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LOTTERY
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| Vol. 31 No. 12 -- Monday June 20, 2005 |
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New Mexico Lottery and Santa Ana Star Launch Lottosino®, State's First Joint Lottery/Casino Game ALBUQUERQUE / SANTA ANA PUEBLO, New Mexico (June 13, 2005) - The New Mexico Lottery and Santa Ana Star Casino have entered into the first joint lottery/tribal casino game in the state and possibly the U.S. The two have launched LottoSino®, an instant (Scratcher) game with two distinct playing fields: one for the lottery and the other for the casino. The traditional New Mexico Lottery portion features 11 ways to win with top cash prizes of $30,000. Santa Ana Star's portion includes a scratch-off playing field revealing various casino prizes ranging from logo-styled merchandise and free bowling to $5,000 top cash prizes. "Four different groups will reap LottoSino's rewards," said Lottery CEO Tom Shaheen. "First, New Mexico Lottery players will enjoy a new and different game. Second, casino players who normally don't buy lottery tickets may find a new product they enjoy. Third, the game will help raise more money for the Lottery Success Scholarship. And fourth, the Pueblo of Santa Ana will be able to generate needed funds to support its community programs."
"Indian gaming was put in place by the Federal government to assist Tribal governments in being self sufficient," said General Manager Conrad Granito. "With Federal programs to Santa Ana Pueblo being cut every year, the revenues provided by the casino help in supporting the Tribal members in many ways." Proposed to the Lottery by Vegas Games Inc. (VGI), the LottoSino concept was presented to several New Mexico tribal casinos. Santa Ana Star on the Santa Ana Pueblo not only opted to participate with the Lottery, but also applied to be a New Mexico Lottery retailer. Shaheen noted that the initial proposal presented by VGI would have partnered the Lottery with a Nevada casino promotion. However, he said that it was important that the promotional partnership be offered to a New Mexico Native American casino. "We're thrilled that Santa Ana Star elected to participate in this revolutionary concept," Shaheen added. The New Mexico Lottery has already raised more than $243 million for public education, including almost $177 million for the Lottery Success Scholarship program. Well over 35,000 students so far have received their in-state college tuition paid by the Lottery Success Scholarship. Just as the New Mexico Lottery benefits residents of the state, the Santa Ana Pueblo has benefited from its governmental gaming operation. With the success of the Santa Ana Star Casino, tribal members have experienced increased social services, better housing, provided for higher educational opportunities, as well as needed community infrastructure and improved elder care. The casino has also contributed to the surrounding area with employment opportunities, charitable donations and economic development. LottoSino® is a registered trademark owned by Vegas Games Inc. Vegas Games is an independent lottery and casino game designer and system developer. The trademark and method-of-play has been licensed to the New Mexico Lottery and Santa Ana Star Casino. All rights are reserved. CONTACTS: Lance Ross, 505-342-7616 or 800-642-6689, ext. 7616, Email: lross@nmlottery.com. Nadine Guillén, 505-342-7615 or 800-642-6689, ext. 7615, Email: nguillen@nmlottery.com. Conrad Granito, 505-771-5637 (Santa Ana Star Casino), Email: conradg@santaanastar.com. Gary Baldwin, 702-371-5832 (Vegas Games, Inc.), Email: gbaldwin8@cox.net. SOURCE: New Mexico Lottery media release. INTRALOT Sponsors IAAF Super Grand Prix 2005 ‘Tsiklitiria’ ATHENS, Greece (June 17, 2005) -- For the 6th continuous year INTRALOT has supported one of the most important Track and Field Events: The IAAF Super Grand Prix 2005 ‘TSIKLITIRIA’ that took place at the Athens Olympic Stadium
INTRALOT was the 100m race sponsor, won by Asafa Powell who broke the 100m dash World Record, finishing in 9,77s sec. The old record was 9,78, held by Tim Montgomery since September 2002. TSIKLITIRIA is a renowned International Track and Field meeting, which was classified as a Super Grand Prix event by the IAAF and organized by ‘Panellinios A.C.’ Every year it attracts world-class athletes; Olympic Games winners, world champions and world record holders.
INTRALOT supports a broad range of sports events to promote the spirit of unity, competition and teamwork. INTRALOT’s sponsoring program demonstrates its commitment to local communities and its contribution to the enhancement of the quality of life and cultural development. INTRALOT, a public company listed on the ASE, is a leading
supplier of integrated gaming and transaction processing systems, innovative
game content and value added services to state-licensed gaming organizations
worldwide. SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com) media release. Instant Games
will be ¡MUY CALIENTE! with Newly Licensed Hispanic Culture
Icons ALPHARETTA, Georgia, USA (June 13, 2005) – MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games (NASDAQ: SGMS), announced today that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Star Slots International Corp. to develop instant lottery tickets featuring some of the world’s most famous Latin icons. Star Slots International specializes in the marketing of Latin culture icons to the gaming and lottery industries worldwide.
