BCLC Hosts First Annual New Horizons in Responsible Gambling Conference

When it comes to gambling, how does your organization balance entertainment and social responsibility? Join internationally renowned experts in responsible gambling as they discuss developments in prevention and response at the first annual New Horizons in Responsible Gambling conference, January 28-30, 2013, in Vancouver, Canada.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear first-hand what responsible gambling really means to players; discuss cutting-edge ideas in prevention and response; and share best practices with responsible gambling colleagues and professionals from around the globe.

BCLC is proud to present the conference, featuring more than 10 guest speakers, including keynote speaker John Luff, Founder of Sustainable Marketing (London, England). In his presentation Integrity is not Optional: The Futures of CSR, Brand and Marketing are Inseparable, Mr. Luff will talk about trends in marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility and how these relate to the gambling industry.

The conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre (East) at Canada Place. Online registration and conference details are available now at HorizonsRG.com. Early bird pricing until October 30^th 2012. 

New Jersey Lottery Reports 5.7 Percent Increase in State Contribution for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2013

TRENTON, NJ – (October 23, 2012) During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2013, the New Jersey Lottery provided $226 million in support to State programs and institutions. This represented a 5.7 percent increase over the prior year and was made possible by a 7.1 percent gain in sales during the quarter to $672 million.

“This remarkable performance by the Lottery in the quarter ended Sept. 30 brings its cumulative contribution to the State during the 41 years of its existence to $21.198 billion,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger. 

 “The Lottery’s mission continues to be generating maximum revenue for the State programs and institutions it supports,” Hedinger said, adding, “these initiatives improve the quality of life for many New Jersey residents.” Lottery funds help provide student tuition scholarships and grants and  finance  school nutrition efforts, homes for veterans, operating aid for senior public educational institutions, capital improvement initiatives, the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf, the operation of centers for the developmentally disabled and state psychiatric hospitals. “The Lottery’s support for these essential programs and institutions reduces the public’s tax burden and enhances services for all New Jerseyans.” Hedinger said. 

The Lottery also plays a central role in the New Jersey economy. Nearly 6,700 lottery retailers sell Lottery products in their stores.  In Fiscal Year 2012, Lottery retailers earned approximately $153.7 million in commissions. Retailer commissions for the first quarter of FY13 were $37.46 million, more than $2.47 million higher than in the prior year.  Lottery retailers also benefit from the increased traffic to their stores that Lottery products generate. 

Every day, the Lottery helps create winners by providing entertainment and winning jackpots for lottery players, supporting the members of the business community who serve as Lottery retailers, and generating financial support for State programs and institutions. 

Northstar Lottery Group Names VP of Sales & Marketing

CHICAGO, IL  October 23, 2012—Northstar Lottery Group, private manager for the Illinois Lottery announced the appointment of Francesco Parola as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Parola comes to Northstar from Sisal S.p.A in Milan, Italy, where he spent 24 years gaining a 360° knowledge of the gaming industry; covering roles both financial and business management and development side.  

“Francesco brings extensive experience in game innovation and business growth experience to our team,” said Marco Tasso, CEO of Northstar Lottery Group. “Having a highly qualified and talented executive such as Francesco will infuse our sales and marketing planning and execution at Northstar with industry best practices.”

While at Sisal, Parola led the re-launch of the jackpot game SuperEnalotto in Italy, contributing to skyrocketing sales success of 3 billion euro in two years.  He also served as Head of Finance and Strategic Planning Department, covering roles also for AWP/VLT legalization and Sports Betting launch where he designed a new approach for Football pools and a new model for Horse Betting. 

He developed a rapid turnaround with an increase in company sales gains, growing from 5.9 billion euro in 2007 to 11.3 billion euro in 2009. This increase is a direct result of a significant focus on product innovation, including the re-launch of the company’s leading brand, SuperEnalotto, the launch of the Lottery’s Internet gaming platform and the design and development of Win-for-Life draw game. 

