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. ™

Pollard Banknote Awarded Exclusive Contract for Instant Tickets by Lotería Nacional de la República Dominicana, Conafra

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, September 18, 2012 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded an exclusive contract for the supply of instant tickets to Lotería Nacional de la República Dominicana (Lotería Nacional), the national lottery of the Dominican Republic, and its operator CONAFRA. This new contract builds upon Pollard Banknote’s growing portfolio of Latin American clients.

Following a previous agreement between Pollard Banknote and CONAFRA dating back to 2009, this arrangement begins a new 10‐year agreement upon which Pollard Banknote will enhance its relationship with Lotería Nacional and CONAFRA until the end of 2022. As sole instant ticket supplier, Pollard Banknote will also provide value‐added services including strategic planning, marketing support, and game design expertise. “Pollard Banknote is eager to strengthen our relationships with Lotería Nacional and CONAFRA. We’re confident that this association will generate long‐term benefits for both parties,” said Doug Pollard, Co‐Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “We partner with all of our clients with the goal of generating substantial returns for their lotteries, and we look forward to this same success with our Dominican associates.”

“Upon my most recent visit to Pollard Banknote, I could officially confirm that the quality of their final product and the service they provide is far superior to all competition in the lottery industry,” remarked Norberto Taveras, President of CONAFRA. “After working with other lottery suppliers, I am happy to exclusively have Pollard Banknote’s tickets for sale in the whole Dominican Republic. Not only are their tickets the best in the industry, but Pollard Banknote is a company I trust will support our efforts to raise sales revenue and thus enhance social programs in our country.”

A primary objective of Lotería Nacional and CONAFRA is to strengthen social welfare in the Dominican Republic by generating resources for various social organizations that benefit the most vulnerable citizens. Another important goal includes training the retail and sales force with best practices on how to increase instant ticket sales.

Lottomatica Group Subsidiary SPIELO International Canada to Provide INTELLIGEN™ Central System in Saskatchewan

(Moncton, CANADA) – September 14, 2012 – Lottomatica Group S.p.A. subsidiary SPIELO International Canada ULC (SPIELO International) has announced that it has recently signed a seven-year contract to provide its INTELLIGEN™ central system to support Saskatchewan’s video lottery terminal (VLT) program.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) will use SPIELO International’s INTELLIGEN central system to monitor approximately 4,000 VLTs. The system is expected to be installed in late 2012. The contract may be extended beyond the initial seven-year term, subject to the agreement of the parties.

The system, which replaces existing aging infrastructure, will include the following value-added applications: Distributed Game Management, Advanced Business Intelligence, and Proactive Diagnostics. There are also provisions to add further applications at a later date.

“We have had the pleasure of doing business in the Saskatchewan VLT market for two decades now, and we’re happy to build upon this relationship by providing them with our advanced INTELLIGEN system,” said Walter Bugno, President and CEO of Lottomatica Group’s business unit, SPIELO International. “This central system will not only answer their current needs, but it has the adaptability to satisfy changing requirements over the life of the contract.”

“The dependability and integrity of SPIELO International’s systems speaks to their culture of developing central systems in direct response to the needs of distributed VLT operators,” said WCLC Vice President of VLT Operations, Tyrone Wolfram.

“Furthermore, the applications we’ve opted to add to the base system will allow us to update games and make changes remotely; to gather and analyze data on demand; and to continuously monitor the status of our machines. This valuable functionality contributes to the sustainability of the overall program.”

INTELLIGEN offers stable, secure command and control capabilities uniquely tailored to operators of distributed and venue VLT environments, based on more than 20 years of proven central system experience. It interoperates with a wide range of VLTs using multiple protocols, including the Game to System® (G2S®) open standard protocol.

WCLC operates the VLT program on behalf of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Alchemy3 Mourns the Loss of One of Its Founding Members

Atlanta, Ga.— September 14, 2012— Founding partner of Alchemy3, David Schorr, died Thursday evening in a plane crash near his hometown of Cumming, Georgia. He and a friend were flying in a two-person RV-7 single engine plane that crashed in a residential neighborhood near Lake Lanier. No other people were hurt as a result of the crash, but both passengers died before paramedics could assist.

