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This web site is dedicated to the women and men who operate the world's 200+ legal state operated lotteries. We have spent a career researching, writing and reporting on the global lottery industry.

There is little information that the average lottery player would find of value. The statistics we collect are by and large countable numbers audited by professionals collected and published by us. We primarily track information on lottery sales, prizes and net profit to government, advertising budgets and game design--both for TLF Publications' annual books (such as La Fleur's World Lottery Almanac) and our monthly magazine (La Fleur's Magazine).

Thursday
Mar072013

WMS Announces Multi-Year B2B Online Gaming Agreement with the Rank Group PLC

Waukegan, Illinois, March 7, 2013 – Williams Interactive LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE:WMS), announced today that the Company has entered into a multi-year online content licensing agreement with The Rank Group Plc., a leading European gaming-based entertainment company. The group’s online brands, Meccabingo.com and Grosvenorcasinos.com, will have access to WMS’ online library of authentic slot games including THE WIZARD OF OZ™, Zeus™, Reel 'Em In® and Jackpot Party® games.

The WMS video slot content is expected to be available on Meccabingo.com and Grosvenorcasinos.com before the second half of the year; and is made possible by the seamless integration with OpenBet’s Remote Gaming Interface, an integral part of the platform used by Rank’s online casino websites.

Orrin J. Edidin, President of WMS Industries Inc. and CEO and President of Williams Interactive LLC, said, "Over the course of the last 75 years, The Rank Group Plc has thrilled millions of people the world over, building iconic and much-loved entertainment brands in the process. WMS slot games will further support the continued growth of Rank and expand its entertainment offering with the launch of our classic WMS slot games.

“The alliance with The Rank Group Plc is another premier endorsement of WMS’ online gaming capabilities and demonstrates our growing momentum in expanding the worldwide audience for our gaming content. I’m confident that as we bring new levels of excitement and entertainment to its online communities we will achieve great success together in the years to come.” Joe Hine, Head of Commercial at Rank Interactive comments, “We’re pleased to be able to bring such new and exciting video slots content to our online players. We continuously strive to keep our product offering fresh and as a result the user experience both thrilling and entertaining and we believe that WMS games will do just that.”

Tuesday
Mar052013

JCM Global’s New DNA (Dynamic Network Applications) Named to Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards List

LAS VEGAS (March 5, 2013) – Coming off its most successful ICE show to date, JCM Global, the proven leader in currency validation solutions, is celebrating because its new DNA (Dynamic Network Applications) has been named to the Casino Journal magazine’s 16th annual Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards.

“We are thrilled to have been named to the Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards. JCM was founded more than 50 years ago with a spirit of innovation that drives us to create new solutions that make our customers better, smarter and faster. That spirit fuels our efforts still today, and we are honored to be acknowledged for our newest game-changing creation, DNA,” said JCM Global Vice President of Global Marketing Tom Nieman.

Built on the award-winning iVIZION® bill validator’s foundation of intelligent validation, DNA is an incredible set of bundled enhancement tools that empower casino operators to do much more than ever thought possible, and in real time.

Operating wirelessly or hard-wired, DNA passively monitors the EGM “SAS” line for critical housekeeping data, while securing two-way communication with all critical peripheral components. With JCM’s DNA, operators can get extensive reports and alerts in real time and deliver firmware updates instantly, with no downtime, across the entire operation. DNA also enables regulators to instantly verify peripheral devices, software versions, view reports and more. In other words, this original technology is even further enhancing profitability, productivity and efficiency.

Wednesday
Feb272013

MDI Extends Agreement with Hasbro, Inc. for MONOPOLY and 14 Other Hasbro Brands

ALPHARETTA, GA – February 26, 2013 – MDI Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS), announced today that it has signed a multi-year extension to its agreement with Hasbro, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAS). The new agreement extends MDI’s exclusive global rights to offer lotteries instant, terminal-generated and digital games featuring Hasbro brands. This includes the MONOPOLY brand, one of the most popular brands for licensed games in the lottery industry, as well as SCRABBLE, BATTLESHIP, CONNECT 4, TWISTER, YAHTZEE, CLUE, BOGGLE, THE GAME OF LIFE, OPERATION, BARREL OF MONKEYS, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, MOUSE TRAP, RISK and CRANIUM.