Most recently, Parola served as VP for Sisal Product and Business Innovation, contributing in 2011 to launch a new SiVinceTutto special edition game, the first mobile application for Sisal lotteries and SuperEnalotto’s world’s biggest lottery community on Facebook.  He was a keynote speaker at the World Lottery Association, EL and Gaming Marketplace Events.

Parola, 53, has a degree in Economics with a focus on Finance and Strategy from Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan. He resides in Chicago with his family.  

Gtech Corporation Names Matteo Monteverdi as Senior Vice President of iGaming

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – October 11, 2012 – GTECH Corporation announced that it has named Matteo Monteverdi as Senior Vice President of iGaming. Reporting directly to GTECH President and CEO Jaymin B. Patel, Matteo will be responsible for GTECH’s global interactive strategy, including product offerings with an emphasis on the nascent U.S. iGaming market.  Matteo most recently held the position of Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Services and President of Betting & Interactive at Lottomatica.

“Interactive gaming, or iGaming, is becoming increasingly important in the lottery industry, particularly in the United States,” said Mr. Patel. “Lottomatica has had great success as an iGaming operator in the highly-competitive Italian market. Matteo comes to GTECH with a wealth of experience he gained from managing marketing of traditional lottery products as well as overseeing the interactive unit at Lottomatica.  I am confident that with his background of successfully building the interactive platform in one of the most competitive markets in the world, Matteo will help GTECH to further develop our global iGaming strategy.”

GTECH’s iGaming organization will focus on driving the adoption of interactive wagering through Lottomatica Group’s experience as an interactive operator and supplier of technology.  Matteo will be responsible for designing the delivery strategy and leading innovation in the iGaming space.

“We see tremendous growth potential in the global iGaming market, particularly in the Americas and Asia,” said Mr. Monteverdi.  “In the U.S., there is a strong demand for interactive platforms. With the recent Department of Justice opinion, U.S. lotteries now have the means to expand their player base by providing exciting content and playing options through the Internet, a medium that is powerful and prevalent. Operating as a B2C business in other areas of the globe, we have the experience and are well-positioned to give our U.S. customers the best technology and advise them on how to effectively market their products through the interactive space.”

Under Matteo’s leadership, Lottomatica became one of the first lottery operators in the world to succeed in the iGaming arena by deploying social and mobile solutions that are used daily by approximately 25 percent of Lottomatica’s interactive customers. Prior to Lottomatica, he worked with Promptu System Corp, a B2C mobile software Silicon Valley startup in Palo Alto, California. Matteo also collaborated as a venture partner with Innogest Capital, the largest early-stage Venture Capital firm in Italy. 

Matteo holds an MBA in General Management from SDA Bocconi University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business Law from the University of Milan. He will be based at GTECH’s headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island.

GTECH Corporation’s Patented Process Delivers New Retailer Convenience for Instant-Ticket Inventory Management

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (USA) — October 9, 2012 —GTECH Corporation’s patented automated instant-ticket inventory process will now be a daily time-saving tool for convenience store (c-store) retailers and wholesale petroleum marketers serviced by Professional Datasolutions, Inc. (PDI) systems.  As a worldwide supplier of software, hardware, and professional services to more than 340 companies and approximately 29,000 retail locations, PDI deploys its PDI/Store Assistant product to improve operating efficiencies for its customers.  GTECH’s instant-ticket tracking solution is a natural fit to broaden the scope of automation currently provided by the PDI/Store Assistant’s lottery features.  Fully automating inventory tracking for scratch-off (instant) lottery tickets is a testament to GTECH’s commitment to continually improving lottery product management for its retail partners.

“Retailers are the foundation of our lottery business.  We work closely with our customers and the retail industry to find new ways to manage and streamline lottery inventory processes for the benefit and convenience of our retailers. The GTECH/PDI solution is an example of this continued commitment to our retail partners,” said Connie Laverty O’Connor, GTECH Chief Marketing Officer.

Under the agreement, PDI’s customers will be able to utilize the PDI/Store Assistant Lottery Module to scan serialized bar codes found on instant tickets to easily capture and reconcile information using in-store point-of-sale devices.