Most recently the CEO of Alchemy3, David Schorr had a successful career in the gaming industry.  Prior to Alchemy3, David managed International Sales for MDI Entertainment, a Scientific Games company. There he developed a name for himself in the lottery industry.  His experience in gaming began through the Thoroughbred Racing industry working for both LVDC and Scientific Games Racing.  His passion for gaming extends beyond his career as he spent a good part of his youth in Las Vegas, NV.

The lottery industry lost a charismatic personality and a good friend. David Schorr, CEO of Alchemy3, enjoyed a very exciting life as a father, a friend and a businessman. 

Whenever David set out to do anything he did it with intensity and a great deal of confidence.  As the Chief Executive Officer of Alchemy3, he presented ideas with an unmatched level of enthusiasm. 

“It was very difficult to keep up with him sometimes, but if you tried, you would usually end up laughing and recharged after. I miss his energy. I miss my friend.” Said Paul Guziel, COO of Alchemy3. 

Out of the office he pushed himself to exceed any challenge he could face, be it cycling, running, golfing or just working around the house.  David was also a philanthropist, regularly offering his time and efforts to local and national charities. Prior to the accident, David was training to do a long-distance cycle ride to benefit Multiple Sclerosis.

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of David Schorr. He was a true entrepreneur and an innovator in the industry, and I will certainly miss my dear friend," said Jeffrey Schweig, CMO of Alchemy3.

David leaves behind his wife Bridgette, two daughters, Aliza and Caitlyn and a Son Ethan.  He was the son of Steven and Holly Schorr and brother to Darren Schorr.  Funeral arrangements have not yet been determined but will be posted on www.alchemy3.com..

Pollard Banknote Awarded Instant Ticket Contract by the Texas Lottery Commission

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, September 10, 2012 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce that it has signed a six‐year contract for the supply of instant tickets and related services with the Texas Lottery Commission. The contract, which started on September 1, 2012, also provides for two additional three‐year extensions. In previous contracts, the Texas Lottery named a single primary supplier; however, this recent award distributes instant ticket printing among multiple qualified bidders.

“Pollard Banknote is both honored and excited to now be a major supplier to the Texas Lottery. We’ve proven that we can play a vital role in helping the Lottery achieve both short and long‐term growth based on the strength of our category expertise and proprietary innovations,” said Doug Pollard, Co‐Chief Executive Officer. “This contract demonstrates the Lottery’s leadership in the industry and speaks to its confidence in Pollard Banknote as a key supplier in its future growth.”

“Pollard Banknote has provided us with high quality, secure tickets that have helped contribute funding to public education in the state of Texas,” commented Gary Grief, Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission. “We look forward to working more closely with Pollard Banknote to leverage its unique product portfolio in the years ahead.”

Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated more than $20 billion in revenue for the state of Texas and distributed $39 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $14 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.

Ticket Named Best New Instant Game at the 2012 World Lottery Summit!

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, September 12, 2012 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is excited to announce the success of the Michigan Lottery’s Cashword Instant ticket and WebPlay™ program, starring the Michigan Lottery Cashword app powered by Pollard Banknote. The award was presented at the World Lottery Summit in Montréal this week.

“Pollard Banknote’s WebPlay™ program enhances the value of an instant ticket by providing free extended play on the lottery’s website or with a stand‐alone smartphone app”, said Co‐Chief Executive Officer, Doug Pollard. “We have focused a lot of energy and attention toward developing technologies that will attract  younger players and drive sales for our customers. The Michigan Lottery has been a wonderful partner and an   active supporter of our technology as it stimulates sales, provides added entertainment value, and most  importantly, captures the attention of the 18‐25 year old market. The fact there were one million Cashword interactive games played within the first six months of the program is a testament to its success.”

The Michigan Lottery’s Cashword WebPlay™ program features a custom app developed by Pollard Banknote  hat utilizes a quick response (QR) code to download the Michigan Cashword Lottery app. Once downloaded, players can continue to play their retailer‐purchased instant ticket in an online format for a second chance to win instant ticket coupons or points for redemption on the Michigan Lottery’s Player’s Club. Both the app and the web‐based version of the game can also be played for fun without the purchase of a Cashword ticket. Sales data since the February 2012 introduction of the Michigan Lottery Cashword app shows the WebPlay™ program was responsible for a 52% increase in average weekly sales of the already popular Cashword category as average weekly sales jumped from a total of $2.3 million to $3.5 million.

