A Total of 22 Million ONCE Coupons Circulate with the DGT to Remind That Road Safety is Everyone's Business

With messages such as "Alcohol, zero, zero" or "On a motorcycle, wear gloves", featured on December 14, 15, 16 and 17

Two members of the DGT road maintenance team with the coupon sheets

MADRID, Spain (December 14, 2020) -- The Organización Nacional de Ciegos Espanoles (O.N.C.E) dedicates 22 million coupons to raise awareness that Road Safety is everyone's business, in a series of four coupons that promote the safety campaign of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), corresponding to the days 14, 15, 16 and December 17.

These coupons, which are part of the fourth series in which both institutions collaborate promoting Road Safety, have been presented at the Road Conservation Center, located on the La Coruña A6 road at the height of Las Rozas, in Madrid. A recognition to those who, with their daily work, conserve and improve the roads and, therefore, the safety of those who use them.

The series begins on Monday, December 14, with the coupon that includes the phrase 'Use chains or winter tires', dedicated to those who circulate with their vehicles in the harsh winter.

The coupon for Tuesday, December 15, focuses on how dangerous drinking alcohol is when driving, with the phrase 'At the wheel, zero alcohol, zero'. Alcohol is one of the most important enemies of responsible driving and the latest data confirms this.

On Wednesday, December 16, the coupon focuses on lovers of two wheels, reminding them that 'On a motorcycle, better with gloves and an airbag', two safety systems to travel with more guarantees on a motorcycle.

The series closes on Thursday, the 17th, with the coupon for the people who make sure that the roads are in good condition.

With the phrase 'We work for your safety', this coupon reminds those who work day and night to keep the roads in good condition to guarantee the safety of the people who use them.

The ONCE Daily CouponA total of 22 million ONCE coupons circulate with the DGT to remind that Road Safety is everyone's business(a new window will open)offers, for 1.5 euros, 55 prizes of 35,000 euros at five figures. In addition, the client has the opportunity, for an additional 0.5 euros, to also play the series, and win "La Paga" of 3,000 euros per month for 25 years, which will be added to the prize of 35,000 euros.

The numbers before and after the winner will have a prize of 500 euros; and prize of 200, 20, and 6 euros at four, three and last two digits, respectively, of the winning coupon. As well as refunds of 1.5 euros to the last and first figure.

ONCE coupons are marketed by the nearly 20,000 ONCE selling agents. In addition, they can be purchased from www.juegosonce.es and at authorized collaborating establishments.

Read the article on the ONCE.

SOURCE: Organización Nacional de Ciegos Espanoles (O.N.C.E).

New Jersey Lottery Turns 50 Years Old Today!

December 16, 2020 Marks Fifty Years from the First Ticket Sold in New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ (Dec. 16, 2020) – The New Jersey Lottery is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary today! Fifty years ago, on December 16, 1970, the first New Jersey Lottery ticket was sold. The ticket cost just 50-cents and was purchased by former New Jersey Governor Cahill. In its first year of operation, NJ Lottery produced ticket sales of over $137 million, allowing over $62 million to be awarded in prizes and returning over $41 million to the State for education and institutions. Now, the NJ Lottery has grown every year, producing Fiscal Year 2019 ticket sales of over $3.4 billion, with over $2 billion in prizes and a contribution to the State of $1.1 billion.

To commemorate this special day, NJ Lottery will be hosting a Facebook Live event where players are encouraged to check-in, watch the celebration, and enter for the chance to be one of 50 winners receiving $500 in Scratch-Offs.

“Anniversaries are a time to remember and to celebrate. We remember that New Jersey voters took a chance on the Lottery and it was a winner. We remember the hard-work of our partners, the smiles of our winners and the entertainment brought to our players. We remind everyone of some of New Jersey’s pioneering accomplishments, such as launching the country’s first computer generated lottery numbers game; presenting the first Internet Lottery game in the U.S.; and becoming the first lottery in America to livestream drawings on the Internet.

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We plan on celebrating this Golden Anniversary with our Garden State fans by holding an online event where players can enter to win prizes and have fun while learning about our history,” said Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey, Jr.

The first New Jersey Lottery tickets went on sale December 16, 1970, and this year-end event is the perfect way to cap off NJ Lottery’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Lottery has been celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the year, with milestone events such as:

• Kicking off two events with over $50,000 in various prizes available to attendees 18 and over, some that were literally “up for grabs” with the premier of the New Jersey Lottery’s CA$HNADO, an interactive, prize-grabbing, everybody-is-watching experience;
• Giving away $40,000 in instant cash prizes as part of a massive Pick-3 second-chance promotion;
• Introducing the Multiplier Family of Scratch-Offs, a Scratch-Offs game series with the largest prize pool ever;
• Launching the biggest Scratch-Off ticket ever, Super 50, with 50 chances to win on each card; distributing gold 50th anniversary commemorative coins to players to highlight the 50th Golden Summer;
• Holding a Facebook live event in October to replace the canceled Balloon Festival where players were eligible to win prizes of Scratch-Off tickets and watch a launch of the New Jersey Lottery anniversary cake balloon;
• Boosting the Fast Play Progressive jackpot by $50,000 and awarding 50 players $50 in Scratch-Offs each week for 50 weeks throughout the year (2,500 winners!)