“We are very pleased with our new relationship with GTECH. Lottery is an important revenue generator for many of our customers,” said Paula Conti, PDI Vice President of Customer Service. “Access to this technology improves overall lottery inventory control and loss prevention through automation, which is what doing business electronically is all about.”

Paula also serves as the Committee Chairperson for the Petroleum Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards (PCATS) EB2B Lottery Working Group.  PCATS is a non-profit organization focused on the development, maintenance, and implementation of standards, education, and best practices for the convenience store and petroleum retail segments.

The new process saves time and significantly decreases the opportunity for human error. Donna Perkins, Pricebook Manager for PDI customer E-Z Stop Food Marts, and an active member of the PCATS Lottery Working Group, says it’s a much-needed advancement for lottery inventory management. “The enhanced lottery scanning feature is definitely a welcomed change,” she said. “The GTECH/PDI collaboration is just another example of how technology is being used to create efficiencies for our businesses and move the c-store industry forward.”

As a long-time member of the PCATS Lottery Working Group, Jim Breindel, GTECH Senior Manager of Retail Development, said, “GTECH is completely committed to helping retailers manage the work associated with selling instant tickets. The addition of this functionality to the PDI/Store Assistant Lottery Module provides retailers a simple solution that manages the current operational challenges presented by instant ticket inventory control and addresses the issue of lottery ticket theft.”

Scientific Games Extends Key Supply Agreement with Gala Coral

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary The Global Draw Ltd. has successfully extended an agreement to continue as the sole provider of server-based gaming terminals for major U.K. bookmaker The Gala Coral Group.  The agreement covers 1,744 Coral shops and the provision of Global Draw's exclusive new Infinity2 gaming terminals with enhanced functionality.  Global Draw will be responsible for the supply and service of gaming terminals for the Coral estate through 2017.

Steve Frater, Executive Chairman of The Global Draw, Games Media and Barcrest, said, "Coral and Global Draw have been working in partnership for nearly 15 years. This long-term relationship has spanned multiple legislative and technology developments and Coral has always been at the forefront of the industry, as one of the first licensed betting shop chains to install our gaming terminals in 1999 and one of the first to roll out B2/B3 content on our dual-screen terminals in 2007.  We are honored and excited to have Coral be the first customer to introduce our new Infinity2 terminal."

Andy Hornby, CEO of Coral, said, "Coral is constantly looking for ways to enhance our gaming offering.  Global Draw has consistently provided a high standard of service and support, leading content and a clear commitment to innovation and the future of gaming.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with Global Draw and bringing our customers the best possible gaming experience."

Lottomatica Group Announces That GTECH Corporation Has Been Chosen as the Integrated Services Provider in RFI Issued by the Indiana (Hoosier) Lottery

ROME, ITALY and PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (US) – October 4, 2012 – Lottomatica Group S.p.A. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, GTECH Corporation, has been chosen as the Integrated Services Provider by the Indiana (Hoosier) Lottery, following a competitive procurement. Under the terms of the RFI, GTECH Corporation shall form an Indiana-based entity to provide comprehensive lottery services and operations following execution of an Integrated Services Agreement (ISA). The 15-year ISA is expected to be signed by November 1, 2012, upon completion of a probity review and other customary corporate matters. The selection team unanimously recommended GTECH after a thorough evaluation of the business plan submitted in response to the Lottery’s RFI.

In making the announcement, the Hoosier Lottery said that it expects the GTECH business plan will generate an additional $2.1 billion in net income over 15 years for the State of Indiana. GTECH is entitled to receive annual incentive payments should it achieve certain net income targets and has given assurances that provide for payments to the State of Indiana if its net income targets are not achieved.

“GTECH is pleased with the State Lottery Commission’s decision and excited about this new opportunity,” said GTECH President & CEO Jaymin B. Patel. “We look forward to helping the Hoosier Lottery improve sales growth and returns to the State of Indiana. Together, we intend for the Hoosier Lottery to become and remain one of the best-performing lotteries in the nation and a benchmark of social responsibility.”

