforts to raise awareness of problem
gambling and gambling addiction. Remember to please play responsibly.
Office of the Governor CONTACT:
Alena Yarmosky, Email: Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Lottery CONTACT: John
Hagerty, Phone: (804) 692-7778, Email: jhagerty@valottery.com.
SOURCE: Office of the Governor.
OPAP Announce Management Team Update
ATHENS, Greece (July 17, 2019) --
OPAP SA announces that Michal Houst, Chief Financial Officer and Executive
Board member, has informed the company of his intention to pursue other
opportunities and that he wishes to leave the company by the end of September
2019.
Michal Houst joined OPAP in 2013 as
a key member of the team that managed the privatisation of OPAP.
Commenting on his decision, Michal
Houst says: “I have genuinely enjoyed the last 6 years at OPAP and feel
really proud to have had the opportunity to impact the radical transformation
that the company has undergone over this period. I am confident that the
already set foundations will allow OPAP to continue its successful path, adding
value and further solidifying its unique position in the gaming spectrum in
Greece and in general.”
Commenting on Michal Houst decision,
CEO Damian Cope says: “I want to thank Michal for his major
contribution to OPAP Group during the past six years. His relentless focus and
personal dedication have played a critical part in OPAP’s development
during this time. He will be missed by everyone at OPAP and we wish him
much success in his future endeavours.”
The process for appointing Michal
Houst’s successor is already underway and the company expects to be able
to provide further details in the near future.
SOURCE: OPAP S.A.
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