“This year has been filled with excitement, big wins and a change from live to digital events. Hopefully, it will allow us to be able to bring some good fortune to many people in an otherwise turbulent year. January started off with a bang when we were able to celebrate with hundreds of players from around the state. As challenges were presented, we met them with creativity and by pulling together as a team. We can’t wait for this last opportunity to surprise and delight our players this year,” said Carey.   

The Virtual Anniversary Day Celebration will be held live on the official NJ Lottery Facebook page at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 16. Participants are encouraged to enter for the chance to win prizes by responding to a question announced during the event, share lottery stories, answer trivia questions, and enjoy the entertainment.

For more information, visit our website at NJLottery.com. The official NJ Lottery Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyLottery. Participants must be 18 or older to win prizes.

SOURCE: The New Jersey Lottery.

IGT ADVANTAGE Casino Management System to Maximize Performance at Iconic South African Casino

IGT replaces competitor's system with its robust, proven system and Resort Wallet carded cashless module at newly reopened Carousel Casino in North West Province

LONDON, U.K. (Dec. 16, 2020) -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it has replaced a competitor's system with its IGT ADVANTAGE® Casino Management System (CMS) at the newly reopened Carousel Casino in North West Province, South Africa, which now features the country's first-ever deployment of the IGT ADVANTAGE Resort Wallet™ carded cashless module.

 IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. 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 approximately 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

"We selected the IGT ADVANTAGE CMS for the Carousel re-launch due to its proven stability, user-friendly configuration, and ability to automate more parts of the business, which frees our staff to focus on delivering a superior gaming experience to patrons," said Mario Morfou, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Lakama Resorts and Casino. "In addition, IGT's on-the-ground support team implemented the new system flawlessly within a compressed timeframe, reinforcing IGT's status as a leader in systems service and customer support."

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"The delivery of our IGT ADVANTAGE solution to the newly reopened Carousel Casino demonstrates the power and reliability of our system in South Africa's Class III casino vertical," said Mark MacCombie, IGT Vice President, Sales and Operations, EMEA. "Carousel can now benefit from IGT's proven solution to maximize floor performance, generate incremental revenue, simplify operations, and increase player loyalty."

The Carousel Casino will be deploying a proven suite of IGT ADVANTAGE products that include Machine Accounting, Patron Management, Cage and Table Accounting, and Table Manager, as well as several powerful marketing products such as Carded Lucky Coin and M5. M5 is a powerful tool enabling dynamic HTML5 content creation for the sbNexGen® II multimedia player tracking display, giving Carousel patrons a modern casino experience with enhanced interfaces, targeted messaging, and engaging bonusing.

The IGT ADVANTAGE CMS, which connects 400 machines at the property, provides a complete toolset to help drive business outcomes and improve operational efficiency. Its breadth of features is based on nearly three decades of use in the field, and includes the most comprehensive and flexible cashless offering available.

The IGT ADVANTAGE Resort Wallet carded cashless module maximizes the guest experience at Carousel with a true single-card solution, giving players the option to easily move funds from game to game using their club card. Integration with Carousel's patron management and point-of-sale systems means players gain quick and easy access to their gaming balances, players club rewards, and property services and amenities using a single card, reducing operational costs, increasing club membership, and driving carded play.

The Resort Wallet solution is a turnkey, add-on product for IGT ADVANTAGE casino management system customers who want to give players a cashless wagering option through a physical loyalty card, a mobile app, or both. It is also available with IGTPay™, the Company's proprietary, fully integrated external funding payments gateway.

Carousel Casino has been one of South Africa's most popular entertainment destinations since it first opened in 1991. Following closure in March 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions, the site was acquired by Betanogenix affiliate Lakama Resorts and Casino, a subsidiary company of the Lakama Group of Companies which holds interests in multiple gaming operations in the country, including Class II (bingo) and Independent Site Operator (ISO) locations. IGT has supplied Betanogenix with the majority of the operator's electronic bingo terminals since 2017.

For more information, visit IGT.com, or go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.

About IGT

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. 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 approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

CONTACTS:

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC.

Christmas Shopping Already in the Bag for Half of Aussies, with the Rest Embracing Last-Minute Rush

AUSTRALIA (December 15, 2020) -- Aussies have embraced the festive spirit early — half have already completed their Christmas shopping, with the remaining planning to leave it until the final weeks and days leading up to Christmas day.

The finding comes from a survey conducted by Instant Scratch-Its, which also found the “significant other” was the first and the favourite on Aussies’ shopping lists.

Surprisingly, more than 90% of survey respondents revealed they loved to buy Christmas presents each year. However, it pays to make a list and check it twice, with about a quarter of Aussies admitting they’ve forgotten to buy a yuletide gift for someone in the past.

With less than two weeks until Christmas, Instant Scratch-Its spokesperson Ally Ramsamy said the research pointed to a last-minute dash through the aisles.

“Among the 50% who have yet to complete their shopping, most admitted they were simply too lazy or disorganised to do it any earlier,” she explained.

“Some mentioned that it was because it was the Christmas season and it just “felt right” to do it then. Several other respondents said they waited until December because they were saving and looking out for all of those Christmas sales.