“Hasbro is pleased to continue our relationship with MDI in delivering our brands to the lottery industry,” said Mark Blecher, SVP of Digital Media & Marketing at Hasbro. “MDI has been a valued and trusted licensee, and has consistently presented our properties in ways that maintain the integrity of our brands, perform well for the lotteries and provide enjoyable experiences for players.”

“The Hasbro brands are undoubtedly some of the greatest among licensed games in the lottery space,” commented Steve Saferin, President, Properties Group and Chief Creative Officer for Scientific Games. “As lotteries become more immersed in the digital age and search for quality web-based content to engage players online, having the familiarity and popularity of the Hasbro brands at their disposal for online executions should prove vitally important. Our relationship with Hasbro is significant not only to us but to the industry as a whole, and we’re tremendously gratified to continue it.”

Wednesday
Feb272013

INTRALOT Releases Annual Sustainability Report

INTRALOT announces the release of its Annual Sustainability Report, which presents the company’s corporate responsibility and sustainable development strategy, the activities, and the results of programmes and initiatives.

The report seeks to communicate the direct and indirect social impact of corporate operations to INTRALOT customers and stakeholders. The areas of social intervention presented in the report include the company’s responsible gaming policies and programmes and also its contribution to local communities, its achievements in compliance and corporate governance, social responsibility programmes toward its employees and environmental initiatives. As a leader of the gaming sector, INTRALOT’s foremost material issue in respect to sustainability is to ensure that its product solutions and technology meet the highest security and responsible gaming standards.

Commenting on the sustainability report, INTRALOT Group CEO, Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos, stated: “INTRALOT is committed to responsible leadership and to conducting business in a sustainable manner. Our strategy is to create shared value for our shareholders and stakeholders maximizing the positive impact of our operations on society, through the creation of resources for good causes, through research and technological innovations, and through the transfer of knowledge and know-how to the local communities of the regulated jurisdictions where we operate.”

The report follows the guidelines for sustainability reporting of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI – G3 edition) and the programmes described therein are a result of the integration of the principles of the Global Compact into the strategy, culture and day-to-day operations of INTRALOT, as well as a result of the promotion of these principles near customers, partners, employees and other relevant stakeholders.

Tuesday
Feb262013

Pollard Banknote Announces Michigan Lottery’s Latest Cashword Success

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, February 25, 2013 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Michigan Lottery’s new $5 Cashword game, Triple Green Cashword. In the first ten weeks since its launch, Triple Green Cashword has proven to be the Lottery’s best-selling $5 Crossword game since 2004, having sold 76% better than the average Crossword game. The $5 Cashword price point complements the Michigan Lottery’s $3 Cashword ticket, which was heralded as the “Best New Instant Ticket of the Year” at the 2012 World Lottery Summit, hosted by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries.

Building upon the success of $3 Cashword, Triple Green Cashword comes with an updated online app that introduces a new form of game play—Cashword Multiplier. Players who purchase the $3 Cashword ticket can continue playing the app in its initial form. However, purchasing the $5 ticket enables the bonus multiplier feature, which provides players with an opportunity to increase their winnings—via points or vouchers—by up to 50 times.

“Pollard Banknote is thrilled with the latest achievements of the Michigan Lottery’s Cashword program,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “The recent success of the Michigan Lottery’s Cashword app, combined with our relationship with the Lottery, has not only allowed us to expand the mobile app, but also the Cashword category overall. Ultimately, this equates to great returns for the State of Michigan.”

“We are excited to build upon the momentum of our Cashword success,” said Tom Weber, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Michigan Lottery. “We truly believe we have something special here. The team at Pollard Banknote is just as excited as we are and there’s no telling where this can go.”

Pollard Banknote and predecessor companies have been the primary instant ticket supplier to the Michigan Lottery since 1986. The Michigan Lottery reported annual sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2012, and generated over $770 million in net revenue for the state’s School Aid Fund. Established in 1972, the mission of the Michigan Lottery is to support State education programs with the highest integrity. It accomplishes this by providing highly entertaining products through a dynamic public business enterprise built upon honesty, customer satisfaction, and teamwork.

