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Vol. 43 No. 11
Monday June 16, 2008

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Schafer Systems Inc.
Wincor Nixdorf


  • INTRALOT to Undertake the Modernization of the Ho Chi Minh Lottery in Vietnam. Full Story
  • Statement from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto. Full Story
  • Florida Lottery Tickets Now Available At Kmart. Full Story
  • Western Australia’s New Lottery System ‘Goes Live’. Full Story
  • Blast Companies Provides Integrated Voice Technology for Missouri Lottery "Muscle Up" Promotion. Full Story
  • Chartwell Technology to Launch New Online Bingo. Full Story
  • New York Lottery Virtual Talent Search Yields Three New Draw Team Members. Full Story
  • Ladbrokes Launch New Advertising Campaign For Euro 2008. Full Story
  • Gaming Laboratories International Celebrates 20 Years With South Dakota Gaming Commision, Renews Exclusive Contract. Full Story
  • Equinix Datacentres Enable Camelot to Deliver Cutting-Edge UK National Lottery for the Next Ten Years. Full Story

Smartplay International Inc.



KEBA AG


 

INTRALOT to Undertake the Modernization of the Ho Chi Minh Lottery in Vietnam

Mr Constantinos Antonopoulos
Constantinos Antonopoulos, CEO of INTRALOT.

ATHENS, Greece (June 10, 2008) -- INTRALOT, the leading supplier of integrated gaming and transaction processing systems, signed today a Memorandum of Understanding with Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company, during the Greek-Vietnamese Business Forum that took place in Athens. The Memorandum was signed by Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos, CEO of INTRALOT and Mr. Quang Vinh, General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company, in front of H.E. the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet.

INTRALOT and Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company have agreed to cooperate closely and on an exclusive basis for the project of modernization of Ho Chi Minh City Lottery, which is the largest lottery in Vietnam, with a turnover of 140 million USD in 2007.

Ho Chi Minh City is the most important economic center in Vietnam. 300,000 businesses, including many large enterprises, are involved in high-tech, electronic, processing and light industries, also in construction, building materials and agro-products. Currently, the city has 15 industrial parks and export-processing zones. The first stock exchange of Vietnam was opened in the city in 2001. In 2007, the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at USD 14.3 billion, or about USD 2,180 per capita, (up 12.6% on 2006) and accounting for 20% GDP of the country.

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Mr. Constantinos Antonopoulos, CEO of INTRALOT stated in his speech at the bilateral forum: “During the last years, Vietnam has been relishing significant growth rate, as tremendous economic and social developments has been taking place in the country. Vietnam is currently an open, industrialized country, offering interesting business opportunities for foreign investors. I am sure that the collaboration that starts today between INTRALOT and Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company will be of great benefit for all the stakeholders. We are determined to offer our state-of-the-art products, dedicated customer service and our worldwide experience, in order to contribute to the efforts of the Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company to modernize and maximize its performance.”

The General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company, Mr. Do Quang Vinh commented: “We are very pleased to inaugurate our cooperation with INTRALOT for the modernization of our lottery system. Ho Chi Minh City Lottery Company is looking forward to having the first on-line system by the leading company in its sector.”

About INTRALOT (www.intralot.com)

INTRALOT, a public listed company, is the leading supplier of integrated gaming and transaction processing systems, innovative game content and sports betting management, to state-licensed gaming organizations worldwide. It’s broad portfolio of products & services, its know-how of Lottery, Betting & Video Lottery operations and its leading-edge technology, give INTRALOT a competitive advantage which contributes directly to customers’ efficiency, profitability and growth. With presence in more than 40 countries, with approximately 4.200 people and revenues of €835.5m. for 2007, INTRALOT has established its presence on all 5 continents.

For more information please CONTACT: Ms Persa Kartsoli, Head of Corporate Affairs, Phone: +30-210 6156000, Fax: +30-210 6106800, email: kartsoli@intralot.com.

