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LOTTERY
INSIDER
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| Vol. 32 No. 3 -- Monday July 18, 2005 |
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INTRALOT Acquires Betting Company in Poland ATHENS, Greece (July 11, 2005) -- INTRALOT, through its subsidiaries POLLOT and INTRALOT INTERNATIONAL, obtained the control of Totolotek, a company that manages and operates Fixed-Odds Sports Betting in Poland. In the liberalized Polish Betting market of €150 mil. per annum sales, three (3) Betting companies operate with equal market shares (approximately 33% each). Totolotek has a network of about 400 agencies. Half of them are owned by the company and the rest are managed by agents.
The acquisition price was €3.4 mil. and will be paid in three (3) annual installments. In the first quarter of 2005 the sales of the company amounted to €10.2 mil. and its earnings before taxes were €350 thousand. The company is in a growth stage since the Polish market, with a population of 40 mil. people and low per capita spending in Betting games, has significant growth potential. Moreover, the acquisition of a dynamic network of agencies in the country is a very important factor for INTRALOT’s penetration in the Polish Betting market. INTRALOT will gradually expand the sales network of Totolotek and upgrade its betting operation technological infrastructure. Coupled with INTRALOT’s know-how, the above mentioned improvements are expected to provide Totolotek with all the necessary requirements in order to play a major role in the Polish Betting market and other games. Commenting on the acquisition, INTRALOT’s CEO, Mr Constantinos Antonopoulos, noted: "This acquisition aims to strengthen INTRALOT’s presence in the global marketplace. Polish market is a very prominent one and INTRALOT will contribute in its further development and the expansion of fixed odd betting games." About INTRALOT 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. With 31 subsidiaries, 7 business offices and 1,500 people in 28 countries and revenues of € 325,8 million, INTRALOT’s footprint straddles five continents. The company currently ranks 3rd on revenues and 2nd on profits among lottery suppliers worldwide. SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com) media release. ALPHARETTA, Georgia, USA (July 8, 2005) -- MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games (NASDAQ: SGMS), announced today that the Ohio Lottery has become the latest to offer players the convenience of entering second chance bonus games online via MDI’s Second Chance Bonus Zone®. The Ohio Lottery introduced online entry with the website for their new $5 Mustang Money instant game. Players have the option of mailing in their non-winning tickets, or they can "save a stamp" by using the free Internet entry method. In order to submit entries online, players must first complete a registration process. The new service is already proving a hit with Ohio lottery players, with registrations on pace to exceed 1,000 in the first week.
Steve Saferin, MDI President, said "People are becoming accustomed to conducting everyday transactions via the Internet. Lottery players are also looking for innovations that bring added convenience and value to their playing experience. The Ohio Lottery has recognized the savings and ease of entry that MDI’s Internet entry platform can bring to their players." In addition to providing an Internet-based method of entry into the second chance game, the site provides details about the game itself, with pages detailing rules, drawing dates, and prize information. The site also serves to increase traffic to the lottery’s existing website. Players access the second chance entry site (http://www.secondchancebonuszone.com/mustang/oh/home.php) by following links from the Ohio Lottery home page (www.ohioloterry.com). MDI’s menu of Internet Services includes second chance bonus game sites, as well as the creation and management of online player’s clubs, such as the Michigan Lottery Player City and the New Jersey Lottery VIP Club. About Scientific Games Scientific Games Corporation (www.scientificgames.com) is the leading integrated supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to lotteries, and the leading supplier of wagering systems and services to pari-mutuel operators. It is also a licensed pari-mutuel gaming operator in Connecticut and the Netherlands, and is a leading supplier of prepaid phone cards to telephone companies. MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation, is the worldwide leader in licensed lottery games and promotions. SOURCE: MDI Entertainment media release. INTRALOT Receives Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award for Its International Business Activity ATHENS, Greece (July 5, 2005) -- INTRALOT was honoured with the award of International Business Activity for 2004, from the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a ceremony, held on July 4th at HILTON Hotel, in Athens, attended by representatives from the political and business community. This award, attributed to companies with successful business activity in the global market, was presented to Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos, C.E.O. of INTRALOT, by the Greek Minister of Economy & Finance, Mr. George Alogoskoufis.