Thursday
Feb212013

Gaming Laboratories International Releases Key Update To GLI-19 Global Interactive Gaming Standard

“GLI-19 Interactive Gaming Systems” Version 2.0 Provides Key Technology Updates for Emerging North American iGaming Markets

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (February 21, 2013) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), the world’s leading gaming testing laboratory and technical consultancy, has released a key update to its “GLI-19 Interactive Gaming Systems” technical standard. The new GLI-19 version 2.0 introduces key updates, which address the unique technical considerations of North American interactive gaming markets.

As the North American iGaming landscape continues to take shape, regulators from emerging North American markets have expressed the essential need for the standardization of technical requirements for interactive gaming systems. GLI has been asked by these regulatory agencies to leverage the lab’s significant experience in the development of technical standards, to assist the industry in their goal of standardization.

“The library of GLI Standards began nearly 15 years ago, when regulators from emerging gaming jurisdictions asked us to create a technical standard for land-based electronic gaming devices. That technical standard later became known as GLI-11, the most broadly adopted and utilized technical standard in the gaming industry. GLI-19 v2.0 presents a continuation of that idea and assists the industry in creating essential technical standardization within the North American iGaming market,” said GLI President and CEO James Maida.

GLI-19 v2.0 is a technical standard based on an extensive review of several key interactive gaming jurisdictions which have experienced great success in regulating the inherently complex systems associated with iGaming. GLI-19 v2.0 is the first set of common standards for technical regulation of iGaming markets, encompassing the best practices in regulated jurisdictions from the U.S., Canada, and from countries across Europe. GLI-19 v2.0 is available for free, immediate download on GLI’s website at www.gaminglabs.com.

GLI leads the world in all types of gaming testing. Specific to iGaming, GLI was the first to conduct successful certifications of interactive gaming systems in the regulated iGaming jurisdictions of Alderney, the Isle of Man, First Cagayan in the Philippines and in the UK. GLI also was first to certify iGaming conducted and managed by the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Québec.

Regulators in new and emerging iGaming markets will be able to use GLI-19 v2.0 as a basis for their technical regulations. GLI-19 v2.0 will also be of tremendous help to software developers and operators, who now will be able to better comply with government technical regulations, because the standards within GLI-19 v2.0 have been vetted through the best practices in the already existing regulated markets.

Thursday
Feb212013

NYS Gaming Commision, OASAS & NY Council on Problem Gambling Form Responsible Play Partnership to Address Problem Gambling Issues

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (February 20, 2013) – The New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the New York Council on Problem Gambling today announced the formation of the Responsible Play Partnership to address problem gambling in New York State.

The Responsible Play Partnership will take on a variety of issues surrounding problem gambling, including ensuring that gaming venues comply with all rules and regulations and undertake proper outreach measures, reevaluating self-exclusion policies across the state to ensure consistency, and considering the best ways to advance New York’s long-term commitment to prevent and treat compulsive gambling.

Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the State Gaming Commission said, “This type of relationship is a critical component of the effective regulation of gaming and wagering within the state. We are committed to this endeavor and are proud to launch it as a primary initiative from the Gaming Commission’s onset. The Responsible Play Partnership will be an open, ongoing dialogue across all of New York’s gaming and wagering interests, and we look forward to getting started.”

Arlene González-Sánchez, Commissioner of OASAS said, “Problem gambling is a very real concern in New York State, and this partnership will provide the real-world tools and resources needed to adequately address the issue. We look forward to working collaboratively with our partners both within and beyond state government to promote problem gambling prevention and ensure treatment services are available for those New Yorkers who struggle with compulsive gambling.”

James Maney, Executive Director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, said, “The continuing and significant evolution of gambling in New York makes the Responsible Play Partnership the right thing to do at the right time. We applaud Governor Cuomo, the Gaming Commission and OASAS for working with us to create a responsible gambling environment for New York State.”