SOURCE: INTRALOT.

 

Statement from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto

Paula Otto
Paula I. Otto, Executive Director of the Virginia Lottery

RICHMOND, Virginia (June 12, 2008) -- On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, we received a Notice of Contract Claims from the Roanoke law firm of Lichtenstein, Fishwick & Johnson PLC concerning the Virginia Lottery’s scratch tickets and top prizes. We have reviewed this claim.

The Virginia Lottery stands by the integrity and fairness of its games.

The stated odds accurately represent the odds of winning at the time of printing scratch tickets; however it is the nature of scratch games that the odds of winning change constantly based on ticket sales. We use the Lottery`s Web site as a tool to inform players as quickly as possible when prizes are redeemed and when games are ending.

We are aware when the final top prize of a game has been claimed and we have policies and procedures in place to end public sales of the game quickly. Retailers are required to stop selling the game immediately and return unsold tickets to the Lottery. The Lottery collects and destroys remaining tickets in any scratch game after the final top prize has been claimed.

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In the past, to replenish tickets in some scratch games, the Lottery reordered the game before the top prize was claimed. The Lottery cannot predict when a game’s final top prize will be claimed. Therefore, there was a chance, even after the final top prize was claimed, that tickets from the first order remained on sale as distribution of the second order began. This scenario is allowed under current Virginia Lottery policies and procedures. However, because of computer system and barcode changes, there have been no reorders since July 2007, and there are no plans for reorders in the future. To reflect our operational practice since July 2007, the Lottery is in the process of updating all internal policies and procedures to totally eliminate reorders.

We are conducting a thorough check of all games currently in retail locations, involving millions of tickets, to make certain that every game offered has top prizes available.

SOURCE: Virginia Lottery, Inquiries: Virginia Lottery Communications at 804-692-7778.

 

Florida Lottery Tickets Now Available At Kmart

Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples and Miami Stores Selling Now, With Statewide Sales Coming Soon!

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (June 9, 2008) -- The Florida Lottery announced today that it has reached a deal with Kmart to provide lottery players with even more convenient locations to purchase tickets for their favorite Florida Lottery games. Ninety-eight Kmart stores statewide are becoming Florida Lottery retailers this year, bringing the Lottery closer to its strategic goal of 13,500 authorized retailers.

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Currently twenty-seven Kmart stores in the Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples and Miami area are full-service Lottery retailers, equipped with Lottery terminals and Scratch-Off game inventory. In the coming weeks, additional Kmart stores from Orlando to Miami will become Lottery retailers, followed by stores located in North Florida and the panhandle later this summer.

Florida Lottery welcomes Kmart as the newest corporate partner in our network,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno. “With the broad array of products available at Kmart stores, adding Florida Lottery ticket sales provides customers with a convenient one-stop shopping experience – an added benefit for consumers in these days of record-high gas prices.

Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass-merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands and labels. Though floor plans vary by store, Florida Lottery products will be located at the front of each store, providing convenience and access to players.

We’re excited at the opportunity to sell lottery products in a trade style like Kmart’s,” said Tom Delacenserie, director of sales at the Florida Lottery. “While Florida Lottery customers regularly shop mass merchandisers, Kmart is the first chain of its type to carry lottery products in the state of Florida, a trend we feel can be expanded.”

 Thus far, fiscal year 2007-08 has resulted in record-breaking sales revenue and contributions to Florida’s public education system. A key element of success has been the expansion of the Lottery’s retailer network and the ability to lease additional lottery terminals. On September 5, 2007, the Lottery received approval by the Florida Legislature for increased spending authority to lease an additional 500 terminals. With a comprehensive recruitment effort in place to attract new retailers and an inventory of new terminals, retailer growth has played a vital role in increasing Lottery sales this year.

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Florida is still a growing state and increasing the number of retailers offers our customers added convenience with more locations to purchase lottery tickets,” added Secretary DiBenigno.