Further details will be disclosed upon the execution of the ISA with the Hoosier Lottery.

 Lottomatica Group is a market leader in the Italian gaming industry and one of the largest Lottery operators in the world based on total wagers and, through its subsidiary GTECH Corporation, is a leading provider of lottery and gaming technology solutions worldwide. Together, the companies are the only vertically integrated full service lottery group. Lottomatica Group is majority owned by De Agostini, which belongs to a century-old publishing and media services group. Lottomatica is listed on the Stock Exchange of Milan under the trading symbol “LTO.” In 2011, Lottomatica Group had €3.0 billion in revenues and 8,000 employees in over 60 countries.

IGT Signs Extensive Agreement with Manitoba Lotteries to Upgrade VLT Network

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems technology, announced today the Company has signed an agreement with Manitoba Lotteries, a public corporation owned by the provincial government of Manitoba, to provide a minimum of 3,000 video lottery terminals (VLT).

"Manitoba Lotteries recognizes the popularity of IGT's VLTs and games, and we are excited to be refreshing our province's VLT network to provide our customers with some of the best games in the market," said Winston Hodgins, President and CEO of Manitoba Lotteries.

IGT has been a long-time partner with Manitoba Lotteries and was the first gaming manufacturer to supply VLTs to the corporation. The new gaming agreement will see the IGT VLT units across the provincial wide video lottery network.

"It is a privilege for IGT to continue our long-standing relationship with Manitoba Lotteries through this new agreement," said Eric Tom, IGT vice president North American Sales. "We are proud to deliver IGT's industry leading VLT products and our extensive game library to Manitoba."

IGT's GL20 lottery terminals will be installed in Manitoba. These terminals are specifically designed for the video lottery industry and comply with industry standard Gaming Association specifications and game-to-system (G2S) protocols. Featured on the GL20's will be a number of popular IGT titles, such as Lucky Larry's Lobstermania® and Five Times Pay®, as well as a library of new games including Golden Goddess® and Double DaVinci Diamonds® and the hugely successful Seven's Wild®.

For more information on IGT products, please visit www.IGT.com.

JUMBO Interactive Agreement with Tatts Group

Reseller Agreement signed with Tatts Lotteries Northern Territories to supply popular Australian lottery games via www.ozlotteries.com.

Additional to three existing supply agreements.

Reseller Agreement signed with Tatts Lotteries Northern Territories to supply popular Australian lottery games via www.ozlotteries.com.

 Additional to three existing supply agreements.

Leading interactive lottery business, Jumbo Interactive Limited (ASX: JIN), is pleased to announce the signing of a five year agreement with Tatts Lotteries Northern Territories to provide a supply of popular Australian lottery games for the Company’s flagship website, www.ozlotteries.com.

“Jumbo is pleased to extend our strong relationship with the Tatts Group and is looking forward to continuing to develop our successful website www.ozlotteries.com”, said Mr Mike Veverka, CEO of Jumbo Interactive Limited.

The Company’s flagship website, www.ozlotteries.com, has developed into a popular and respected place for Australian lotteries to be played.

An ambitious plan has been laid out to continue this development in order to provide even more convenience for players using interactive technology as a platform.

Jumbo recently launched five new lottery products at the Montreal World Lottery Summit. These include advances in mobile technologies and further incorporation of social media into lottery play.

“We have unveiled our future vision for lotteries and delivered important new products that tie together traditional and internet lottery sales into one single harmonious sales channel”, said Mr Mike Veverka, CEO of Jumbo Interactive.

Texas Lottery® Revenue for Public Education Jumps $133 Million in 2012

(AUSTIN) – The Texas Lottery Commission today reported record results for fiscal year 2012, gaining $133 million in revenue over last year for the state’s Foundation School Fund, an increase of 13.8 percent. Record sales of $4.19 billion shattered the previous sales record of $3.81 billion set in 2011 and resulted in a total contribution of $1.096 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas.