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“Hearteningly, Aussies have put their partners at the top of their lists for the simple reason that they’re the most important. Others explained that they purchased for their significant other first because if they forgot to buy their gift, they’d be added to the naughty list. Several survey participants wisely noted “happy wife, happy life”.”

With Christmas being the busiest time of year for Instant Scratch-Its, Ms Ramsamy said some Aussies could find a top prize of $100,000 in their stocking on Christmas Day.

“Those giving Instant Scratch-Its this year will also be thrilled to discover that almost 85% of Aussies said if they won a top prize on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket they would share it with the person that gave it to them,” she said.

This year’s Instant Scratch-Its Christmas range features three different games $1 Christmas Gift, $2 Christmas Wishes and $5 Merry Christmas.

Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020, there were 151 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $11.8 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 29.1 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $235.25 million. This equates to more than half a million dollars won on Instant Scratch-Its every day.

Don’t bin a potential win!

Every month, Scratch eClub’s 2nd Chance Draw gives you another chance to turn your eligible non-winning Instant Scratch-Its into a winner.

Visit thelott.com to enter this month’s 2nd Chance Draw, check out the latest Instant Scratch-Its tickets, and read inspiring stories from real winners.

The home of Australia’s Official Lotteries, The Lott operates and markets Australia’s leading lottery games customers know and love creating everyday winners, winning every day.

Last financial year, more than 104.9 million winners took home more than $3.45 billion in prize money from their favourite games at The Lott, including Saturday Lotto, Monday &

Wednesday Lotto, Powerball, Oz Lotto, Set for Life, Lucky Lotteries, Keno, Super 66, Lotto Strike and Instant Scratch-Its.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2020, Australia’s Official Lotteries contributed more than $1.4 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

SOURCE: The Lott.

BCLC Receives Highest Level of Certification for Excellence in Player-Health Programs

KAMLOOPS, BC, Canada (December 10, 2020) -- BCLC has received the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Level 4 certification for excellence in responsible-gambling programming for the fourth consecutive time. Level 4 is the highest level of certification granted by the WLA’s Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) under the Responsible Gambling Framework.

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BCLC is one of just 13 lottery jurisdictions in North America to achieve Level 4 certification. In its Evaluation Report, the IAP noted that BCLC’s “Player Education program is by far meeting the highest standards in the field.”

In addition to responsible gambling tools and supports on PlayNow.com, BCLC’s player-health programs, including GameSense, and Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE), as well as its ongoing research initiatives, were highlighted as meeting or exceeding industry standards.

“BCLC is committed to continuously assessing and improving our player-health programs,” said Peter ter Weeme, BCLC Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice-President, Player Experience. “Obtaining Level 4 certification is an important endorsement of our strategy as we work towards our goal that no one should be harmed by gambling offered by BCLC.”

The IAP also highlighted player-health safeguards on BCLC’s online gambling site, noting that “PlayNow.com offers many interesting [Responsible Gambling] features that…are well integrated in the general perspective of a global health approach.” In particular, the IAP recognized BCLC’s expansion of its GameSense Advisor program online and by phone, as a “good example of your constant commitment to your players’ health.”

BCLC’s ambition is to have the healthiest players in the world by achieving a higher standard of care and support with comprehensive, evidence-based player-health programs, structured around four key commitments: Informed Decisions, Positive Play, Referral and Support and Safer Products and Environments.

The WLA IAP report is available here: World Lottery Association – Level 4 Evaluation Report

The WLA is a global professional association of state lottery and gaming organizations from more than 80 countries.

SOURCE: BCLC.

EGBA Welcomes European Commission Proposal for A Digital Services Act

BRUSSELS, Belgium (December 15, 2020) -- The European Commission has today published its long-awaited legislative proposal for a Digital Service Act (DSA), which inter alia introduces rules for regulating large digital platforms and ensuring that markets impacted by digital gatekeepers remain fair and competitive.

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EGBA welcomes the Commission’s proposal and its wider effort to deepen the European Digital Single Market (DSM) which is reflected in the comprehensiveness of its flagship DSA proposal. Although online gambling as such is not regulated by the DSA, the proposal is nevertheless relevant for Europe’s online gambling sector as it concerns, among other things, ex-ante rules for digital gatekeepers such as social media companies, the digital liability of online platforms, online advertising, and notice and take down actions.

The proposal will next be presented to the European Parliament and the Council, the two co-legislators of the EU, who will review the proposal and suggest amendments before coming to a joint agreement on the final contents of the legislation. EGBA looks forward to engaging with EU policymakers during this legislative process and will also reiterate to them the benefits of more common, EU rules and initiatives, such as e-ID, for cross-border digital sectors such as Europe’s online gambling sector, which is worth €24.5 billion in revenue today and expected to reach €37.3 billion by 2025.

“We welcome the Commission’s Digital Services Act and hope this will be the beginning of renewed efforts by the Commission to address many of the regulatory challenges which impact on companies and consumers who buy and sell services in the digital space. One of the challenges we see in Europe’s online gambling sector is the need for more consistent regulations in the EU, particularly in respect to customer protection, and the Commission needs to step up to address the current fragmentation,” Maarten Haijer, Secretary General.

SOURCE: The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).

