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| Vol. 33 No. 5 -- Monday October 31, 2005 |
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GTECH Names Atul Bali Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning WEST GREENWICH, Rhode Island, USA (October 27, 2005) -- GTECH Holdings Corporation (NYSE: GTK) announced today that Atul Bali has been named Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning, reporting directly to Jaymin B. Patel, GTECH Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bali will also serve as a Corporate Officer of the Company. “Atul has been a tremendous contributor since he joined GTECH in 1997, and I look forward to working with him in creating long-term value for GTECH and a focused, coherent strategy for the Company’s growth initiatives,” said GTECH President and Chief Executive Officer W. Bruce Turner. “Atul’s appointment as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning enables GTECH to benefit more broadly from his business expertise and strong leadership qualities, and I am confident that with his contribution, we will experience further accelerated growth in our expanded core business as well as in new markets,” said Mr. Patel.
As Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning, Mr. Bali will be responsible for analyzing key areas of value growth, identifying new verticals and markets, and building market-entry plans for these markets. Mr. Bali is also charged with developing business plans for the Company’s larger investments and leading the activities relating to future mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. In addition, Mr. Bali will continue to be responsible for the ongoing management of GTECH’s Commercial Services business unit. Mr. Bali began his GTECH career in the United Kingdom, and, over the years, has held roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Vice President of Global Business Development, where he was responsible for leading the Company’s initiatives in creating new business opportunities and supporting the expansion of GTECH’s products and services in existing and new jurisdictions. During his eight years with the Company, Mr. Bali has participated in a number of major areas of the international business including leadership roles in the United Kingdom, Taiwan, China, and Italy. Mr. Bali holds a Graduate Honours Degree in Law and Economics from the University of Keele and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. GTECH is a leading gaming technology and services company. With more than $1.25 billion in annual revenues and 5,300 people in over 50 countries, GTECH provides integrated technology, creative content, and business services to effectively manage and grow today’s evolving gaming markets. In targeted emerging economies, GTECH also leverages its operational presence and infrastructure to supply commercial transaction processing services. For more information about the Company, please visit GTECH’s website at http://www.gtech.com. SOURCE: GTECH Holdings Corporation media
release. Cancún Forum Postponed Dear Registered Participant After careful review and consultation with local and national Mexican authorities, following the heavy damage caused by the hurricane Wilma on the Cancún area, the leadership of the WLA and Lotería Nacional had no choice than to move the dates of the World Lottery Forum from November 6-10 to dates in early February of next year (probably February 5-9).
Your registration, as well as hotel and other payments will remain valid for these new dates, the exact dates to be confirmed before the end of this week. President Vicente Fox has committed the full resources of the Mexican government to the rebuilding of the area, and has set a target date of the Christmas season for these repairs to be completed. The WLA and Lotería Nacional are thus confident that participants will be warmly welcomed in early February to a new, refurbished Cancún. The World Lottery Forum Business Program will remain largely the same, this in recognition not only of the relevance of the topic areas, but also of all the hard work that has been done by keynote speakers, moderators, parallel speakers and panelists, and of course all those involved in the planning of this important event. The WLA and Lotería Nacional again thank you for your patience and ongoing support, and regret any inconvenience this situation has caused you and your organization. Best regards, SOURCE: World Lottery Association
(WLA). Lottery Executive Wins Prestigious International Award TRENTON, New Jersey, USA (October 24, 2005) -- Howard Fitch of Bayonne , the Deputy Director for Corporate Retailers & Off-Site Lottery Retailer Locations for the New Jersey Lottery, has claimed the Powers Award from the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). The award is presented in recognition of lottery employees across the United States and Canada who have made significant contributions to their lotteries. The award is named in honor of the late Edward Powers, a pioneer in the lottery industry. Fitch, who began his career with the New Jersey Lottery 13 years ago, is responsible for managing the statewide chain store sales force for the lottery, overseeing the operations of 1,052 retailers and a staff of 20. He is also responsible for the lottery's call center operations, which services over 6,100 retailers and customers. Over the past three years, Fitch has contributed to the growth in revenue for 56 corporate accounts.
The lottery achieved record sales of $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2005 and $390 million was generated from chain stores such as 7-11, Acme Supermarkets, Quick Check and Cumberland Farms. The New Jersey Lottery retailer base exemplifies today's cross-cultural workforce, with more than 60% of various cultures represented. To harness the power of cultural diversity into successful communication, Fitch, in conjunction with Marilyn Blazovsky, Deputy Director of Operations and Organization Support and Robert Kersey, Deputy Director of Independent Retailers, developed a sales diversity-training program. The one-day program was attended by the lottery's sales representatives and consisted of: the dynamics of working and living in a multicultural society; five keys for successful cross-cultural collaboration; discovering the homelands of lottery retailers; tools for successful communication; business etiquette around the world and mastering multicultural communications. The success of the program has led to the template for similar programs within state government. “Howard has been very instrumental in the recent growth of the New Jersey Lottery,'' said Executive Director Michellene Davis. “He has worked tirelessly to increase our number of chain stores and has been a leader in our commitment to promoting an understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of our wonderful retailer community.” SOURCE: New Jersey Lottery media release.