While many businesses are feeling the effects of tough economic times, the Florida Lottery continues to improve the business environment by improving the bottom line for Lottery retailers. Businesses that become Florida Lottery retailers experience an increase in both sales and high-frequency customer traffic. As a result, the Lottery’s business development office has received three times the number of retailer applications than in previous years.

The Florida Lottery is a revenue-generating state agency, established to raise additional funds for the enhancement of education in the state. In its 20-year history, not only has the Lottery made a difference in education with contributions of more than $18 billion, but has also proven to be a good partner to Florida businesses.

To find a Kmart retailer near you, visit http://www.flalottery.com/inet/retailers-featuredretailerMain.do.

For information on becoming a Florida Lottery retailer, visit the Retailer section of the Lottery’s Web site at www.flalottery.com or call (850) 487-7733.

SOURCE: Florida lottery. CONTACT: Acqueline Barreiros, (850) 487-7727.

 

 

Western Australia’s New Lottery System ‘Goes Live

OSBORNE PARK, Western Australia (June 10, 2008) -- Western Australia’s state lottery, Lotterywest, yesterday successfully activated a new lottery system, including new lottery terminals, thermal ticket printers, players’ screens and ticket checkers throughout its state-wide network of lottery outlets.

Jan Stewart
Lotterywest CEO,
Jan Stewart

Lotterywest CEO, Jan Stewart, said that the new technology positioned Lotterywest to meet its goals for supporting the WA community over the coming decade.

This is a major investment which ensures that we can provide the service our players expect and meet the growing demand for lottery funds for WA’s hospitals, sports, arts and thousands of community groups” Mrs Stewart said.

The package of technology, provided by global lottery supplier INTRALOT, is linked to a new central lottery system, also provided by INTRALOT.  It provides improved levels of customer service and new options for WA lottery players.

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Jan Stewart said that the successful transition to the new system was the culmination of many months of hard work by Lotterywest and INTRALOT.

 “We have been very pleased with the service we have received from INTRALOT throughout this project and delighted that the transition to the new system has been so smooth” Mrs Stewart said.

Western Australia’s lottery players will be the first in Australia to be able to check whether their Lotto, OZ Lotto, Powerball, Cash 3 or Soccer Pools tickets have won a prize, thanks to self-service ticket-checkers now installed in all outlets. 

There are also enhancements to Lotterywest’s Players Card service, with registered players now able to store a set of their own favourite numbers on the card and arrange for winnings to be automatically deposited into a nominated financial institution.

New ticket options including a ticket repeat option and ‘Slikpik 30 and 50’ tickets are also available to Western Australian lottery players for the first time. 

About Lotterywest

Lotterywest is Western Australia’s state lottery and in 2008 celebrates its 75th anniversary.  While one of the smallest lotteries by population, Lotterywest manages one of the largest geographical areas of any global lottery.  Lotterywest consistently records one of the world’s highest per capita sales of Lotto style products.

Lotterywest is responsible for both managing its portfolio of lottery games and directly distributing a large proportion of the profits to Western Australian community groups in the form of lottery grants.

In 2007/08Lotterywest’s sales are expected to be approximately AU$650 million 

Product portfolio:

  • Lotto (6/45) – Saturday, Monday, Wednesday 
  • OZ Lotto (7/45) – Tuesday
  • Powerball (5/45 + 1/45) – Thursday
  • Cash 3 numbers game – daily
  • Super 66 (add on spiel game)
  • Instant lottery tickets
  • Soccer Pools

For further details visit:  www.lotterywest.com.au.

CONTACT DETAILS: Andrew Walton, 9340 5371 / 0413 705 028.

 

Blast Companies Provides Integrated Voice Technology for Missouri Lottery "Muscle Up" Promotion

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (June 5, 2008) -- A personalized phone call from a professional wrestler is not out of the question for some Missouri residents this spring as Adamson used Blast Companies' integrated voice technology to kick off the Missouri Lottery "Muscle Up" promotion in early April.