The Gaming Commission and OASAS have been collaborating on how to best meet the demands posed by problem gambling. The Responsible Play Partnership, which will expand to other partners focused on problem gambling issues across the state, is the first step to ensure consistency in further recognizing and addressing the issue. The New York Council on Problem Gambling is one of many recipients of grant funding from OASAS to address problem gambling.

The Responsible Play Partnership will include the following components:

Swift enforcement of age restriction laws: New York law prohibits gambling under the age of 18 at all OTBs, horse racing facilities and casinos. The current legal purchase age for Lottery tickets is 18 and 21 in establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. Similar to state enforcement efforts that prevent alcoholic beverage sales to underage buyers, the Responsible Play Partnership will help to enforce the age restriction laws for gambling: · The Council on Problem Gambling is coordinating with various alcohol and substance abuse councils across the State to carry out underage compliance checks at various locales, with Gaming Commission staff accompanying them.

· Underage volunteers will attempt to place bets, purchase tickets and/or engage in gambling activities at lottery retailers, Quick Draw locales, off-track betting and E-Z Bet locations, race tracks and video lottery terminal facilities across the state.

· When violations occur and where possible, Gaming Commission personnel on-hand will issue an immediate notice to the venue outlining the violation and any applicable disciplinary action.

· Violations could result in fines, suspensions or revocation of an entity’s license to participate or provide such services in New York.

Proper resources at facilities to identify and address problem gambling: The Gaming Commission will mandate that VLT locations, off-track betting facilities and race tracks in the state submit a report indicating how they currently handle individuals showing signs of being problem gamblers. The Commission will evaluate these measures with OASAS, the Council on Problem Gambling and future partners to issue improved consistent policies to all facility operators.

Comprehensive, statewide self-exclusion policy: Current procedures for the exclusion of self-identified problem gamblers who request that they be prohibited from entering facilities or prohibited from participating in gaming activities are inconsistent, inadequate and/or non-existent throughout the state’s various gaming venues. The Gaming Commission will work with OASAS and the Council to identify ways to make self-exclusion policies more consistent and effective.

Enhanced outreach and awareness: The New York State Lottery has prominently promoted OASAS’ HOPEline (1-877-8-HOPENY) at retail locations, on play cards and tickets, on every VLT and on signage at each gaming facility. The Gaming Commission will expand language referring to HOPEline and make it more prominent at OTB facilities, tracks and casinos, as well as online.

Working group to improve responsible gaming policies and programs: The Gaming Commission, OASAS and the Council on Problem Gambling will establish a standing working group to evaluate the State’s existing responsible gaming policies and programs and identify ways to enhance such measures. The working group will issue recommendations to the Gaming Commission for its implementation.

Ike Dweck, Director of The SAFE Foundation in Brooklyn said, “The SAFE Foundation applauds Governor Cuomo, the New York State Gaming Commission and OASAS for launching an initiative which will produce real results for New Yorkers who are dealing with the personal impact of problem gambling. We look forward to joining the Responsible Play Partnership and working together to ensure responsible gaming practices and making sure resources for those who need them are within reach.” Cheryl Hecht, MSW, MPH, CPGC, Problem Gambling Therapist for The Pederson-Krag Centers’ Thomas R. Kenney GamPro Program in Suffolk County, said, “We support the formation of the Responsible Play Partnership, which clearly demonstrates New York’s commitment to helping individuals and families affected by problem gambling. We look forward to participating with our colleagues and partners in state government to further address this important issue.”

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming and gambling activity in the state, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, Class III Indian Gaming, video lottery terminal facilities at race tracks, the state lottery and charitable gaming.

OASAS oversees one of the nation’s largest addiction services systems dedicated to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, with more than 1,650 programs serving over 100,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

Wednesday
Feb132013

INTRALOT Adopts COBIT® 5 to Maximise Innovation and Value 

INTRALOT announces its successful implementation of COBIT® 5, the 2012 edition of ISACA’s globally accepted business framework for the governance and management of enterprise IT.