Commenting on the award, Mr C. Antonopoulos noted: "This award represents the recognition of our extensive global presence and reflects our continuous business development and growth strategy. We are honoured that our efforts have been acknowledged by the business community." INTRALOT’s footprint straddles five continents, with more than 35 subsidiaries and business offices in 28 countries. Committed to meeting customer requirements and performance expectations and with a demonstrated ability to adapt to new markets and overcome technological and cultural constraints, INTRALOT has acquired an excellent reputation in the global gaming sector. For more information please CONTACT: Mrs. Evi Ioannidou, Communications Manager, Phone: +30-210-6156000, Fax: +30-210-6106800,email: ioannidou@intralot.com. SOURCE: INTRALOT (www.intralot.com).
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, USA (July 7, 2005) – In a historic agreement, JCM American Corporation and Betson Imperial have joined forces to create a powerhouse network for automated transaction products. Under the agreement, Betson Imperial will sell, distribute and service JCM products, touching all markets the companies do business in, including the amusement, gaming, lottery and vending industries. Under the agreement, which takes effect immediately, Betson Imperial will sell, distribute and service all JCM vending products, including the revolutionary new Optipay Vending System; amusement products; Tovis monitors; and gaming parts and units based on area and jurisdiction. JCM Vice President of Marketing Tom Nieman said, "We are very pleased to enter into this agreement. Over the last 20 years, JCM products have validated an estimated $2.2 trillion in the gaming industry alone, Now combine that history of success with Betson’s parallel history in the coin-op world, and the result is a relationship and a shared knowledge base that will be extremely beneficial to customers in all of the industries the two companies serve." Betson Imperial’s Director of Technical Services Rob Zigmont said, "Betson has a long history in the amusement and vending industries, and JCM is unrivaled in the gaming industry. Bringing the two companies together creates an energetic force that is uniquely equipped for today’s business environment."
About JCM JCM American Corporation is the industry leader in currency handling systems and provides products, software and services to the gaming, vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries. Since 1995, its products have validated an estimated $2.2 trillion in currency for the gaming industry alone. From its international headquarters in Osaka, Japan, and subsidiaries in Düsseldorf, Hong Kong, London, Sydney and its U.S. headquarters in Las Vegas, JCM’s progressive spirit continually sets worldwide industry standards with innovative products such as the World Bill Acceptor (WBA), Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA), Trident Table Safe System and Intelligent Cash Box (ICB). For more information, visit www.jcm-american.com About Betson Enterprises Betson Enterprises is celebrating 71 years in the coin-op industry. The company’s roots are in distribution, both amusement and vending, and in recent years the company has expanded its parts and service business and has successfully manufactured and marketed classic games such as Cruis’n Exotica, Rush 2049, and Arctic Thunder. Recently Betson teamed with new game development company Raw Thrills, leading to such hits as Target: Terror and the smash hit driving game The Fast and the Furious. For more information, visit www.betson.com. SOURCE: JCM American Corporation media release distributed
by Steinbeck Communications.
MILAN, Italy (June 29, 2005) – As part of the relaunch of the historic Olivetti brand name, the Telecom Italia Group’s consumer and business market information and communication technology product company today unveiled a new generation of products based on proprietary ink jet technology. One of Europe’s best-known brands, Olivetti has almost a century’s experience in research and innovation. In 2004 the company achieved impressive results on the international markets in which it operates:
The Company has set itself the following targets for the three-year period 2005-2007:
Olivetti is unveiling its latest easy-to-use, distinctively-styled multi-function printers, which combine accessible high-tech in an understated design. The latest generation of Olivetti products is being designed by internationally-renowned designers. Instantly understandable interfaces, intuitive language and universal icons have been adopted to improve the user experience and ensure ease of use. Two new types of ink jet printers are being produced:
The relaunch of the Olivetti brand and the new Olivetti products rely on a communications strategy based on advertising campaigns targeted at end users this autumn. The company’s line of consumer-oriented ink jet products designed by major names and introduced in 2005 will be joined in 2006 by a product conceived by another leading international designer, Jasper Morrison. SOURCE: Telecom Italia Media Relations Olivetti Press Office, Phone: +39.06.3688.2610, Web Site: www.telecomitalia.it/stampa_uk. Pacific Lottery Announces Terminal Production by Vietnamese Lottery Terminal Manufacturer Underway CALGARY, Alberta, Canada (July 11, 2005) - Pacific Lottery Corporation (TSX VENTURE: LUK) (the "Corporation") announces another milestone has been reached with the commencement of production of 600 proprietary lottery terminals (the "Terminals"), pursuant to a previously announced lottery terminal Manufacturing Agreement between the Corporation and the Hanoi Electronics Corporation ("HANEL").