As part of the program, Blast Companies created the application that allowed users to create a personalized phone call for friends, family, etc. that featured the name, automobile make, county of residence and Viper's message of the call recipient. The call was then sent via either phone or email to notify the recipient to win a new vehicle as part of the Missouri Lottery promotion. Users put the call together via a website created by Adamson: www.callofviper.com.

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"Using Blast Companies' integrated voice services, we were able to create a fun promotion that not only engaged our target, but also left an impression with call recipients," said Jason Parks, Adamson principal and idea director. "Blast Companies not only provided the technology but also worked with us on all aspects of the promotion, and was integral to its success."

Blast Companies technology also featured real-time reporting that allowed Adamson to view the success of the campaign with the number of calls created and sent on a daily basis.

"The Muscle Up promotion is really a perfect example of our technology in action - with information provided to us, we can create virtually any phone call, email, text message for any promotion," said Chris Torbit, Blast Companies president. "Call of Viper was fun to work on - we are thrilled with its success, and we can't wait to work with Adamson in the future."

Blast Companies offers database messaging applications and marketing services in voice broadcasting, e-mail marketing, IVR and mobile messaging. The company offers a robust product set enabling businesses to deliver personal, interactive messages simultaneously to thousands of customers and prospects over various communications mediums. By offering not just the technology, but also the marketing strategy, design and execution, Blast Companies helps clients dramatically increase productivity, profitability and brand awareness.

SOURCE: Blast Companies press release.

 

Chartwell Technology to Launch New Online Bingo

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada (June 3, 2008) -- Chartwell Technology Inc. (TSX: CWH) ("Chartwell") and Parlay Entertainment Inc. (TSX VENTURE: PEI) ("Parlay") are pleased to jointly announce their intention to launch an online bingo network, powered by an Internet platform that combines Parlay's front-end bingo product with Chartwell's back-end administration system. Both Parlay and Chartwell will also contribute a variety of slots and other soft games to the platform. The European-facing network will be based in Malta and managed by Chartwell.

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The network which will be branded and marketed as BingoNexus is expected to launch in summer, 2008 and will boast the best of breed of both organizations. BingoNexus will be an exciting and exclusive network where Chartwell and Parlay clients can join and share large pool prizes and community excitement. BingoNexus will be on display at the upcoming Bingo Summit in London June 17-18.

Bingo is one of the most popular and socially accepted games in the world. While global land-based bingo club wagers exceed $70 billion, less than 1% of that has transitioned online. Growth of social-networks, online community popularity and internet connectivity provide the essential drivers for online bingo migration.

Scott White, President and CEO of Parlay Entertainment, said: "This is a huge win for licensees and bingo players alike. By combining the strengths of Parlay's industry-leading bingo games with Chartwell's advanced administration system and network operations expertise, we're creating a very compelling bingo network solution. Player excitement will grow exponentially as bingo sites pool their liquidity to create bigger games, huge jackpots and lively communities."

Darold H. Parken, President and CEO of Chartwell, said: "The respective strengths of Chartwell and Parlay are a perfect fit, so it's natural for us to work together to build a new European bingo network. Online bingo continues to reach new heights in the UK and Europe, and we're excited to become serious players in the bingo business under our relationship with Parlay and the BingoNexus brand."

About Chartwell Technology

Chartwell specializes in the development of leading-edge gaming applications and entertainment content for the Internet and other remote access devices. Chartwell's Java and Flash based software products and games are designed for deployment in gaming, entertainment, advertising and promotional applications. Chartwell does not participate in the online gaming business of its clients. Chartwell's team of highly trained professionals is committed to delivering the highest quality software and maintaining its leading edge through continuous development and unparalleled customer support.