“With sales up 10 percent over last year, this is the ninth consecutive year that the Texas Lottery generated more than $1 billion in contributions to the state of Texas,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery. “This is our largest transfer to the Foundation School Fund since 1998, and I want to thank all of our players, retailers, vendors and staff for this outstanding performance.”

The Texas Lottery saw sales increases across its game portfolio. Scratch-off ticket sales totaled more than $3.09 billion and accounted for 73.6 percent of fiscal year 2012 sales. Sales for the Texas Lottery’s draw games, which include Powerball^®, Mega Millions^®, Lotto Texas^®,  Texas Two Step^®, Pick 3^™, Daily 4^® and Cash Five^®, totaled more than $1.10 billion and accounted for 26.4 percent of sales.*

Sales of the Veterans Cash scratch-off game resulted in $4.7 million for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, which is administered by the Texas Veterans Commission. Other Texas Lottery funds, including unclaimed prizes, resulted in a transfer of $46 million to the state’s General Revenue Fund. In all, approximately 96 percent of the record $4.19 billion in sales was returned to the state in prizes, retailer commissions and bonuses, and transfers to various state funds.

Texas Lottery players had a great year as well, with a record $2.68 billion collected in cash and merchandise prizes, easily surpassing the past record of $2.39 billion set in fiscal year 2011.

For the state’s more than 17,000 Texas Lottery retailers that collect a 5 percent commission on every lottery sale, those commissions amounted to a record $209.8 million in 2012. On top of the record-setting sales, prizes, commissions and revenue increases, other Texas Lottery highlights for fiscal year 2012 include:

• The new $2 Powerball game launched in January, featuring bigger prizes, better odds of winning and more chances to win.
• In February, the Texas Lottery surpassed $14 billion in transfers to the Foundation School Fund.
• A world-record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot in March helped the Texas Lottery achieve several new records, including highest draw sales per minute, highest total sales day, highest total sales week and highest total sales month.
• In May, the Texas Lottery celebrated its 20^th anniversary.
• In August, the Texas Lottery established its social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the last fiscal year,” said Mary Ann Williamson, chair of the Texas Lottery Commission. “The Texas Lottery continues to set new standards for success in its mission to generate revenue for the state of Texas, and we’re looking forward to building on that success in the future.”

Spielo International to Launch Patented Proactive Diagnostics Solution at G2e 2012

(LAS VEGAS, Nevada) – At this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E), SPIELO International is showing systems and products that will enhance the sustainability and performance of distributed VLT, route and venue markets, and take player entertainment to new heights. G2E takes place at The Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas from Oct. 2 to 4, 2012.

Featured distributed-market products on display at Booth #1265 include the unique, patented Proactive Diagnostics value-added application of the INTELLIGEN™ Central System, which offers operators significant cost savings and improved efficiency through increased uptime of gaming devices and retailer terminals. Using sophisticated data mining software, Proactive Diagnostics predicts gaming machine and site controller faults before they occur, and its intuitive user interface means operators always have a clear and comprehensive picture of the health of their gaming operation. 

Visitors will also see innovative solutions and game content based on SPIELO International’s Player User Interface (PUI) technology. The PUI takes full advantage of existing screen real estate and uses a web browser to deploy content on a large variety of hardware and operating system combinations. The PUI uses the Game to System™ (G2S™) open standard protocol for integration with any manufacturer’s G2S-compliant VLT.

The PUI can give players access to various game content, such as Rubber Ducky Riverboat Run™, which brings multi-player social gaming to video lottery players. Participants pick their favorite ducks to win, and watch the ducks float down the river while playing their favorite VLT title. Meanwhile, Fruit Bashin™ is an updated look at a classic one-line game, presented as an add-on incremental wager opportunity. 

SPIELO International will also be presenting an updated version of its Responsible Gaming (RG) System with modified user screens delivered via the PUI window. This solution provides operators and players with a set of flexible tools to enable players’ informed choice about their gaming activity and voluntary management of their own behavior. 