GLMS General Meeting Elects OLG’s COO, Lori Sullivan, to Complete the Executive Committee

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 16, 2020) -- Following the resignation of Sami Kauhanen from his post at our Finnish member, Veikkhaus at the end of August 2020, to take on new challenges, the Membership of GLMS elected this month Lori Sullivan, Executive VP and COO at Canada’s Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to fill the spot.

Lori has served in a senior capacity in the lottery and gaming industry for almost a decade. As Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at OLG, she is currently responsible for the business performance of OLG lines of business including sports betting, which uphold high standards of game integrity, regulatory compliance, player protection, responsible gambling and social responsibility. Prior to joining OLG, Lori was a partner at the law firm Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg LLP as a corporate transactional attorney.

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The GLMS Executive Committee is comprised of eight members, each from a different country, including:

a) Four members elected at a Regular General Meeting;

b) Four members appointed by the founding Collective Members – EL and WLA-, (two each).

“I am pleased to be able to support the efforts of GMLS to promote and ensure the integrity of worldwide sports betting” – Lori Sullivan.

Ludovico Calvi, GLMS president shared,

“I am really delighted to welcome Lori on our GLMS Executive Committee. She brings to GLMS tremendous experience not only as a prominent North American Lottery Executive but also as the former OLG General Counsel. She is currently responsible for the business performance of OLG’s lines of business including sports betting which upholds high standards of game integrity, regulatory compliance, player protection, responsible gambling and social responsibility. I am confident that Lori will enhance the profile and awareness of GLMS among North American industry partners, stakeholders, regulators, policy makers, sport organizations and law enforcement agencies. It is one of our strategic priorities to acquire new members in North America, as many States and Provinces are regulating sports betting and there is a need to advocate and educate legislators and policy makers on best practices for creating and implementing effective integrity measures for a responsible and sustainable betting market environment”.

In accordance with the GLMS Statutes, Members of the Executive Committee sit as individuals and may not be replaced by representatives. They exercise their role as Executive Committee members in complete independence and receive no instructions from others.

The current GLMS Executive Committee Members until Spring 2021 are:

Ludovico Calvi (President, from Lottomatica, Italy)

Rupert Bolingbroke (Vice-President, from Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong)

Younès El-Mechrafi (from La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports, Morocco)

Niels Erik Folmann (from Danske Spil, Denmark)

Fabian Garcia (from La Banca, Uruguay)

Ilho Lee (from Ktoto, South Korea)

Gilles Maillet (from La Française des Jeux, France)

Lori Sullivan (from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Canada)

SOURCE: Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS).

Kentucky Lottery Report Strong Lottery Sales Led by Scratch-Offs and Internet Purchases

Lottery sales have remained robust for the first five months of FY21, according to information given today to the Lottery’s board of directors

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (December 11, 2020) -- Vice President and Corporate Controller Maggie Garrison reported sales from July through November were $579.6 million, which is $140.2 million (31.9%) more than the same period in the prior year, and $65.9M (12.8%) more than budgeted.

Net income before dividends and without unclaimed prizes for the timeframe was $127.4 million. This is $28.0 million (28.2%) more than prior year and $15.3 million (13.6%) more than budget.

Key in this success was Scratch-off tickets, which saw sales for the period rise $91.5 million (34.8%) from the previous year.

Internet sales also continue to show strong growth, moving from $12.1 million for the timeframe in FY19 to $39.3 million in FY21, a 224.1% increase.

“Our retailers and employees have really stepped up in the face of extraordinary challenges,” said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville. “Our sales staff in particular has been efficient and effective under adverse circumstances.

Everyone has come together around a common good – making sure Kentucky students have the funds they need to attend college.”

In other business, the board approved:

• An amendment and extension to the current contract with IGT Global Solutions Corporation for the iLottery System, Game Content and Related Services. The extension will be for approximately four additional years, commencing on April 17, 2022 and continuing until July 10, 2026.
• The employment contract with performance metrics for new President and CEO Mary Harville.
• Rules and regulations for nine scratch-off tickets and two Instant Play games, and an amended prize structure for the Triple Jackpot Scratch-off game.

The next meeting of the KLC’s board of directors will be January 22, 2021. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM EST, and will be viewable via the Lottery’s YouTube channel. The audit committee meeting will begin at 8:00 AM EST, as well as the procurement committee at 9:00 AM EST.

The Kentucky Lottery has earned over $5.7 billion for the Commonwealth since 1989. KLC dividends pay for college scholarships, grants and education programs. Visit kheaa.com to find out more about grants and scholarships paid for by the KLC.

SOURCE: The Kentucky Lottery.

“INTRALOT Announces Nine-month 2020 Financial Results”

ATHENS, Greece (December 7, 2020) -- INTRALOT SA (RIC: INLr.AT, Bloomberg: INLOT GA), an international gaming solutions and operations leader, announces its financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30th, 2020, prepared in accordance with IFRS.