About Parlay Entertainment

Parlay Entertainment Inc. is the world's leading developer and dominant licensor of Internet bingo solutions. As the inventor and patent holder of Internet bingo, Parlay was the first company in the world to develop and deploy a commercial Internet bingo product. Parlay Bingo is available in both 75-number and 90-number versions and is complemented by a full suite of lottery and casino games. Our multi-player, multi-platform technology powers more online bingo sites than any other software provider in the world. Some of the world's best-known brands use Parlay Bingo solutions, including Virgin, Yahoo!, Paddy Power, Bet24, Stan James, NetPlay TV, Bingos.com and the St. Minver bingo network. Parlay's head offices are in Oakville, Canada with offices in Bridgetown, Barbados and Valletta, Malta.

Chartwell invites you to preview our company and gaming applications www.chartwelltechnology.com.

CONTACTS: Chartwell Technology Inc. Darold Parken President and CEO Toll Free: 1-877-261-6619 or (403) 261-6619 Email: dhp@chartwelltechnology.com Chartwell Technology Inc. David Bajwa Investor Relations Toll Free: 1-877-669-4180 or (604) 669-4180 Email: info@chartwelltechnology.com

SOURCE: Chartwell Technology Inc. and Parlay Entertainment Inc.

 

New York Lottery Virtual Talent Search Yields Three New Draw Team Members

More Than 1,000 Hopefuls Vie For A Chance To Become Part Of A New York Tradition

SCHENECTADY, New York (June 6, 2008) -- New York Lottery Icon Yolanda Vega today introduced three new additions to the Lottery draw team. The three new spokeswomen were selected from among the more than 1,000 resumes received from as far away as Michigan following the launch of the Lottery’s first-ever virtual talent search on March 5, 2008.

“The web-only search produced exactly the kind of mega response we expected,” said Vega, an 18-year veteran of the Lottery’s drawing stage. “It’s very energizing to see so many bright and talented young men and women interested in being part of the uniquely New York tradition that is the New York Lottery draw team. It inspires me and makes me prouder than ever to be part of the team.”

Draw Team
Ralph, Yolanda, & Marissa announce new Talent Draw Team members

The three newcomers to share hosting responsibilities and public appearances with Vega include: Makita Bond, a native of Forest Hills, Queens who most recently worked as a television host for a cable access music video show; Gretchen Dizer of Buffalo who recently returned from Ireland where she earned her Master’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology; and Jina Matthews, a promotions coordinator from Baltimore, Maryland who has already made the move to New York. The Lottery’s two other current drawing emcees, Marissa Rodriguez and Sarah Pingel, round out the Lottery’s new six-member draw team.

As part of its virtual search process, the Lottery reviewed more than 1,000 resumes and accompanying photos submitted to a dedicated e-mailbox located on the Lottery’s web site, nylottery.org. The deadline for submitting materials to the e-mailbox was March 28, 2008. The Lottery then contacted over 100 applicants via phone to assess their level of interest in the civil service position. Approximately 50 candidates interviewed via phone were invited to participate in an audition held in the Lottery’s drawing studio in Schenectady. Those attending the audition were required to undergo an extensive background review.

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Lottery Director Gordon Medenica said, “In the end, the Lottery extended an offer of employment to the three candidates with the right mix of experience, enthusiasm and on-camera presence to make them immediate and valuable assets to the New York Lottery. We are confident that Makita, Gretchen and Jina will hit the ground running.”

The first of the new team members is expected to make her drawings debut in July. The three will begin a full public appearance schedule immediately.

The New York Lottery contributed nearly $2.6 billion to help support education in New York State on revenues of $7.549 billion in fiscal year 2007-08 - - a profit margin of 34.3%. Last year, the Lottery’s earnings accounted for over 13% of total state education funding. The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, earning over $34.2 billion in education support statewide since its founding over 40 years ago.

SOURCE: New York Lottery. CONTACT: Press and Community Relations, Telephone: (518) 388-3415.