As a world-leading gaming provider, INTRALOT continually strives for innovative products with optimal customer and stakeholder value. INTRALOT’s product development follows a structural approach that combines information from different sources, including market research, customer requirements, advances in technology and the gaming sector, compliance and security requirements as well as collaborative initiatives. To this effect, COBIT® 5 delivers value from enterprise information systems by linking business goals to IT goals and bridging the gap between control requirements, business risks and technical issues.

The main principles of COBIT® 5, which aim to generate value, address the governance and management of information and related technology from an enterprise end-to-end perspective, apply a single integrated framework relevant with other standards and frameworks, provide a holistic approach of governance and management over enterprise IT and separate governance from management, all enable INTRALOT to achieve its strategic goals and maximize business and customer benefits.

Commenting on INTRALOT’s decision to implement the evolutionary COBIT® 5 version, Mr. Konstantinos Farris, INTRALOT’s General Technical Director of Systems, stated: “In today’s challenging and dynamic IT environment, INTRALOT recognizes the vital role of applying the most up-to-date, comprehensive business framework which optimizes information and technology to further facilitate innovation and create utmost enterprise value.”

Wednesday
Feb132013

Missouri Lottery To Add 1-OFF Feature to Pick 3, Pick 4

Arizona Gaming Designs, LLC, has teamed up with the Missouri Lottery to offer its new play type, 1-OFF™, on the Lottery’s Pick 3 and Pick 4 games. The new feature will be added in June.

“This new play type will allow players to win, even if they miss a number by one,” said May Scheve Reardon, executive director of the Missouri Lottery. “How many times have players told us, ‘I would have won if my number was one higher or one lower’? We think our players are going to love this.”

Players who select the 1-OFF play type with Pick 3 will be able to win if any of their numbers are one number lower or higher than the three numbers drawn. Pick 4 players who play 1-OFF can win by being within one number higher or lower than any of the four numbers drawn.

“Simply put, this new play type will give players more ways to win,” said Reardon.

Reardon said the new play type will be in addition to other Pick 3 and Pick 4 play types, such as Straight, Box, Combo, Front Pair, Middle Pair, Back Pair, Front 3 and Back 3.

“We’ve worked with the Florida and D.C. lotteries, and now we are thrilled to partner with the Missouri Lottery,” said Ron Borruso, president of Arizona Gaming Designs, LLC. “Our unique play type is a way to take an existing game, add a feature and maximize sales and profits, without having to offer an entirely new product. It will be an efficient way for the Missouri Lottery to raise more money for public education.”

Monday
Feb112013

Scientific Games Completes System Conversion for Loteria Electronica de Puerto Rico as Part of Four-Year Contract Extension

ALPHARETTA, GA – February 11, 2013 – Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) today announced the successful completion of an integrated lottery gaming system conversion for Loteria Electronica de Puerto Rico. The conversion was completed as part of a four-year extension agreement with Scientific Games for the operation of Loteria Electronica de Puerto Rico, as well as for marketing, distribution and other services. The agreement extends Scientific Games’ contract with the Lottery to June 30, 2016. The terminal and communications conversion was completed one month ahead of schedule and featured the first deployment of PlayCentral™ self-service terminals in Walmart Supercenters in the U.S.

“We are delighted to announce that not only was there absolutely no disruption in sales during the system conversion but in fact sales increased during the conversion period,” said Teresita Carrion Geigel, Deputy Secretary of the Bureau of Lotteries at the Puerto Rico Treasury Department. “We now have a system in place to deploy new games and new sales initiatives with our partner, Scientific Games. Our retailers have responded with accolades for the new terminals and the new digital displays that promote the games in their stores. We are also positioned to expand our distribution with the new self-service and hand-held point of sale devices.”

Scientific Games successfully executed and installed a new communications network, including dual communication for top-selling retailers to ensure constant connection to the central system, a full suite of draw-based game systems and a range of new lottery equipment in 2,000 retail locations. New PlayCentral self-service terminals and WAVE™ terminals were deployed, as well as hand-held terminals to expand the Lottery to non-traditional locations. The deployment also included new peripheral equipment, such as wireless triple jackpot signs and ticket checkers, and Lottery InMotion™, a digital advertising and content management system for retail point of sale. Scientific Games’ contract with the Lottery includes provisions for lottery systems and services as well as the manufacturing and distribution of instant tickets throughout Puerto Rico, including shipping, warehousing and telemarketing, as well as support with game design, marketing and retail network optimization. Many of these services are provided to the Lottery as part of the Company’s Cooperative Services Program (CSP), which integrates instant game category management.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Loteria Electronica. In the seven years we have been their partner, the Lottery’s revenue has grown 42%,” said Pat McHugh, President, North America Lottery Systems for Scientific Games. “Our focus remains on driving continued sales growth to generate additional benefits for the citizens of Puerto Rico.”