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OVERVIEW

• Group Revenue at €266.1m in 9M20.
• EBITDA in 9M20 at €45.2m, while Adjusted EBITDA at €40.4m.
• NIATMI (Net Income After Tax and Minority Interest) from continuing operations at €-63.5m.
• North America operations, under Intralot Inc., achieved significant y-o-y growth (Revenue +13.0%, EBITDA +49.2%).
• Group OPEX in 9M20 better by 26.2% y-o-y, with Greek entities OPEX lower by 9.1% y-o-y.
• Group Net CAPEX in 9M20 was €27.7m, lower by 37.2% compared to a year ago.
• Group Cash at the end of 9M20 at €107.2m.
• Net Debt at €641.6m, higher by €7.6m y-o-y.
• By evaluating the latest available data and known lockdown conditions per jurisdiction and the restart of key sporting events, the Company’s best estimate for COVID-19 impact for 2020 remains in the vicinity of €25-28m at Group’s EBITDA level.
• In mid-November 2020, INTRALOT announced that the Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Sokratis Kokkalis, assumes the position of Group CEO.
• Within Q3 2020, INTRALOT signed a three year contract extension in New Zealand, from 2022 to 2025, with a one-year extension option, for the provision of Electronic Monitoring Services, as well as signed a contract extension through 2029 to continue its six-year partnership with the Georgia Lottery Corporation, providing advanced services for the operation of its COAM (Coin Operated Amusement Machines) project.
• As previously disclosed, INTRALOT has been in constructive discussions with certain of its stakeholders regarding its capital structure optimization process. Direct discussions with noteholders (and their advisors) representing both the 2021 and 2024 senior unsecured notes and, holding approximately 60% of Group’s total senior unsecured notes, are at an advanced stage and progressing efficiently. INTRALOT remains optimistic that an agreement will be announced in the near-term that will benefit all Group stakeholders.

INTRALOT Chairman & CEO Sokratis P. Kokkalis noted:

“In 3Q20 INTRALOT continued its effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and the impact from adverse developments in certain jurisdictions, through consistent implementation of its business plan and operational improvements. Strong commercial performance in the US, in combination with Opex reductions worldwide and postponement of Capex, have limited the expected COVID-19 impact of Full Year EBITDA in the area of €25-28m. The reopening of the Australian market and the smoother operations in sports betting activities create a more positive picture for 4Q20. INTRALOT has also made significant progress in its discussions with its creditors to address the September 2021 Notes maturity and the overall Capital Structure and will provide an update in that respect soon.”

Read / download the complete report.

SOURCE: INTRALOT.

NJ Lottery Presents a Virtual Anniversary Day Celebration

The Facebook Live Event Will Celebrate the Lottery’s 50th Anniversary and  Feature Prize Giveaways

TRENTON, New jersey (December 14, 2020) – The New Jersey Lottery is proud to commemorate its 50th Anniversary with an online prize giveaway event to celebrate its players.

This Wednesday, December 16, NJ Lottery will be hosting a Facebook Live event where players are encouraged to check-in, watch the celebration, and enter to be one of 50 winners receiving $500 in Scratch-Offs.

“Fifty years of operation means that a group of people took an idea and turned it into a reality. They worked together, dreamed with each other and created an agency that others emulated and admired. Over its fifty years of operation the Lottery has returned over $28 billion to the State. Fifty years of success is not an accident. It demands hard-work to be successful, others have to dream with you and build upon the original idea. No one knows what fifty years will look like, but if you are lucky, it looks like the New Jersey Lottery. We have an amazing group of employees, tenacious partners and committed players. We can’t wait to see what the next 50 years look like,” said Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey, Jr.

The first New Jersey Lottery tickets went on sale December 16, 1970, and this year-end giveaway is the perfect way to cap off NJ Lottery’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The Lottery has been celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the year, with milestone events such as:

• Kicking off two events with over $50,000 in various prizes available to attendees 18 and over, some that were literally “up for grabs” with the premier of the New Jersey Lottery’s CA$HNADO, an interactive, prize-grabbing, everybody-is-watching experience;
• Giving away $40,000 in instant cash prizes as part of a massive Pick-3 second-chance promotion;
• Introducing the Multiplier Family of Scratch-Offs, a Scratch-Offs game series with the largest prize pool ever;
• Launching the biggest Scratch-Off ticket ever, Super 50, with 50 chances to win on each card; distributing gold 50th anniversary commemorative coins to players to highlight the 50th Golden Summer;
• Holding a Facebook live event in October to replace the canceled Balloon Festival where players were eligible to win prizes of Scratch-Off tickets and watch a launch of the New Jersey Lottery anniversary cake balloon;
• Boosting the Fast Play Progressive jackpot by $50,000 and awarding 50 players $50 in Scratch-Offs each week for 50 weeks throughout the year (2,500 winners!)

“This year has been filled with excitement, big wins and a change from live to digital events. Hopefully, it will allow us to be able to bring some good fortune to many people in an otherwise turbulent year.

January started off with a bang when we were able to celebrate with hundreds of players from around the state.

As challenges were presented, we met them with creativity and by pulling together as a team. We can’t wait for this last opportunity to surprise and delight our players this year,” said Carey.

The Virtual Anniversary Day Celebration will be held live on the official NJ Lottery Facebook page at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 16. Participants are encouraged to answer trivia questions, share lottery stories, and compete for opportunities to win one of many surprise giveaway prizes during the event.

For more information, visit our website at NJLottery.com.

The official NJ Lottery Facebook page can be located here: https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyLottery. Participants must be 18 or older to win prizes.