“Research shows the ability to play the game on a personal computer or on‐the‐go with a smartphone has successfully engaged the coveted 18‐25 demographic, of which 20% play the app for fun at least once a day after download”, stated Tom Weber, Deputy Commissioner of Marketing with the Michigan Lottery. “Fiftyfive percent of players who played the app for fun were influenced to purchase a ticket in order to play the app for prizes, while 75% of 18‐25 year‐old segment said they were more likely to purchase Cashword tickets after playing the Michigan Lottery Cashword app. The recent award for our Cashword program at the World Lottery Summit is further recognition of our work as an industry innovator and a strong endorsement of the Lottery’s ability to create compelling products for the future, including extending lottery games into the mobile space while still supporting our retail network”, said Weber.

 With the mandate to support education in the state, the Michigan Lottery generated over $727 million for Michigan’s educational system in 2011. Since 1972, the Lottery’s total contributions to schooling have grown to exceed $16 billion.

Jean-Luc Moner-Banet elected President of the World Lottery Association (WLA)

Loterie Romande’s CEO, Jean-Luc Moner-Banet, was unanimously elected on Wednesday, 12th September, as President of the World Lottery Association (WLA). He has been active on the WLA’s upper echelons, serving on its Executive Committee since March 2008. Loterie Romande is delighted at his election as, for the very first time, Switzerland will hold one of the topmost positions of importance and influence on the global stage for lotteries and lottery companies.

During the World Lottery Summit 2012 (WLS 2012), held between 9 and 12 September in Montreal, Canada, all lottery companies that are members of the World Lottery Association participated in elections to renew the WLA’s governing bodies. Jean-Luc Moner-Banet, first appointed to the WLA’s Executive Committee in March 2008, had put himself forward as a candidate for election as President. His great wealth of experience in the realm of lotteries and his dynamic vision of the key issues at stake on the international stage, particularly in the arena of sports betting, persuaded the assembled members to appoint him to the WLA’s highest office for a term of two years.

For the record, the WLA numbers approximately 150 official lottery companies (authorized State lotteries) from 82 countries around the globe, most of whose revenues (over 200 billion francs) are redeployed for public utility. The WLA is the world body and authority for all subjects related to lotteries, overseeing compliance with the system of legal concessions and supervising the integrity of games and sports betting, and implementing the most exacting standards with regard to responsible gaming as the industry strives to prevent and combat gambling addiction. The WLA plays a highly significant role in a landscape that is evolving rapidly, acting as an international forum where experience and creative ideas relating to future development of lotteries operating for the public benefit can be freely exchanged.

Loterie Romande is delighted with Mr Moner-Banet’s election as, for the very first time, Switzerland will hold one of the topmost positions of importance and influence on the global stage for lotteries and lottery companies. In an era when private companies active on the Internet, often operating illegally, are challenging the operating business model of State lotteries worldwide with their exclusively public-utility role, Switzerland will have an active voice in the all-important debate on this fundamental issue and be able to forge a professional network at the very highest level. This cooperation is likely to prove particularly fruitful considering the reform underway to Swiss Federal legislation on lotteries and betting as it will allow the integration of an international perspective and global regulatory best practices into the current drafting of the new law.

The Board of Directors of the Loterie Romande have encouraged Jean-Luc Moner- Banet to accept this new mission, which will not affect his responsibilities as CEO in any way. In order to avoid any conflict of interest and to dispose of the necessary time required for this new presidency Jean-Luc Moner-Banet will resign from his current mandate as Member of the European Lotteries’ Executive Committee and President of the specialised committee for sports betting.

Spielo International to Launch New Slot Titles at G2e Based On Popcap Games

(LAS VEGAS, Nevada) – Casino operators, get ready to soil your plants.

SPIELO International is announcing the launch of four new exclusive licensed slot titles based on some of the world’s most popular casual video games.

SPIELO International and PopCap Games, a division of Electronic Arts, have entered into a licensing agreement and have developed slot games based on three internationally recognized PopCap franchises – Plants vs. Zombies™, Zuma™, and Bejeweled™.