The agreement is a result of MDI’s efforts to expand the offerings available to its international customers. The worldwide agreement gives MDI the rights to a large portfolio of brands, including Latin music superstars Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, and international soccer star Pele. With the first round of the World Cup beginning in June of 2006, Lotteries still have time to capitalize on the immense popularity of this soccer sensation. Lotteries can also choose from a diverse catalog that includes boxers Julio Cesar Chavez and Roberto Duran, baseball superstar Roberto Clemente, racing legend Emerson Fittipaldi, television personality Susana Gimenez, comedic actor Jorge Porcel and musicians Los Tigres Del Norte, Jose Luis Rodriguez "El Puma" and Palito Ortega. "Our research has found that companies that customize their marketing efforts towards their Hispanic customers will see those efforts rewarded with incremental sales, not only in Central and South America, but also in areas with highly concentrated Hispanic populations such as California, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona in the US. This has already been proven with the success of these brands as slot type games," said Carlos Barba, founder and CEO of Star Slots. Barba has over 35 years experience in television and was president and co-founder of Univision Group and Telemundo. MDI President Steve Saferin hopes to duplicate that success with new instant games surrounding these brands. "Until now, the market potential for lottery products featuring brands preferred by Hispanic or Latino players has been virtually untapped," said Saferin. "We anticipate the universal appeal of these brands will attract a broad range of players worldwide, particularly in Latin America, and will bring even greater international attention to MDI. In particular, with the World Cup in 2006, we believe there is a great opportunity for lotteries with tickets featuring Soccer superstar Pele." About Star Slots International
Corp.
About Scientific Games SOURCE: MDI Entertainment media release. SAZKA a.s. Extends Its Contract With Oberthur Gaming Technologies MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (June 15, 2005) -- Oberthur Gaming Technologies ("OGT") is pleased to announce a three-year contract extension with SAZKA a.s., the National Lottery of the Czech Republic. Under the terms of this contract that was originally signed in 1998, OGT is responsible for manufacturing 100% of the instant ticket volume of the Lottery as well as for providing SAZKA with marketing related services. "OGT has been printing instant lottery tickets for SAZKA since 1989, enabling us to launch outstanding instant products in Czech Republic," said Ales Husak, Director and CEO of SAZKA a.s. "We are extremely satisfied not only with OGT’s products but with the marketing support they have been providing since the beginning of our relationship. For instance, OGT was very supportive in helping us launch the first Edition of our Design Contest several years ago."
"We are very proud to have this opportunity to pursue our long-term relationship with such a dynamic and creative team, and one of the most successful lottery organizations in Europe," added Patrick Larocque, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing of OGT-Europe. "All of us at OGT are looking forward to work on new projects with SAZKA and continue providing the Lottery with attractive and entertaining games as well as all the necessary support to ensure successful launches." About Oberthur Gaming Technologies www.oberthurgt.com With more than 30 years of lottery-specific expertise and
over a century's experience in the security printing industry, Oberthur Gaming
Technologies is the world’s leader in the printing of innovative instant
lottery tickets. SOURCE: Lyse Trudel, Communications Officer, Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Phone: (+1-514) 254-3600, ext. 101, Email: lyse.trudel@mtl.oberthurgt.com. Lottery Promotion Angles for Success DES MOINES, Iowa, USA (June 10, 2005) -- A partnership between the Iowa Lottery and natural resources officials will mean more fishing trips in the state this year and lots of lottery prize winners. On April 18, the Iowa Lottery released a $1 fishing-themed instant-scratch game called "Reelin' in the Cash." Players who didn't win a cash prize could use their non-winning tickets to buy a fishing license at a discounted price through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Web site.