As part of its commitment to responsible gaming, SPIELO International is proud to be a Bronze sponsor of the 13th Annual National Center for Responsible Gaming Conference on Gambling and Addiction, taking place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. 

At the show, SPIELO International is also featuring new distributed multi-line games targeting global video lottery markets. Highlights include Treasures of Olympus™, a penny game featuring guaranteed full reel wilds in the free games bonus; Five Frenzy™, featuring the Action Wheel bonus; Jungle Riches™, a penny game featuring the brand new Trigger Tiles bonus triggering system; and Tawa the Sun Spirit™, a penny game featuring single symbol progressives. 

Rounding out the game selection are titles tailored to new and existing route operator markets, including Illinois and Montana. 

But that’s only the beginning of SPIELO International’s exciting content-driven solutions. Visit Booth 1265 at G2E 2012 to see much more, and find out how SPIELO International speaks performance.

SPIELO International™ to Showcase First Progressive Link Using Episodic Gaming™: Egyptian Gold™

(LAS VEGAS, Nevada) – SPIELO International™ is showing more entertaining games than ever before at the 2012 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. Among SPIELO International’s new content-driven titles for the International casino market, EGYPTIAN GOLD™ is the company’s first progressive link using EPiSODiC GAMiNG™. As the player progresses through the game during one session, he or she can save and reactivate their achieved status during the next play session. The player unlocks more features and additional bet options for more action to become available. When the player reaches the highest status, an additional award is randomly revealed by Tutankhamun. EGYPTIAN GOLD offers an exciting 5-Level Progressive Playoff, where the player is able to win multiple progressives.

Visitors to the show will also get a sneak peek at MEGA KONG™, the exciting new follow-up to the widely successful KING KONG CASH™. With hundreds of installations, KING KONG CASH has been a top performer for years. Now Kong is back and aiming to follow in those footsteps. MEGA KONG offers the action of two bonus rounds: the Mystery Kong Bonus and the Mega Kong Bonus.

Mermaid’s Spell™ is an intriguing rapid hit 8-level linked progressive that will mesmerize players. Featuring three distinct titles – Great Reef™, Magic Lagoon™, and Bay of Fortune™ – Mermaid’s Spell enables players to select “enchanted symbols” for re-spins and increased chances at the progressives. Five-of-a-kind line wins trigger the corresponding progressive. Players can choose their volatility by seeking their favorite progressive level. 

KITTY CASH™ is the latest addition to SPIELO International’s multi-level progressive links, and features the cuddly cats from the internationally recognized brand, the Artlist Collection’s “THE CAT,” on the state-of-the-art OXYGEN™ cabinet. On top of the two supporting game titles, this purr-fect multi-level progressive features two bonus rounds: the Mystery Cat Bonus and the KiTTY CASH Bonus.

SPIELO International has expanded its successful multi-game solution, diversity™, with the introduction of Magic Maroon™ and Sweet Sunshine™. Each edition offers players a choice of core game titles in addition to top-performing, stand-alone DOGGIE CASH™ progressive titles and at least one classic, low-line game. Extremely volatile versions of a top-performing game complete the offering in each suite, while Sweet Sunshine offers the added choice of Master Roulette™.

On top of those titles, SPIELO International is presenting a wide range of new core games with unique and innovative features.

But that’s only the beginning of SPIELO International’s exciting content-driven solutions. Visit Booth 1265 at G2E 2012 to see much more, and find out how SPIELO International speaks entertainment.  

MDI Announces Zynga Agreement at WLS 2012

Alpharetta, GA – September 24, 2012 –MDI Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS), announced from its booth at the WLA/NASPL World Lottery Summit 2012 (WLS 2012) that it has signed a multi-year agreement with social game giant Zynga, Inc. to license several of Zynga’s brands for the lottery industry. The agreement gives MDI exclusive, worldwide rights to provide lotteries with the ability to feature FarmVille, CityVille, Zynga Poker, Zynga Bingo, Zynga Slingo, Words with Friends and Draw Something in their lottery instant and virtual games.