Four slot games based on the brands – including Plants vs. Zombies™ Gargantuar™ and Plants vs. Zombies™ Backyard Showdown™ – will be unveiled at Booth 1265 at G2E Las Vegas on Oct. 2, 2012. Don’t miss the morning launch as the rivalry between the plants and the zombies spills out onto the show floor.

“SPIELO International immediately recognized the strength behind PopCap’s casual games, which are known for their creativity, humor, and attention to detail. They’re played by billions of people worldwide, and appeal equally to both men and women,” said SPIELO International President and CEO Walter Bugno. “We know our customers want compelling and entertaining content that will intrigue current players while also growing the player base, so we’ve worked closely with PopCap to stay true to the spirit of their brands and create terrifically fun and engaging new slot gaming experiences.”

Plants vs. Zombies Gargantuar and Plants vs. Zombies Backyard Showdown feature the Graveyard Bonus, where players pick tombstones, collecting suns to win one of three progressives and avoiding the brain-craving zombies. Plants vs. Zombies Gargantuar offers a plant/zombie scatter pay and random wilds in the base game, with the Vase Breaker Pick-a-Prize and Gargantuar Free Spins bonuses. Meanwhile, Plants vs. Zombies Backyard Showdown has a base game where plant symbols have special powers -- just like the casual game! In the Who Will Win the Spin bonus, players win extra credits for guessing three correct spins in a row.

Based on PopCap’s hugely popular ball-blasting game, Zuma features the familiar Zuma frog shooting at an innovative moving ball track. The ball track increments progressives and triggers one of five unique Power Frogs, which places wilds on the base game. Among four bonuses, there are two-tiered Boss Battles and optional skill elements – players can choose to Be the Frog by timing ball shots to defeat the bosses.

With a copy of Bejeweled, PopCap’s flagship title, purchased somewhere in the world every 4.7 seconds, players will instantly recognize this global bestseller in its slot game form. SPIELO International has adapted the original game mechanics to the slot adaptation, with a cascading matrix, buyable game boosts, and seven linked non-hierarchical progressives. Players can select between three skilled and three random-outcome bonuses. Experienced Bejeweled casual game players will recognize the similarities in the slot adaptation, while players new to the game will quickly learn why the brand has been so successful.

Visit Booth 1265 at G2E 2012 to see how PopCap’s universally beloved casual game brands are translating into SPIELO International’s most entertaining titles to date.

Lapis announces a new contract with the Pennsylvania Lottery

September 7, 2012 – Lapis Software Associates, LLC announced today a new contract with the Pennsylvania Lottery for gemIntelligence™, a suite of web and mobile applications for retailers, field sales representatives and lottery employees.

The contract followed a procurement process that resulted in the selection of Lapis’s gemIntelligence software suite. 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.

"Pennsylvania has more than 9,000 Lottery retailers and about 100 District Lottery Representatives who support them, so we require solutions that increase retailer satisfaction and effectiveness, while helping our employees increase their efficiency and level of service," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Todd Rucci. "Expanding our retail base is a key objective, and a retailer portal with Internet-based and mobile applications to suit the needs of geographically diverse retailers and DLRs helps us improve and grow field operations."

“We are truly pleased to be working with the Pennsylvania Lottery, and in particular we are truly inspired by their vision for the next generation sales force automation and higher level of retailer information tools, said Jean Lombard, President of Lapis Software Associates. Helping create more productive and intelligent retail relationships is a business-critical function, that gemIntelligence is built to support.”

gemIntelligence provides an integrated and comprehensive platform that ensures retailers and lottery employees have direct and immediate access to the information they need. With this new “intelligence architecture”, and a true, web-based design, lotteries can take advantage of the increasing cellular and internet coverage with higher performance bandwidth. Lotteries canalso meet emerging retail support requirements as retailers continue to migrate to web and mobile applications for real time sales and inventory management. At the same time, as prices for mobile computing platforms like tablets continues to fall and capabilities increase, lotteries can now consider a wider range of more convenient and cost effective devices to make the job of supporting retailers easier and the service delivery better.