 

Ladbrokes Launch New Advertising Campaign For Euro 2008

UNITED KINGDOM (June 6, 2008) -- Ladbrokes will launch a new £4 million TV advertising campaign tomorrow as part of its marketing drive for Euro 2008.

The new campaign will feature former Newcastle and Tottenham player David Ginola alongside Ian Wright, Ally McCoist, Lee Dixon and Chris Kamara. The 30-second ad will first air on Saturday evening at half-time on ITV 1 during the Portugal vs. Turkey match, the second game of Euro 2008.

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A ten second version of the advertisement will run next week and will be used to highlight the new Ladbrokes reward card OddsOn!. The card, which launched on Monday 2nd June is the first loyalty card ever to be offered to betting shop customers. Over 150,000 cards have been issued during the first three days of operation - surpassing all expectations.

Commenting on the launch Richard Ames, Managing Director of UK Retail said: "The customer response to OddsOn! is more than we could have hoped for and we expect the TV advertising to ensure the take-up rate increases further."

Ladbrokes predicts the betting industry in the UK and Ireland will take up to £350 million in stakes on Euro 2008. Spain have proved the most popular bet with most UK customers to date.

Latest Ladbrokes odds for Euro 2008:

Germany 4/1, Spain 5/1, Italy 7/1, Portugal 7/1, France 8/1, Croatia 12/1, Holland 12/1, Czech Republic 16/1, Russia 22/1, Greece 25/1, Switzerland 25/1, Sweden 33/1, Turkey 33/1, Poland 40/1, Romania 40/1, Austria 100/1

About Ladbrokes plc

Ladbrokes plc is a world-leader in the global betting and gaming market, taking up to 10 million bets each week and £12 billion in stakes each year. With its comprehensive range of betting and gaming services, its leading technology and 15,000 skilled staff it is targeting growth opportunities in Europe and Asia. To find out more about the company, its scale and operations, its strategy for growth and the latest news use the menu on the left hand side of this page.

SOURCE: Ladbrokes plc.

 

NASPL08

 

Gaming Laboratories International Celebrates 20 Years With South Dakota Gaming Commision, Renews Exclusive Contract

 LAS VEGAS, Nevada, USA (June 10, 2008) – Twenty years ago, when South Dakota was just entering the world of gaming, becoming the first state in the union to have a video lottery system, the state’s Lottery Commission turned exclusively to a new company for start-up consultation and video terminal/system testing and certification. Soon after, the South Dakota Commission on Gaming was created to regulate casinos, and contracted with the same company for slot machine testing. Twenty years later, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and the South Dakota Commission on Gaming are celebrating their relationship by renewing their exclusive contract.

 Since it first began, the contract between GLI and the Commission has developed along with gaming in the state, and now GLI exclusively tests a wide variety of electronic gaming equipment for the state, including slots, peripherals and, of course, VLTs.

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NASPL

 GLI President James R. Maida said, “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the State of South Dakota for two decades. They were our first champions, and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for believing in our company and sharing our vision of how gaming could flourish under the protection of independent testing.”

 Larry B. Eliason, executive secretary for the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, said, “GLI has been an invaluable part of our accomplishments in South Dakota from the very beginning. When we were first beginning, we needed to ensure our residents, and ourselves, that gaming could be conducted honestly and successfully, while protecting competition and public policy, and our relationship with GLI was and is key to achieving those goals.

 Gaming Laboratories International operates nine fully accredited testing laboratories worldwide, in addition to fully accredited inspection bodies in America, Europe and Africa. GLI is the only independent testing laboratory of its kind to hold both U.S. and International accreditations for compliance with ISO 17025 and 17020 standards for technical competence in testing and inspection services. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.

CONTACT: Christie Eickelman, Director of Worldwide Marketing, Gaming Laboratories International , +1 (702) 914-2220 or Email: c.eickelman@gaminglabs.com

NOTE: Gaming Laboratories International, GLI Europe B.V., GLI Africa, GLI, and Gaming Laboratories Australia and associated globe logos are trademarks of Gaming Laboratories International, Inc.