Additionally, lotteries will have access to Zynga-branded 2Chance interactive games and 2^ndChance virtual prizes made available by MDI that players can redeem and enjoy in conjunction with their favorite Zynga social games. A library of highly recognizable Zynga artwork is available for the creation of attention-grabbing instant tickets.

Lapis Software Associates announces the sale of gemTrust™

September 19, 2012 – Lapis Software Associates, LLC announced the sale of its gemTrust™ product line to Spectra Systems Corporation. gemTrust is a software product that provides lotteries with internal control systems, commonly referred to as “ICS” for balancing sales and drawn numbers for online lottery games prior to drawings.

“The sale of gemTrust will support our increased investments in solutions that help lotteries grow”, said Jean Lombard, President of Lapis. “We are focused on leveraging our experience working with lotteries and online system vendors to deliver more flexible and intelligent software applications that are easier to implement, support and enhance.”

Lapis recently announced the introduction of a gemIntelligence™ a suite of applications for lottery sales force automation and retailer information. gemIntelligence offers lotteries and their retail enterprise a suite of office and mobile software applications for retailers and the lottery employees who support them. gemIntelligence combines a retail portal customized for direct access by retailers and tools for lottery employees to improve the delivery and consumption of the same information wherever and whenever lottery reps need it. The Pennsylvania Lottery is implementing gemIntelligence to support over 9000 retailers and 100 field based representatives.

“We view the sale as a win-win for the lottery industry. With Spectra the industry gains a solid new vendor with deep experience in highly secure systems and with our increasing specialization on business-critical solutions, the benefit of web applications that will drive retailer effectiveness and sales growth” said Jean. “Lotteries and transaction system vendors also gain the benefit of our deep IT background to make conversions, integration and support easier and more cost effective. Improved retail intelligence is an exciting opportunity for all stakeholders in increasing lottery revenues and returns to good causes.”

gemIntelligence is the latest module in the gemEnterprise™ suite of software applications that are specialized for the lottery industry such as gemView™, a lottery executive and management decision dashboard. Lapis’s gemBack-Office™ is a complete lottery back office application that integrates with all lottery systems and provides an independent and highly customizable solution for all back office and accounting functions.

“As a company with significant background and experience in real time security and control systems, we recognized the quality of Lapis’s software products, and the proven track record of gemTrust”, said Nabil Lawandy, President of Spectra Systems. “We look forward to serving their customers and the lottery industry”.

Arizona Lottery to Launch New Game Sept. 23

PHOENIX (Sept. 18, 2012) - The Arizona Lottery announces its exciting new draw game called Weekly Winnings, which launches September 23 and offers a top prize of $1,000 per week for an entire year, taxes paid.

Weekly Winnings will have a prize structure unlike any other draw game currently being offered. With each ticket, players will have the chance to win up to six times. A top prize winner can select a payout of $1,000 per week for a year or a lump sum payment of $52,000, taxes paid.

“The addition of Weekly Winnings to our selection of Arizona Lottery products is a direct response to our players’ requests for new games and more ways to win,” said Karen Bach, director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. “We are thrilled to launch Weekly Winnings and expect it to be extremely popular with our players.”

Weekly Winnings game play consists of self-selecting the first set of four numbers or choosing a computer-generated Quick Pick for the top prize of $1,000 per week for one year. The computer then selects the additional five sets of numbers for the second and third prize categories. Prizes for a winning ticket are awarded when a player matches each number within one of the sets of numbers. Only the highest prize within each set of numbers will be paid. Prizes, not including the top prize, range from $2 to $10,000.

Tickets for Weekly Winnings will cost $2 each with drawings every Tuesday and Friday, at approximately 9:40 p.m. MST. Weekly Winnings will replace Arizona Lottery’s current draw game, CA$H4.

 For more information about Weekly Winnings, please visit ArizonaLottery.com.

 Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP.  Please Play Responsibly. ™