SOURCE: New Jersey Lottery.

SAZKA Group Q3 and 9M Results and Update on Current Trading

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (December 14, 2020) -- SAZKA Group a.s. (“SAZKA Group” or the “Company”, and, together with its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, the “Group”) announces its financial results for the three months to 30 September 2020 and provides an update on recent developments and current trading.

Q3 2020 Financial highlights

• Consolidated gross gaming revenue increased by 66% year-on-year to €769 million. Excluding CASAG1, GGR increased by 1% year-on-year.
• Consolidated Operating EBITDA2 increased by 37% year-on-year to €197 million. Excluding CASAG, Operating EBITDA increased by 6%. 
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes certain one-off items, increased by 32% year-on-year to €207 million.
• Consolidated profit after tax decreased by 33% year-on-year to €48 million, impacted by a €54 million restructuring provision at CASAG. Excluding CASAG, profit after tax increased by 3% year-on-year.

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9M 2020 Financial highlights

• Consolidated gross gaming revenue increased by 4% year-on-year to €1,421 million. Excluding CASAG, GGR decreased by 18% year-on-year due to the impact of COVID in the second quarter.
• Consolidated Operating EBITDA decreased by 15% year-on-year to €364 million. Excluding CASAG, Operating EBITDA decreased by 26% year-on-year.
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes certain one-off items, also decreased by 15% year-on-year to €375 million.
• Consolidated profit after tax from continuing operations decreased by 58% year-on-year to €90 million. Excluding CASAG, profit after tax decreased by 50%.

Pro-rata LTM Q3 2020 highlights3

• Pro-rata LTM Adjusted EBITDA was €379 million.
• Pro-rata net debt / Adjusted EBITDA was 3.2x and Pro-rata priority net debt / Adjusted EBITDA was 0.5x at 30 September 2020.

Key strategic initiatives

• In July, the Supervisory Board of CASAG approved a plan to optimise the cost structure of the casino business in Austria.  This plan is underway and expected to achieve c.€45 million of annual cost savings by FY22.
• In July and November, OPAP acquired additional interests in Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot business (“SMGC”), the leading online gaming business in Greece. OPAP now holds an 84.5% interest in SMGC.
• In November, KKCG and SAZKA Group announced that funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s leading investors in gaming, will invest €500 million in a newly formed holding company which will become the owner of SAZKA Group at a valuation of €4.2 billion.

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Trading update

• Restrictions which had impacted some of our land-based businesses (in particular, in Greece, Italy and our casinos in Austria and internationally) in H1 were lifted at the end of Q2, and sales of these businesses recovered well in Q3.
• Our land-based businesses in the Czech Republic and Austria, which were not materially impacted by restrictions in H1, have continued to perform well.
• Online sales, which increased significantly during the period most impacted by COVID, have generally remained at these higher levels.
• Since late October/early November, there has been a second wave of COVID restrictions, having some impact on our businesses.
• The vast majority of the land-based POS of our businesses in the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy remain open and continue to sell our products.
• The majority of the POS in these locations are located in shops and other outlets which provide essential products and services which therefore remain open. These include tobacconists, supermarkets and petrol stations. 
• Our land-based business in Greece and Cyprus as well as our casinos have been more affected by the current lockdown and are currently closed.

(1) “Excluding CASAG” refers to consolidated numbers without CASAG’s contribution in either period.

(2) Operating EBITDA, together with Adjusted EBITDA and Free cash flow are non-IFRS performance measures. Please see “Alternative performance measures (“APMs”)” at the end of this document.

(3) Pro-rata LTM data presented excluding the impact of IFRS 16.

2020 Annual and Interim financials

SOURCE: SAZKA Group.

Calling all Public School Artists – Virginia Lottery Launches Thank a Teacher Art Contest

VIRGINIA (December 15, 2020) -- Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.” Building on that sentiment, the Virginia Lottery, in partnership with Virginia PTA, is excited to launch its fourth annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest on December 14, 2020. All K-12 students enrolled in Virginia’s public schools (virtual or face-to face) are encouraged to create artwork and enter it into the contest for the chance to have the artwork appear on thank-you notes that will be distributed to thousands of teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

Open from December 14, 2020 – February 1, 2021, the art contest will accept submissions online at thankateacherva.com. Winners will be selected at three levels: elementary, middle and high school. The school that each winner attends will receive $1,000 from The Supply Room and $1,000 from the Virginia Lottery. The winning artists will receive a $150 Visa® gift card in addition to having the winning original artwork featured on virtual thank-you notes distributed across Virginia.

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“Each year, we are blown away by the talent of Virginia’s youngest artists, and we are excited to launch this program during a school year like no other,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall. “It’s our mission to benefit Virginia’s K-12 public schools, and now more than ever before, this contest provides an excellent opportunity to thank Virginia’s teachers for their remarkable creativity and commitment to their students. These personalized thank-you notes provide a unique way to celebrate student artists and express gratitude to remarkable teachers.”

Last year, the Lottery virtually surprised the three student winners: Sarah Keith, a fourth grader at Potomac Elementary School in King George County; Alaina Carnahan, a sixth grader at Oak Hill Elementary School in Fairfax County; and Tiana Carter, a senior at Chesterfield Career and Technical Center - Courthouse in Chesterfield County. Their artwork was shared on more than 5,000 digital thank-you notes as part of the 2020 Thank a Teacher campaign.