During the "Reelin' in the Cash" promotion period from April 20-May 31, the number of annual fishing licenses sold through the DNR Web site increased more than five fold. And, after just seven weeks of sales, the scratch game was nearly sold out at lottery retail locations, translating into success for both state partners. "The number of ‘impressions’ about fishing that we were able to put in front of the public through the Reelin' in the Cash project were invaluable," said Marion Conover, bureau chief of fisheries at the DNR. "It kept fishing top of mind at a key time of year. The added emphasis through the lottery campaign came at a perfect time." Iowa Lottery CEO Ed Stanek noted that the law creating the lottery declares that lottery revenues are to be used "in support of a variety of programs and services." "That is how we view the lottery's partnerships with state agencies: In addition to raising money for state programs, the lottery can carry out its ‘support’ mission through joint projects" Stanek said. The focus on fishing began in August 2004, when statistics revealed a drop in Iowa fishing license sales and a resulting budget shortfall at the DNR. Sales of resident fishing licenses had fallen nearly 9 percent since 2000, resulting in a budget cut to the DNR's fisheries, wildlife and conservation law enforcement bureaus in fiscal year 2004. Staffers at the Iowa Lottery, which has supported other state agencies through past games and promotions, began brainstorming with the DNR about ways the two could work together to remind people about fishing opportunities in the state. DNR director Jeff Vonk viewed the lottery's help as a unique opportunity to spread a reminder message across the state. "Reaching Iowans through a lottery ticket is an innovative way to spread awareness of Iowa's extensive outdoor recreational opportunities," Vonk said. Reelin' in the Cash tickets went on sale April 18, featuring playful artwork of a fisherman who had caught a brightly colored fish with a mouthful of cash. Lottery players tried to find three like amounts or a fish symbol to win prizes of up to $900. A printed message near the play area on each ticket reminded lottery players: "Buy your fishing license online now at www.iowadnr.com!" That message was backed up with a value-added promotion through the DNR's Web site. Players with nonwinning tickets could visit the site and use the serial number on the back of their ticket to buy a 2005 annual Iowa fishing license at a special discounted price. The promotion ran from April 20-May 31, providing a $3.49 discount on each license purchased. The discount was sponsored by the Iowa Lottery and through the waiving of an online convenience fee of $2.49 by Central Bank, which processes the license fees for the DNR. The lottery and DNR scheduled the game and promotion to coincide with the start of warm spring weather. "It's always the perfect time of year to win some cash," said Joe Hrdlicka, vice president of marketing for the Iowa Lottery. "It's definitely the perfect time of year to start fishing!" During the promotion period, the DNR sold 1,626 annual resident and nonresident fishing licenses through its Web site. That compares to 284 in the same period of 2004. DNR officials were especially pleased with the information gleaned about those who bought licenses online during the lottery discount period. Nearly half of them were occasional anglers -- those who haven't bought a fishing license every year -- who the DNR has been trying to reach. More than a third of those who used a lottery ticket to purchase a discounted fishing license were women and 65 percent were in the 30-54 age range.
The Lottery supported Reelin' in the Cash with advertising on the radio, in print and on some Internet sites. The DNR asked those making online license purchases to fill out a voluntary survey about how they learned about the promotion. More than 40 percent of those who completed the survey said they heard about it through a radio ad, while another 26 percent said they found information at a lottery retailer. Other state projects that the Iowa Lottery recently has helped promote include: The Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs. The Lottery's "Beetle Bailey" game released in February 2003 featured a toll-free number that people could call for more information about veterans issues in Iowa. San Antonio-based Oberthrur Gaming Technologies Corp., which licensed the game, donated a percentage of the licensing fee for the game to veterans programs. In Iowa, a $1,200 donation was made to the Commission on Veterans Affairs, with the money going to provide statewide training about veterans benefits and issues. The Department of Cultural Affairs. The "Mammoth Cash" instant-scratch game released in the spring of 2004 invited players to visit the Iowa Historial Museum in Des Moines and see an exhibit there featuring the complete skeleton of a mammoth. The Iowa State Fair. The "Iowa State Fair 150th Anniversary Sweepstakes" promotion and "Cash On A Stick" instant-scratch game released in the summer of 2004 helped call attention to the 150th anniversary of Iowa's great State Fair. SOURCE: Iowa Lottery media release.
NZ Lotteries Celebrates Funding Boost for New Zealand Communities NEW ZEALAND (June 10, 2005) - A significant turnaround in business performance has translated to more money going back to New Zealand communities via the NZ Lottery Grants Board (LGB), New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZ Lotteries) Chief Executive Trevor Hall announced today. "We are delighted that there has been an increase in the funds available for distribution and want to thank all of our customers who have supported our products, Lotto, Lotto Strike, Lotto Powerball, Keno and Instant Kiwi, over the past 12 months which has led to this funding increase," Mr Hall said.
"NZ Lotteries provides 100% of the LGB’s funding, with about 20 cents in every $1 we make going straight to the LGB. Since our creation in 1987, NZ Lotteries has contributed more than $2 billion to the LGB. "That doesn’t account for the 55 cents in every $1 we make that is returned in prizes, 7 cents in retailer commissions and 10 cents in tax that also flows back to the community." "NZ Lotteries is proud to be able to make this contribution and excited to see the positive changes this funding makes to so many communities. SOURCE: New Zealand Lotteries Commission Media Release.
‘Dream'n-Of-Dollars’ Concept Wins Lottery's Game-Design Contest
DES MOINES, Iowa, USA (June 10, 2005) - A central Iowa woman's idea for a lottery ticket featuring happy dreamers has won the $3,000 top prize in the Iowa Lottery's latest "design-a-game" contest.