Press release distributed by: Paul  Speirs, Steinbeck Communications, P (702) 413-4278, F (702) 233-3492, Email: paulspeirs@cox.net

 

Equinix Datacentres Enable Camelot to Deliver Cutting-Edge UK National Lottery for the Next Ten Years

Equinix Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the leading global provider of network-neutral datacentres and Internet exchange services, and Camelot, the licensed operator of the UK National Lottery, today announced that Camelot will deploy operations for its new communications network in one of Equinix's European datacentres.

LONDON, UK (June 12, 2008) -- After winning its third licence to operate The National Lottery for 10 years from February 2009, Camelot is implementing its carefully-prepared transition plans to ensure that the lottery is in the best possible shape for the start of the new licence period. The plans include the introduction of a new communications network to replace the existing ISDN network in National Lottery retail outlets.

Camelot will operate the new infrastructure within a dedicated datacentre suite at the Equinix facility, which will form the central hub of Camelot's information systems, processing all of the data coming in from its new satellite network. The move will provide Camelot with direct access to a high-performance datacentre platform designed to host high-density computing infrastructures offering a rich source of robust network connectivity.

These important elements will provide Camelot with a cutting-edge infrastructure that offers a high-performance and reliable platform for new lottery products and player services for the next 10 years.

Jonathan Root, Chief Systems Architect at Camelot, said: "www.eu.equinix.com [Equinix is playing a critical role in enabling us to meet our plans for the third licence. Our service delivery infrastructure demands a more sophisticated datacentre and we were attracted by the premium solution provided by Equinix. We can build our systems in an extremely secure environment, which benefits from acknowledged operational excellence and the added resilience of direct access to multiple network providers."

Michael Winterson, VP Sales and Marketing at Equinix in Europe, commented: "Camelot has made considerable achievements over the last 13 years, running the most cost-efficient lottery in Europe and returning a higher proportion of lottery revenue to society than any other major lottery operator in the world. Its commitment to a high-performance communications infrastructure has played a critical role in these successes. The partnership with Equinix will provide them with a perfect platform to continue this outstanding success story."

About Camelot and The National Lottery - www.camelotgroup.co.uk and www.national-lottery.co.uk

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Camelot Group plc is the licensed operator of The National Lottery® and is committed to raising money for the Good Causes designated by Parliament. Camelot is not responsible for distributing or awarding these funds. To date, over £21 billion has been raised for the Good Causes by The National Lottery, and more than 294,000 individual awards have been made across the UK - the biggest programme of civic and social regeneration since the 19th Century. The National Lottery has given away over £32 billion in prizes and created more than 2,175 millionaires or multi-millionaires since launch in 1994.

Camelot runs one of the most cost-efficient lotteries in the world, with around 5% of total revenue taken in operating costs. At 40% of total sales (28% to the Good Causes and 12% in lottery duty to the Government), Camelot returns a higher proportion of lottery revenue back to society than any other lottery operator in the world. National Lottery retailers receive 5% of total revenue in commission, and 50% of sales is paid out to players in prizes.

Players of all National Lottery games must be aged 16 or over. The crossed fingers logo is the registered trademark of the National Lottery Commission.

About Equinix - www.eu.equinix.com.

Equinix is the leading global provider of network-neutral data center and interconnection services, offering premium colocation, traffic exchange and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. Global enterprises, content companies, systems integrators and network service providers look to Equinix Internet Business Exchange (IBX®) centers for world-class reliability and network diversity. Equinix IBX centers serve as critical, core hubs for IP networks and Internet operations worldwide. With 39 IBX centers located in 18 strategic markets across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Equinix enables customers to reliably operate their mission-critical infrastructure on a global basis.

For further details: Kerry Jago, Equinix, T: +44 (0)845 373 2935, Email: kerry.jago@eu.equinix.com



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