Report: Joint WLA/EL Security Seminar – Representatives From 20 Countries Meet in Greece BASEL, Switzerland (October 20, 2005) -- Athens, Greece was the site for the recently completed Lottery Security and Business Continuity Seminar (October 16 –19, 2005). The event, a cooperative effort between the World Lottery Association (WLA) and the European Lotteries (EL); was hosted by OPAP, Europe's biggest betting group by market value and Greece's foremost lottery and gaming company. The seminar’s 70 participants were also honored by a visit of Mr. George Orcanos, the Greek Minister of Sports. The seminar’s first day was organized by EL, with moderator Gilbert Rehayem leading participants through topics that targeted Business Continuity, with examples and discussions that included how recent hurricanes Katrina and Rita disrupted lottery operations in affected US lotteries. The business continuity underlined the importance of cooperation, having concrete plans, strategies, and contingencies in preparing operations for any eventualities.
Days 2 and 3 of the seminar was led by the WLA and addressed issues such as computer frauds, multi-jurisdictional games, internet security threats, biometric controls, money laundering and staff security awareness. Moderator Göran Wessberg presented speakers that included representatives from the WLA Security and Risk Management Committee (SRMC), Det Norske Veritas, the Hellenic Police, as well as lottery and supplier speakers from the regulated lottery community. This success of this seminar reinforces the joint WLA/EL commitment that recognizes the importance vigilant security policies and strategies as a pillar in their ongoing support of society through regulated lottery activities. The WLA and the EL wish to express their profound thanks to OPAP for their gracious hosting of this very important annual event. For further information please contact: World Lottery Association: General Secretary Yvonne Schnyder +41 612 84 12 32 or European Lotteries: General Secretary Bernadette Lobjois + 41 21 311 30 25. Scientific Games to Upgrade Central Monitoring and Control System in
South Australia NEW YORK, USA (October 19, 2005) -- Scientific Games [Nasdaq:SGMS] announced today it has been awarded a contract with Independent Gaming Corporation Limited of South Australia in Adelaide to upgrade to the AEGIS-Video™ central monitoring and control system for gaming machines. The new system will run 12,600 gaming machines in more than 580 locations. The contract is valued at approximately US$8 million over 10 years. The AEGIS-Video™ system replaces the AGS system, previously provided by Scientific Games. “The Independent Gaming Corporation has set some of the world’s highest standards for security and game operation,” said Lorne Weil, Chairman and CEO of Scientific Games.
“That they have chosen to upgrade their systems at this point demonstrates their commitment, not only to the integrity of the gaming industry in South Australia, but to the experience of thousands of players throughout the country.” “Our selection of the Scientific Games System allows us to provide participating hotels, clubs and the South Australian Government with a monitoring and accounting system of an exceptional standard that is efficient, professional and cost effective through excellence in service quality,” said Harry Bourlotos, General Manager, of the Independent Gaming Corporation. The Independent Gaming Corporation has been established by the hotel and club industry to provide a centralized computer monitoring facility for the management of gaming machines in South Australia. Independent Gaming Corporation is a non-profit company, limited by guarantee, with ownership fully vested with the Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch) and the Licensed Clubs Association of South Australia. 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 media release. Company Contact: Investor Relations, Phone: 212-754-2233. Strong Powerball® Sales Reach An All Time High!
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, USA (October 19, 2005) – The Powerball jackpot run that began on August 13 and finished with a $340 million first division prize resulted in the South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) reaching record sales totals. At the height of sales, the Lottery’s gaming system indicated tickets were being sold at the average rate of $16,500 per minute. The previous record was $15,200, set in July 2003. Powerball® players also wagered a record one day total sales of more than $7.2 million for one draw, breaking the Lottery’s one day record sales of $6.1 million set in July of 2003. The Powerball® jackpot in July 2003 was $250 million. SOURCE: South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) edited media release. NEW YORK, USA (October 20, 2005) -- Scientific Games [Nasdaq:SGMS] was awarded the online lottery contract to supply a new range of lottery management services and equipment to the Maryland Lottery. The contract has an initial term of five years, expiring in June of 2011, and provides for a single five-year extension. The contract was awarded after a competitive request for proposal process, and is valued at approximately $81 million over its initial term. In addition to full facility management services, Scientific Games will provide telemarketing sales and support for instant tickets, a service currently not being provided to the Lottery. The company will also supply the Lottery at start-up with new gaming equipment including approximately 4,200 Extrema® terminals, 3,200 monitors for Keno and other monitor games, 300 player-activated terminals, and the telecommunications network for the entire Maryland Lottery system. Scientific Games holds the current contract, which first went into effect in December 1995. Terms of the new contract significantly broadens Scientific Games responsibilities to the lottery.