The commencement of manufacturing of the Terminals follows the receipt by the Corporation of a satisfactory, expiry extended, replacement of the Advanced Payment Guarantee from the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (the "Bank Guarantee") on behalf of the Terminal manufacturer HANEL, and the subsequent payment by the Corporation of the required deposit in accordance with the terms of the Manufacturing Agreement. The Bank Guarantee reimburses the Corporation for the amount of the entire deposit (amounting to 50% of the total contract price), in case there is any default by HANEL in the manufacture of the Terminals. The manufacturing, delivery and installation of the Terminals in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam's most populous and prosperous city, enables the Corporation to fulfil its obligations under its agreement with the authorised Vietnamese Government authority to provide the technology and related services required for the installation and operation of a modern online lottery program for the Ho Chi Minh City marketplace. The Manufacturing Agreement also requires the Corporation to make a further 40% payment of the cost of the Terminals at time of delivery and the remaining 10% to be paid one month after delivery and installation of the Terminals. The Corporation anticipates delivery of the Terminals over the course of the next sixteen weeks. Thereafter, once all Terminals are tested and accepted, the Terminals will be installed in the retailer network in anticipation of the launching of the modern online lottery system in Ho Chi Minh City. About Pacific Lottery Corporation: Pacific Lottery Corporation is engaged in the outsource management of online lotteries and related professional services for delivery to a growing audience of international customers. Today, The Corporation is engaged in the installation of its online lottery contract in support of the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Lottery program and leads the technical support activities for the on-line lottery system run by the Construction Lottery of the Capital-Hanoi in Vietnam. SOURCE: Pacific Lottery Corporation (www.pacificlottery.ca) media release.
OGT Brings the Humor of Gary Patterson to the Lottery Industry SAN ANTONIO, Texas (July 12, 2005) - Oberthur Gaming Technologies ("OGT") is proud to announce the addition of Gary Patterson, one of America’s best loved artists and "Creator of Smiles", to its very popular Artist Series. Born in the 40’s and raised in California, he is the son of a cartoonist for the US Navy and for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Gary Patterson is esteemed worldwide by collectors who enjoy art and humor. With more than thirty years as a professional illustrator, his designs have been used to illustrate calendars, checks, collectibles and an array of stationery items to name a few products featuring Gary’s work. Millions of fans own or recognize the distinctive characters of his artwork that depict sports and pets, and the intimacy of his unique humor. During his career, Gary Patterson has achieved numerous prestigious awards including acceptance to the Los Angeles Museum of Art.
"We are thrilled to welcome Gary Patterson to OGT’s Artist Series, and proud to introduce his artwork to the lottery industry," said Carla Schaefer, Vice-President, Business Development of OGT. "His artwork brilliantly suits seasonal games and best selling themed games, and there is no doubt that Gary’s famous design and great sense of humor will appeal to Lotteries and players around the world!" ©2005 Gary Patterson. All rights reserved. www.garypatterson.com. SOURCE: Lyse Trudel, Communications Officer, Oberthur Gaming
Technologies (+1-514) 254-3600, ext. 101.
NEW YORK, USA (July 7, 2005) -- Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) announced that the South Dakota Lottery has awarded it a two-year instant ticket and related services contract valued at $1.0 million. The agreement also contains 3 one-year options to renew. The South Dakota Lottery sold $15.7 million worth of instant tickets in calendar 2004. Instant lottery games have raised more than $59 million for the state since their introduction 16 years ago. Those proceeds have been directed to the state's General Fund, which is used for ongoing state funding of K-12 and higher education; health, human and social services; and corrections and court systems.