“We realize how critical retailer support is for the Lottery and providing them with flexible information tools and support is an essential component for growth and efficiency said, Adam Shapiro, Chief gemIntelligence Architect. Improving service to retailers, particularly chain accounts and helping the Lottery employees who serve them with new tools and capabilities is an exciting opportunity. We are also focused on helping them benefit from the advances in mobile technologies and the advantages of agile development platforms.”

gemIntelligence is the latest module in the gemEnterprise™ suite of software applications that are specialized for the lottery industry; gemBackOffice™ for integrated back office operations, and other specialized applications such as gemView™, a lottery executive and management decision dashboard. Lapis’s gemBackOffice™ is a complete back office application suite that integrates with all lottery systems and provides an independent and highly customizable platform for mission critical information management.

Alchemy3 Partners with Norwegian Cruise Line for Lottery Games

Atlanta, Georgia—September 5, 2012 –Alchemy3 (A3) announced today it has formed a partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line whereby  state lotteries will now be able to now offer consumers luxury cruise prizes aboard the line’s two new ships. A3 is the leader in lottery cruise related games, having designed and executed “Cruise for Cash” Instant Games for most North American state Lotteries. Norwegian is best known for being an innovator in the cruise industry, most notably with its signature Freestyle Cruising®.

 Over the next two years, Norwegian will be introducing two, brand new state-of-the-art ships, Norwegian Breakaway, in April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, in early 2014.  Norwegian is planning major marketing and public relations campaigns in support of these two exciting ship launches, which will raise brand awareness and generate excitement for these innovative new vessels. Alchemy3 will introduce the Norwegian branded lottery tickets during the same promotional period.

 “Lottery marketers have been pleased with our luxury cruise programs. They are proven to deliver players and sales to lotteries,” said David Schorr, A3’s chief executive officer.  “We believe that by offering cruises on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway as prizes, the demand for these lottery tickets will be strong.”  

 “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to generate excitement and awareness of our brand and in particular, our new ships,” said Camille Olivere, Senior Vice President of Sales, Americas at Norwegian Cruise Line.  “By partnering with Alchemy, millions of lottery players across the country will have the opportunity to win a cruise on board one of our new ships. “

 “We look forward to meeting with our lottery partners to share details of the new ships and the significant media activity that will be focused on Norwegian in 2013 and 2014,” Schorr concluded.

Driven by the Popularity of Home Improvement, Alchemy3 Introduces Kenmore® and Craftsman® Branded Games to the Lottery Category

Atlanta, Ga.— Aug. 31, 2012—Alchemy3 and Sears announced a program today to create a series of “home improvement” centric games incorporating the popular Kenmore and Craftsman brands. With the continued struggles in the economy, the remodeling industry has been a bright spot, as consumers look to make upgrades to their current homes, rather than purchasing a new residence.

“Through research, we know that home remodeling activity increased by 22 percent in May from a year ago, marking the 19th-straight month of gains and rising to the highest level since the home improvement industry began tracking the data in 2004*,” said Jeffrey Schweig, Alchemy3’s chief marketing officer.  “The data demonstrates that homeowners are most definitely investing in their property, even as home market values and prices continue to be a challenge,” Schweig added.

Jai Holtz, vice president, financial services, Sears Holdings said, “These are brands Americans know and trust -- the Craftsman brand is America’s most trusted tool brand, and Kenmore, America’s #1 appliance brand, continues to raise the bar with industry-leading products across small and large appliance categories. Consumers will be excited to win Sears gift cards to purchase Kenmore and Craftsman goods.”

Pollard Banknote and Cadillac®: Driving Excellence

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, August 13, 2012 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote), a global leader in the production and merchandising of instant lottery tickets today announced the Cadillac® instant ticket as the latest success in Pollard Banknote’s Licensed Products portfolio.

The D.C. Lottery’s Cadillac® Riches instant ticket has become the best selling $5 lottery ticket in the Lottery’s history and the recently launched Cadillac® instant game ticket from the Georgia Lottery has also been a hit, selling 47% of the tickets in the first two weeks on the market. These Lotteries are the latest of several jurisdictions to experience success since the Cadillac® Licensed Product was launched.

“We’re very pleased by the sales results in D.C. and Georgia,” said Sina Aiello, Vice President, Marketing. “When you have tickets that look this great and you can support it with Pollard Banknote’s highly effective integrated marketing program, it’s bound to resonate with the public and they’ll respond with sales like this,” Aiello continued.