Alice Hayes of Webster City entered the lottery's contest with a ticket design she entitled "Dream'n of Dollars." The ticket art she drew showed a couple tucked in bed with just the tops of their heads peeking out from under the covers. Above them are scenes from their happy dreams of big winnings. Hayes' entry was among more than 1,900 that the Iowa Lottery received in its "Design A Game From Scratch" contest from May 2-27. Iowans were invited to submit their original ideas for instant-scratch games for the chance to win cash prizes. Hayes, 69, a lab assistant at Electrolux, said she came up with the idea for her game as bedtime approached one night. On her ticket, players would scratch off alarm clocks to try to find like amounts underneath. "I thought that when they scratched it off, they'd wake up and win!" she said. Hayes said she has always had a knack for art. "I wouldn't want to do a finished product or anything, but I just like to think up ideas," she said.
The lottery has held a few design-a-game contests during its 20-year history and several contestants' ideas have gone on to become popular games. For example, in January 2000, the lottery released the "Cash In The Couch" game featuring artwork of a man who had found money under his sofa cushions. The game idea was submitted by Gregg Kerby of Burlington, who won the $3,000 top prize in the lottery's 1998 design-a-game contest. The second-place prize of $2,000 in this year's contest was won by Lori Craun of Marshalltown, who entered a game idea she called "Big Bucks BBQ." The ticket she drew featured a happy chef wearing a "Kiss the Cook" apron while grilling hamburgers. Craun ended up a double winner in the contest - she also won the fourth-place prize of $500 for "Squirrel Away Cash," - a ticket showing a squirrel that had packed cash into a walnut. The third-place prize in this year's contest went to David Backstrom of Norwalk, who won $1,000 for his "Fixin' to Win" ticket that featured images of tools and would give players the chance to win a dream workshop. The design-a-game contest was open to Iowans at least 21 years old who came up with original game ideas and artwork. Those who entered the contest completed an official entry form, attached their game idea and ticket art and either mailed their entry to the lottery or delivered it in person. The entry deadline was 4 p.m. May 27. Entries were judged by a panel including advertising agency art directors and lottery industry professionals. Each eligible design was judged in four categories: originality, overall appeal, game format and appropriateness. Since the Iowa Lottery's inception in 1985, more than $1.8 billion in prizes and nearly $910 million in lottery proceeds has been raised for state programs. SOURCE: Iowa Lottery media release.
CARLSBAD, California, USA (June 15, 2006) -- James Walters, President of Global Lottery Corporation, announced today that Global has completed the acquisition of WSG Systems, the holder of proprietary software and hardware to implement and/or improve and operate private and government lottery systems and pari-mutual betting systems. Global issued 6,763,950 shares of its common stock in exchange for 13,527,900 shares of WSG's common stock. In addition, Global issued 8,250,000 shares of common stock to settle a portion of WSG's outstanding payables and negotiated settlement for the balance of debt owing. WSG's shareholders approved the acquisition on April 28, 2005, however WSG and Global had to settle with the debt-holders of WSG to complete the acquisition. SOURCE: Global Lottery Corporation. ROME, Italy (June 14, 2005) -- Football is the sport that is touching the lives and sentiments of people all over Europe and the world. And it is the most important sport in the world of sports betting.
Football pools and especially betting in football has an increasing role in the services of the member lotteries of EL. There is also an increasing need to fight against fraud and match-fixing in football. This is absolutely necessary for the member lotteries who organize sports betting. This is absolutely necessary for the integrity of sport of football. European lottery companies have a long history of co-operation with UEFA- European Football Association through the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Risto Nieminen, Vice President of EL and Board Member of EFP prepared the details for the memorandum of understanding.
It was signed in Rome today during the 3rd Congress of European State Lotteries and Toto Association, representing 74 Lotteries and Toto Companies based in Europe by Lars-Christer Olsson CEO of UEFA, Hans Jürgen Reissiger, President of EL and Dr. Dieter Leinmüller, President of EFP. EL and its member lotteries will help UEFA through betting monitoring system and through creating a common code of conduct of betting and football- in the common interest of protecting and maintaining the integrity of football. This is a tremendous and important step forward for both UEFA and European Lotteries. UEFA, EL and EFP will also continue having discussion to find new profitable and constructive ways to co-operate for the good of both organizations and their member organizations that is national lottery companies and national football associations. UEFA is a trusted partner and it will be great to have a partner like UEFA on our side. SOURCE: European State Lotteries and Toto Association and European Football Pool media release. CONTACT: Thomas Büchler-De La Cruz, Secretary General, Phone: +41 61 284 13 01, Fax: +41 61 284 13 50, E-Mail: tb@world-lotteries.org or Bernadette Lobjois, EL Secretary General, Phone: + 41 21 311 30 25, Fax: + 41 21 312 30 11, e-mail: info@european-lotteries.org
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Interplay Multimedia Pty. Ltd. disclaims all liability for information provided within Lottery Insider -- Data supplied by named sources. |