“I am always inspired by Virginia students, and it’s so energizing to see their ideas come through in the art they create, especially as they honor teachers who have made an impact on their lives,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “Educators and students alike are under immense pressure due to changes in teaching and learning during COVID-19, but the arts have continued to be invaluable as students turn to these expressions of creativity to stay connected and inspired. This contest helps celebrate our heroic teachers and shines a light on the artistic abilities of students from every corner of the commonwealth.”

Thank a Teacher is a statewide campaign organized by the Virginia Lottery in partnership with The Supply Room and the Virginia PTA. Each year, these partners encourage students, parents and the general public to send thank-you notes to Virginia’s public school teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week. To date, Virginians have sent more than 100,000 thank-you notes. Those notes each include a unique web code that teachers can use to enter for a chance to win a Virginia-themed vacation.

"The Supply Room is thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with the Virginia Lottery in support of Virginia's K-12 public schools and teachers," said Lauren Jones, CEO of The Supply Room. "We hope the supplies the schools receive will help these essential workers continue to inspire and educate their students."

Entries for the art contest will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel of various members of the arts community in Virginia, and winning designs will be revealed in March. For more information about the Thank a Teacher Art Contest eligibility requirements, design criteria, prize structure and submission guidelines, visit thankateacherva.com.

Authorized by Virginia voters in a successful 1987 referendum, the Virginia Lottery generates more than $1.6 million per day for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, lottery customers helped generate more than $595 million dollars in funding for public education. For more information, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page, visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and check us out on YouTube. With all gaming, please remember to play responsibly.

SOURCE: Virginia Lottery.

Veikkaus Continues to Take Measures Against the Epidemic – Compulsory Authentication to be Introduced to Decentralized Slot Machines on 12 January

HELSINKI, Finland (December 15, 2020) - Veikkaus has followed the recommendations by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and closed its slot machines and arcades in November–December in the health care districts where the Covid-19 epidemic is in the acceleration or spreading stage.

Slots can be played, and arcades are still open in three health care districts: Lapland, Eastern Savo, and North Savo.

The previous recommendation by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will be effective until 15 December 2020. The situation has not changed, so Veikkaus continues the closure in the areas currently in the acceleration and spreading stages. There are a total of 16 health care districts in the acceleration and spreading stages that are relevant to Veikkaus’ operations. Veikkaus does not operate in Åland.

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“We keep following the instructions and act accordingly. The authorities have access to the best expertise available as regards the coronavirus pandemic, and we will naturally act in compliance with their instructions,” says Jari Heino, SVP, Channels and Sales.

If a health care district returns to the basic stage after 16 December, the slot machines and Veikkaus arcades – Casino Helsinki, the Feel Vegas and Pelaamo arcades – located in the district can be opened.

“We want to act in a responsible and equal manner towards both our employees and partners. If it is estimated in a health care district that the situation has improved and that they have returned from the acceleration or spreading stage to the basic stage, we will launch the process of reopening there,” Mr Heino explains.

Compulsory authentication starts in a month

Slots gaming at kiosks, stores, restaurants, and service stations will change significantly in January, as it will be made subject to compulsory authentication. The exact date has now been set; it is 12 January 2021. After that, you cannot play slots on decentralized slot machines without authenticating yourself. The restrictions on the opening hours will end at the same date.

“Of course, our first priority is to take care of safety during the epidemic, so the slot machines will only be open in districts where the coronavirus situation allows it.

“Compulsory authentication is a very efficient way of preventing problem gambling and facilitating age limit controls. The players can also choose to ban their slots gaming completely as of 12 January 2021, if they wish. Later, we will also be making available other responsibility tools for players. Compulsory authentication will be adopted at Veikkaus arcades in summer 2021.

Veikkaus is actively following the development of the epidemic and makes decisions on the business operations in compliance with the guidelines issued by the authorities.

“It is our common interest in society to take every possible action to get over the pandemic. We are facing lots of insecurities and challenging decisions, but we can win this battle together.

SOURCE: Veikkaus.

IGT Expands DC Lottery’s Instant Ticket Portfolio with High-Performing Games

LONDON, U.K. (Dec. 16, 2020) – International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation (hereinafter “IGT”), signed a one-year contract extension with the District of Columbia’s Office of Lottery and Gaming (DC Lottery) to provide instant ticket games and related services through December 1, 2021. The extension allows for the Lottery to exercise an additional three one-year extension options.

IGT has been a print vendor for the DC Lottery since 2014. During this time, IGT has developed multiple tickets for the DC Lottery, ranging in price from $1 to $10. IGT also helped the DC Lottery launch exciting initiatives such as Super Ticket™ and three money-themed games. Additional games that have been successful for the DC Lottery are holiday themes and those inspired by popular slot games that support a variety of innovative designs and well-known licensed content.

“The DC Lottery, with guidance and expertise from IGT, continuously looks at ways to bring new, compelling instant ticket products to our players,” said Beth Bresnahan, DC Lottery Executive Director. “The DC Lottery looks forward to continuing to deliver high-quality lottery games from IGT today, and in the future.”