“The Cadillac® Riches scratch ticket was the most successful $5 ticket ever launched by the D.C. Lottery. It was a super‐charged success on all eight cylinders,” said Buddy Roogow, Executive Director, D.C. Lottery, enthusiastically. “The combination of outstanding graphics, a beautiful design and a hot vehicle won the day!” Launched in January 2012, the D.C. Lottery’s ticket was the first Cadillac® branded ticket to feature a number of Pollard Banknote proprietary  technologies including Scratch FX® and a Quick Link™ code.

Scratch FX® replicates the sparkle of either foil or holographic foil and when combined with a classic black ticket, creates an eye‐catching design. The Quick Link™ provides non‐winners the ability to scan the code and go directly to the lottery micro‐site and enter a second chance draw to win a Cadillac®.

“Our players love this Cadillac® ticket,” said Margaret DeFrancisco, CEO, Georgia Lottery. “In its first few weeks in the market, the ticket sold 51% faster than other $5 tickets and in fact, after only seven weeks, we are virtually sold out. They’ve become a hot commodity in the market! We couldn’t be more pleased.”

“Lotteries are able to customize a program specifically for their market, including choosing from   slate of Pollard designs, games, research and marketing services. The D.C. Lottery chose to focus on the CTS model while the Georgia Lottery has three different ticket designs, each featuring one of two CTS models or an Escalade SUV, with an opportunity for players to win one of the three Cadillac vehicles. Either way, winners in both lotteries can find themselves driving off in one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.

In addition to designing, programming and printing the Cadillac® ticket through its Licensed Products group, Pollard Banknote offers lotteries a customized integrated sales and marketing program for all Licensed Product launches. The integrated turnkey marketing support program can include everything from focus testing, sales analysis, traditional and digital advertising campaigns, micro and mobile site design and development, point of sale support for retailers and even prize fulfillment.

Intralot Expands Its Global Presence in Mexico

INTRALOT S.A., the leading international gaming company, and Sorteo Games, Inc., a leading provider of electronic lottery systems and services, are pleased to announce a five-year agreement to roll-out innovative gaming products for Lotería Nacional, the National Lottery of Mexico. INTRALOT has already established a strong presence in Latin America and the Caribbean and this agreement marks its entry into the Mexican market. 

The first gaming product to be deployed is INTRALOT’s industry-leading KENO game. With visually attractive draws in Points of Sale TV screens, Keno is a quick, entertaining and exciting game. Under the terms of the agreement, INTRALOT will provide its technology platform, terminals and operational services to enable the implementation of KENO and, subsequently, new online games. The games will be offered through INTRALOT's LOTOS™ O/S Gaming platform fully integrated for Sorteo Games, which has from the National Lottery the required lottery contracts and licenses, for distribution channels and retail venues. In addition, Sorteo will be able to use the KENO terminals to cross-sell its other National Lottery games.

The Chairman of Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública de México, Mr. Benjamín González Roaro, welcomed the new partnership and stated: “Our objective at Lotería Nacional for the benefit of generating revenues for social welfare of Mexico is to grow our distribution channels by modernizing and automating our systems and games, and we are delighted to be able to develop and launch the new Lotería Nacional Keno game with our long term partner Sorteo Games and the leading global lottery games and systems provider INTRALOT”.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Nikos Nikolakopoulos, Managing Director of INTRALOT Latin America, said: “As a fast developing market, Mexico was a natural target for INTRALOT. Thanks to this agreement with Sorteo, we are able to expand our existing presence within Latin America into this key region. It is the remarkable potential of the Mexican lottery market that has attracted INTRALOT’s interest to invest in the country and we are sure that our collaboration with Lotería Nacional will be mutual beneficial supporting the Lottery’s plans to increase its contributions to Good Causes”.

Mr. Nour-Dean Anakar, CEO of Sorteo, added: “We are delighted that INTRALOT has chosen to partner with Sorteo, which validates our offering and expertise. We look forward to benefiting from INTRALOT’s resources and international experience in the development, installation and launch of the KENO game in Mexico, and we hope this will be the first step in establishing a strong, long-term relationship.”