"The Maryland Lottery is a known leader in the industry and we are delighted to be working with them. With the new range of management services and equipment we are providing, we will help the Lottery continue to produce superior games and, ultimately, generate more record-breaking sales," said Lorne Weil, Chairman and CEO of Scientific Games. According to Weil, the state lotteries that have contracted with Scientific Games for such operational support and management services have been able to cut overhead and boost revenues, returning greater proceeds to public programs. The Maryland Lottery produced record sales of $1.486 billion in fiscal 2005, of which almost a third, over $477 million, went into the State's general fund to support such services and programs as education, public health, human resources, public safety and more, to the benefit of the people of the State. "Scientific Games has managed the current contract very effectively and we anticipate even greater success as SGI integrates new state-of-the-art equipment with upgraded software," said Buddy Roogow, Director of the Maryland Lottery. "We believe that the new services they will be providing will help us build a stronger Lottery, and therefore return more funds to the people of Maryland." About Scientific Games: Video Lottery Network; Loto-Québec Announces Four New Measures Aimed at Promoting Responsible Gaming MONTRÉAL, Quebec, Canada (October 14, 2005) - In line with its commitment to reduce accessibility to video lottery terminals (VLTs) and promote responsible gaming among its clientele, Loto-Québec has announced the implementation of a series of additional measures to complement the initiatives already outlined in its 2004-2007 Development Plan. These measures are also being taken in direct response to a request expressed by Québec Minister of Finance, Michel Audet.
“The new measures we are setting forth further improve on the strategic approach approved by the Government last November,” underlines Alain Cousineau, President of Loto-Québec. “The measures involve new modes for the voluntary removal of equipment and place the accent on assistance to players in difficulty, as well as on training and the assumption of responsibility within the retailer network.” Voluntary Removal Programs Among the eight provinces operating VLTs, Québec stands alone in offering the lowest number - two units per 1,000 residents. In addition to the initiatives already proposed in its 2004-2007 Development Plan, Loto-Québec has announced a new measure that will see the voluntary removal of units in 271 specifically targeted zones. As part of this program, retailers currently operating five terminals will receive special compensation for VLT removal equivalent to one year’s commission. Moreover, a similar program will be put into place across the entire province targeting proprietors of multiple sites (10 VLTs and more). As such, a maximum of 10 VLTs will be relinquished per multiple site in exchange for compensation of one year’s commission. These two programs will be in effect for a period of 12 months as of today. Enhanced Assistance and Support The Fondation Mise sur toi has been entrusted with a mandate on a trial basis to work with the appropriate parties to implement a series of additional prevention programs and measures in aid of individuals experiencing problems associated with gaming. The areas to be specifically targeted are James Bay, Cap-aux-Meules, Maniwaki, Magog, Parent, Schefferville and Val-d’Or. “These areas were selected because they are geographically isolated and have equipment ratios that are markedly higher than the provincial average,” explained Mr. Cousineau. “Of those selected, two are relatively large towns - Val-d’Or and Magog - and five are more sparsely populated. Furthermore, we intend to thoroughly analyze the effects of these complementary measures in each jurisdiction where they are to be implemented.” Au hasard du jeu Offered with great success in 2002 to some 4,000 bar owners and their employees, the Au hasard du jeu training session is to be re-launched. Developed by Université Laval’s Centre québécois d’excellence pour la prévention et le traitement du jeu, this innovative training is designed to sensitize bar personnel to the problem of excessive gaming and to present a personalized approach vis-à-vis vulnerable clientele. Responsible Operating Code Following a series of consultations with bar owners, an operating code has been developed which will be applied over the course of the coming months. The purpose of this initiative is to promote the responsible management of video lottery terminals throughout the network. At the same time, the code aims to assure that VLT clientele can enjoy a quality entertainment experience in a pleasant environment.