“IGT has worked closely with the DC Lottery over the last six years to deliver games that engage and attract new players while delivering outstanding player experiences,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. “IGT is pleased to continue working with the DC Lottery, and we look forward to helping the Lottery reach its sales goals by enhancing its instant ticket portfolio with compelling new content.”

Under the terms of the contract, IGT will deliver a comprehensive range of instant ticket services for the DC Lottery including game planning and marketing, research and analytics, graphics support, and the production and printing of instant tickets. These player-centric services help ensure the long-term success for the DC Lottery and deliver innovative content for players.

For more information about IGT, visit igt.com. Follow IGT on Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.

About IGT

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. 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 approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC.

IGT PlayDigital Drives Advancement of Digital Gaming in Finland

IGT PlayRGS Solution and PlayCasino Content Strengthen Veikkaus’ Player Engagement

LONDON, U.K. (December 15, 2020) – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that a subsidiary (hereinafter “IGT”) has successfully launched its IGT PlayRGS (remote game server) solution and IGT PlayCasino content with Veikkaus Oy (“Veikkaus”), Finland’s state lottery operator and World Lottery Association member.

“IGT PlayDigital's solution enables Veikkaus to provide its players with best-in-class online content, including IGT’s top-performing PlayCasino games,” said Jan Hagelberg, Veikkaus Vice President, Casino Games. “This solution ensures that Veikkaus can offer the games players want while responsibly growing our digital program to serve our players with the best customer experience and safest online casino available.”

“IGT PlayDigital's vast portfolio of proven solutions, combined with our extensive experience in the government-regulated digital gaming market, will enable Veikkaus to significantly enhance player engagement,” said Enrico Drago, IGT Senior Vice President, PlayDigital.

“By adding our powerful PlayRGS solution and player-tested PlayCasino digital content to its offering, Veikkaus is re-affirming its status as one of the most technologically advanced operators in the world.”

The PlayRGS installation includes maintenance, monitoring, support, as well as access to the complete library of IGT PlayCasino content and marketing support.

One of the most advanced cross-platform delivery systems on the market, PlayRGS provides operators with premium game content and plugs seamlessly into an existing back office. A single integration grants access to an extensive library of slots, table games, video poker and instant win games (eInstants), making them immediately available to players where and when they want to play: on desktop computers, mobile phones, and tablet devices.

In addition to introducing its PlayRGS solution and PlayCasino content, IGT provides Veikkaus with its PlayBingo (digital bingo) solution, core lottery central system, sports betting, and land-based slot machines.

IGT PlayDigital’s PlayRGS solution powers sites for more than 100 customers around the globe for both lottery and commercial operators. In addition to Veikkaus, IGT supplies its PlayRGS solution to World Lottery Association (WLA) customers including Svenska Spel in Sweden, Norsk Tipping in Norway, Loterie Nationale in Belgium, and Lottomatica in Italy, and provides PlayRGS content to Danske Spil in Denmark. IGT also supplies PlayRGS to Lotto New Zealand, as well as Canadian members Loto Québec, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

For more information, visit IGT.com, or go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.

SOURCE: International Game Technology PLC.

National Lottery Operator Camelot Announces Partnership with ITV To Sponsor Flagship Saturday Night Entertainment

U.K. (December 10, 2020) -- National Lottery operator Camelot today announced a wide-ranging sponsorship deal between The National Lottery and ITV Commercial for the forthcoming series of three of ITV’s biggest Saturday night shows – The Masked Singer, The Voice UK and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

This will be the first time that all three of the channel’s Saturday night shows have been sponsored by one brand, taking The National Lottery and ITV into new territory – together bringing the whole of Saturday night entertainment to TV screens across the UK.

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The partnership sees The National Lottery team up with all three shows to bring stellar entertainment to viewers every Saturday night for three months, commencing from 19 December. The exclusive deal – which will comprise a number of amusing, larger-than-life idents created by Aardman – includes on-air sponsorship, multi-platform activation and a bespoke licensing package. This also encompasses visibility on the ITV Hub and the age-gated version of The Voice UK app, as well as The National Lottery’s and ITV’s owned channels.

Camelot’s Chief Marketing Officer, Keith Moor, said, “The National Lottery has been making Saturday night more entertaining for the past 26 years, with every ticket providing a moment of anticipation while also helping to raise around £30 million each week for National Lottery-funded good causes. These are ITV’s flagship entertainment shows with the biggest audiences – so there’s a fantastic fit between the two brands with this partnership, and it will only help people to better understand the connection between The National Lottery’s unique purpose and play.”

Mark Trinder, Director of Commercial Sales and Partnerships at ITV said “Saturday nights on ITV have come to define quintessential family entertainment, and as we celebrate the return of three of our most talked about shows – The Masked Singer, The Voice UK and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway – we’re welcoming on board our brand new sponsor National Lottery operator, Camelot, for this innovative partnership that will put all the titans of Saturday night TV under one sponsorship umbrella.”

The agreement between National Lottery operator Camelot and ITV Commercial was negotiated and will be managed by Vizeum. Adam & Eve has led on creative strategy and approach, with ITV Creative heading up production and 360 creative integration of the sponsorship deal.

SOURCE: Camelot.