In fiscal year 2012, Loteria Electronica de Puerto Rico had sales of more than $452 million, with contributions to the Treasury’s General Fund and several important public programs totaling more than $112 million. In the past, some of these beneficiaries included the University of Puerto Rico, Sports and Recreation, the Fund for Services for Catastrophic Illnesses, the Housing for the Elderly Program, and the Fund for Municipalities, which helps cover operating expenses and capital improvements in cities and towns throughout Puerto Rico. Additional games are being considered by the Government; part of the revenues will benefit the Public Employees Retirement System.

Monday
Feb112013

Pollard Banknote Awarded New Contract by Veikkaus (National Lottery of Finland)

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, February 11, 2013 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that it has signed a three‐year contract to manufacture and supply instant lottery tickets to Veikkaus (National Lottery of Finland). This new agreement commenced January 1, 2013, and also provides the option for a one‐year extension.

Since 1993, Pollard Banknote has built a long‐standing relationship as a dedicated supplier of instant scratch tickets to Veikkaus. For 20 years, Pollard Banknote has produced one of the Lottery’s most successful core games, Ässä. In addition, through this ongoing partnership, Veikkaus has continued to grow and incorporate a steady stream of innovative solutions into its instant ticket portfolio, including Pollard Banknote’s translucent marking system, patented Scratch FX®, and the Pollard PlayBook®.

“Pollard Banknote is thrilled to continue our relationship with Veikkaus,” said Doug Pollard, Co‐Chief Executive Officer. “This contract award speaks to the Lottery’s confidence in our ability to produce industry‐leading products of the highest quality.”

“We are delighted to once again team up with Pollard Banknote; a partnership that has thrived over the years,” remarked Karri Paavilainen, Vice President, Daily Games. “Pollard Banknote’s outstanding customer service and complex manufacturing capabilities—including their unrivalled ability to produce cut to singles, pouched and die‐cut tickets—combined with Pollard’s patented Scratch FX®, have been vital to Veikkaus’ sustained success.”

All proceeds generated by Veikkaus go to the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, which then distributes funds to beneficiaries in Finnish arts, sports, science, and youth work. In 2011, a total of EUR 516 million was distributed by the Ministry.

Wednesday
Feb062013

Pollard Banknote Welcomes Margaret R. Defrancisco, Lottery Industry Leader

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, February 6, 2013 – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that Margaret R. DeFrancisco has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. In this newly established role, Ms. DeFrancisco will report directly to Doug Pollard, Co‐Chief Executive Officer, and will help shape Pollard Banknote’s corporate strategy as the company continues to explore innovative and viable avenues for increasing lottery revenues and funding for worthy causes.

Ms. DeFrancisco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position at Pollard Banknote. For nearly nine years, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, where she oversaw sales growth from $2.6 billion in FY 2003 to a record $3.8 billion in FY 2012. Prior to that, Ms. DeFrancisco was the Director of the New York Lottery. Under her leadership, the Lottery’s sales increased from $3.6 billion in FY 1999 to $5.4 billion in FY 2003, making it the largest lottery in the United States.

“Pollard Banknote is thrilled to welcome Margaret DeFrancisco to our team,” said Doug Pollard. “Margaret’s esteemed reputation and remarkable success within the lottery industry will be a valued addition to our company and an excellent resource for our customers. Her expert understanding of all facets of the lottery business will greatly benefit Pollard Banknote’s ability to provide our customers with the very best products and services in the industry, as well as strategic advice that will undoubtedly drive sales.”