More specifically, the code defines some 20 commitments bar owners must undertake with respect to the responsible management of VLTs on their premises. The document will be prominently displayed in all establishments in clear view of customers. The proprietors must agree in writing to comply with all stipulations in the code, and Loto-Québec will take all the necessary actions to ensure adherence to these stipulations and responsible management throughout the entire VLT network. Among the specific requirements, bar owners must agree to remove all signs and displays other than those supplied by Loto-Québec. They must also refrain from providing any form of credit to their customers or attempting to prompt players to continue playing. In addition, they must familiarize themselves with the available excessive gaming prevention programs in order to be able to refer players to these resources as required. “This operating code represents a truly original approach within the industry,” concludes Mr. Cousineau, “and it has been embraced by bar owners who are genuinely concerned with carefully controlling video lottery activities and treating their customers with all the respect they deserve. The measures we are announcing today are an extension of the initiatives we set forth in our Development Plan, which aims to assure a balance between our economic mission and our social responsibility.” SOURCE: Loto Quebec media release.
SA Lotteries Hits Record Community Returns WAYVILLE, South Australia 9October 26, 2005) -- SA Lotteries contributed a record amount of $89 million to the State Hospitals Fund in 2004-05, increasing the total returned since SA Lotteries was established in 1967 to $1.6 billion. Commenting on SA Lotteries 2004-05 Annual Report today, Chief Executive, Ms June Roache said that this impressive return to the South Australian people was up by $7.4 million on the previous year. “SA Lotteries’ excellent sales result of $348.8 million, reflecting an increase of $3.7 million on the previous year, allowed us to significantly support the community in which we operate,” says Ms Roache. “For 38 years, SA Lotteries has been benefiting the South Australian community and turning dreams into reality.” South Australians won $207.2 million in prize money, creating three multi-millionaires and 10 millionaires throughout the year. The dream of winning a Division One prize has come true for 41 lucky locals, and more than 10 million prizes paid to players across all divisions.
Other milestones detailed in SA Lotteries 2004-05 Annual Report include:
SA Lotteries prides itself on providing entertaining games that enable us to generate maximum returns for the South Australian community in a socially responsible manner. A full version of SA Lotteries 2004-05 Annual Report can be obtained at www.salotteries.sa.gov.au. SOURCE: SA Lotteries media release.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, USA (October 26, 2005) -- Oberthur Gaming Technologies (“OGT”) welcomes Card Sharks™, Password™, and Press Your Luck™ to OGT’s Winning Concepts® portfolio. These games perfectly complement OGT’s already top-rated “Family of Game Shows”, which includes The Price is Right™ and Family Feud™. OGT has been granted rights from FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world, for all three classic game show properties, which promise to be equally successful as existing game show properties. Card Sharks™, Password™, and Press Your Luck™ are currently in syndication on the Game Show Network (GSN) and continue to draw strong viewership worldwide. In fact, Password™ is ranked #4 on TV Guide’s list of “Top 50 Greatest Game Shows.” Card Sharks™, Password™, and Press Your Luck™ are game shows loved by viewers of all ages, and have seen a surge in popularity since their revival on the GSN. Making the old new again, Lotteries have a chance to offer their players a variety of game shows with second-chance drawings to include “retro” collectibles and merchandise. “Now that we have expanded our ‘Family of TV Games’ with these great classic game shows we have the opportunity to create some fantastic ‘Family of TV Games’ packages for Lotteries,” said Carla Schaefer OGT’s V.P. of New Business Development. “It’s only through OGT that Lotteries can select such valuable hit classic game show properties.” David Luner, Vice President, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas, the US licensing arm of FremantleMedia added, “The FremantleMedia library boasts 14 of the top 50 game shows as recognized by TV Guide. These are some of the most iconic brands on the market today and our partnership with OGT will help extend this presence to legions of fans familiar with the shows as well as those simply looking for a fun and exciting lottery game to play.”
About Oberthur Gaming Technologies (www.oberthurgt.com) With more than 35 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. Comprehensive services include strategic game planning and innovative conceptual design with OGT’s Dream Team™, mobile gaming, Cyber Games™ as well as state-of-the-art Global Operations and Lottery Distribution System (GOLDS). OGT currently supplies a full range of high quality and innovative products and services to 100 clients in some 50 countries. The company has production units and offices in Montreal, Canada; San Antonio, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the U.S.; Paris, France; Vienna, Austria; and Sydney, Australia. About FremantleMedia (www.fremantlemedia.com) FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas) is the US licensing arm of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world, with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 territories. FLW, Americas exploits FremantleMedia’s many strong brands including the award winning, American Idol, the world’s longest running game show The Price Is Right, the ever-popular Family Feud, and other classic game shows across multiple off-screen platforms including merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support, home entertainment and music publishing. SOURCE: Lyse Trudel, Communications
Officer, Oberthur Gaming Technologies, (+1-514) 254-3600, ext. 101.
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