Lorne Weil, chairman and CEO of Scientific Games, said, "At Scientific Games we are proud of our almost perfect record of customer retention. We consider customer service to be our highest priority and look forward to serving the South Dakota Lottery far into the future." About Scientific Games Scientific Games Corporation is the leading integrated supplier of instant tickets, systems and services to lotteries, and the leading supplier of wagering systems and services to pari-mutuel operators. It is also a licensed pari-mutuel gaming operator in Connecticut and the Netherlands and is a leading supplier of prepaid phone cards to telephone companies. Scientific Games’ customers are in the United States and more than 60 other countries. For more information about Scientific Games, please visit our web site at www.scientificgames.com. SOURCE: Scientific Games Corporation. Company Contact: Lisa D. Lettieri, Phone: 212-754-2233. Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Super 7 Lead Lottery Games Online RICHMOND, British Columbia, Canada (July 12, 2005) – British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC’s) most popular lottery products are now available for purchase online through PlayNow on bclc.com with the introduction of Lotto 6/49, Lotto Super 7, BC/49 and Extra. "We have a proud history of innovation and integrity in delivering exciting lottery games to our customers," said Rhonda Garvey, BCLC’s Director of eBusiness. "Today, we mark a milestone in the Corporation’s history as we provide another convenient way for our players to play their favourite lottery games."
It’s easy to play - lottery players go to bclc.com to register an online PlayNow account and simply point and click for a chance to win big. PlayNow, a secure section within BCLC’s web site, was launched in October 2004 with select Sports Action games. The site incorporates stringent safeguards, standards and codes of conduct for Internet play. Games are limited to B.C. adults and the site has features in place to encourage responsible play practices including a maximum weekly limit, session log and purchase history. A voluntary online self-exclusion program that allows people to ban themselves from purchasing games through the site is also available. "The site’s responsible play features and system security is second to none," Ms. Garvey continued. "Lottery customers can be confident they are purchasing lottery products in a regulated online environment they can trust." Responsible to conduct, manage and operate lottery gaming in the province, including offering lottery products through the Internet, the Corporation is committed to player-focused services that satisfy its customer needs and expectations. "Lottery players have changed over time and are more comfortable with the Internet," Ms. Garvey added. "PlayNow is another way to deliver our products in a more convenient manner to some of our players – it’s a complement to our existing retail network." Revenues from PlayNow will combine with revenues from BCLC’s traditional lottery, bingo and casino gaming to benefit British Columbians. Last fiscal year, $810.9 million in BCLC net income was returned through government programs for health, education, social, community, charitable and municipal purposes. SOURCE: British Columbia Lottery Corporation media release.
Lottomatica Italia Servizi: Top-up services for H3G video mobile phones as well ROME, Italy (July 7, 2005) – Lottomatica Italia Servizi, Lottomatica Group company, announces that, beginning July 6, it will be possible, in collaboration with FIT, Federazione Italiana Tabaccai, to recharge H3G telephone credit cards at over 20,000 tobacconists, bars, bet collection points and stationers who are PUNTOLIS® affiliates and all shops selected and linked to Lottomatica Italia Servizi and Totobit (Lottomatica Group companies) networks. This network, as a whole, represents the most widespread Italian network for citizen services, effecting, on an annual basis, over 200 million transactions for a value exceeding 2.4 billion Euro.
Until today, the top-up service for mobile phones was already active for the operators TIM, Vodafone and Wind. Like all other services provided on line, the H3G top-up service is simple and fast; in fact, the customer only needs to communicate the telephone number and the amount to be recharged to the point of sale assistant. The customer receives a receipt which proves the transaction; the transaction is simultaneously communicated to 3 by remote network, which proceeds to credit the top-up on the customer’s Video Mobile Phone® immediately and automatically. To date, more than 3.5 million 3 customers already use this pre-paid card. This service will be active seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., including holidays. SOURCE: Lottomatica media release.
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