Ms. DeFrancisco remarked, “I am eager to embark on this new role with Pollard Banknote. Working with them throughout my lottery career has given me firsthand insight into the company’s innovative products and outstanding customer service. They are an exceptional team, which I am now fortunate enough to be a part of.”

Wednesday
Feb062013

Spielo International Wins “Best Street Supplier of the Year” Award

(London, England) – SPIELO International was awarded the Best Street Supplier of the Year Award at the ICE Totally Gaming Awards held last night in London, England. The accolade recognizes the best performer in the street supplier market, supplying to high street arcades, bars, or clubs.

The honour was bestowed to SPIELO International for its achievements in the Italian Amusement With Prize (AWP) and VLT markets. Since the company entered the market two years ago, it has become the leading street market content provider in Italy, with its games consistently performing amongst the top 10 in the market. In addition to supplying the AWP market, SPIELO International also offers an end-to-end Italian VLT solution, which includes games, delite™ cabinets (for AWP) and prodigi Vu™ cabinets (for VLT), the INTELLIGEN™ VLT site controller and central system.

“In 12 months (December 2011 to November 2012), SPIELO International has sold tens of thousands of game kits in the Italian AWP market. We estimate that we have reached 20% market share in this segment, which builds on the leading position we established in 2011,” said Walter Bugno, President and CEO, SPIELO International. “This success, along with our ongoing success in the VLT market, where we were the first supplier to be licensed, has made the Italian street market business a significant contributor to the company, as well as providing revenue-enhancing products to our operator-partners.”

The judging was based on rigorous assessment in five categories: Originality and Innovation; Impact of Product; Commercial Success; Impact on Customer Experience; and Social Responsibility.

Tuesday
Feb052013

Bally Technologies Brings Content Online Through Agreement with OpenBet

LAS VEGAS, 5 February 2013 — Bally Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BYI), a leader in slots, video machines, casino-management, interactive applications, and networked and server-based systems for the global gaming industry, today announced it will bring its market-leading content online through an agreement with OpenBet, one of the world’s leading providers of interactive gaming and betting solutions.

Utilizing OpenBet's casino and centralized account, Bally Technologies will extend the reach of its top- performing land-based content to the growing online audience. OpenBet Casino will offer existing customers the ability to select and seamlessly integrate online casino content from various content providers, now including Bally.

OpenBet’s device-agnostic platform will allow Bally's content to be available through operators on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, enabling the world’s largest gaming content providers to expand their international online strategy across the globe in a safe, scalable, and reliable manner.

The first games will be available this month and will include titles such as Vegas Hits™Tiger Treasures™, Cupid and Psyche™, and Mayan Treasures™.

"Our vision has always been to create a platform that is truly open and gives content providers a seamless mechanism to make their products available to a wide range of the world’s largest operators,” said OpenBet Chief Executive Officer David Loveday.  “The fact that content that has historically been land-based is now being made available online highlights the flexibility and opportunity of our offering. We welcome Bally Technologies as a perfect new partner, further exemplifying the diversity of OpenBet Casino."

Bally Technologies’ Vice President of Business Development John Connelly said: "We have been very successful at creating exciting and compelling products for our land-based customers, and many of them would like to replicate their hugely successful land-based offering in the online environment. Utilizing OpenBet's platform, we are now able to extend the reach of our products and make them available to a truly global online audience.”

Tuesday
Feb052013

NeoGames is launching its unique new Bingo Platform!

[Malta – February 5, 2013] NeoGames, the global leaders of interactive scratch cards and lottery games, announces the release of its new Bingo platform designed specifically for various regulated markets and national lotteries.

The new platform offers a variety of bingo games along with special features such as a central area dedicated to mini games, thus creating a unique gaming experience.

 A flexible designed architecture enables an easy integration into existing platforms which can also be provided as a fully managed solution.

Using the company's experience in designing and developing effective market-proven games for the soft gaming audience, NeoGames' newly designed platform will provide players with a completely new and exciting entertaining bingo experience.

 ”Our new and innovative Bingo platform is another important part of our complete soft-gaming offering. We are excited by the fact that many of our customers have shown great interest and commitment to this new product” said Mr. Rosen, the CEO of NeoGames.