At my Desk Saturday December 22, 2012

Lots of Lottery News coming through today...

Lottery Education Search Available

Find Out How Much Money Your School Received in Supplemental Funding During FY 2011-12
SACRAMENTO, California (December 19, 2012) -- The California Lottery just released to the public its annual Contributions to Education Report for the Fiscal Year 2011-2012. Recognized as one of the fastest growing lotteries in the United States, the California Lottery saw its sales rise by more than 27 percent in Fiscal Year 2011-2012.

Virginia Lottery: More Than Quarter Of Raffle Tickets Sold
RICHMOND, Virginia (December 22, 2012) -- The Virginia Lottery says more than a quarter of the 440,000 tickets for its annual New Year's Millionaire Raffle have been sold.

Free Christmas Lottery Tickets Given to Unemployed and Elderly People
MADRID, Spain (December 22, 2012) -- Unemployed and elderly people are receiving free Christmas lottery tickets on the Costa del Sol.

Trade Group RGDATA Slams National Lottery Bill
DUBLIN, Ireland (December 21, 2012) - -RGDATA, the trade group representing the owners of 4,000 shops, has called on Minister Brendan Howlin to include his commitment to ring fence the margin paid to retail agents in the new Bill which was published in draft format last night..

Lotto Receivers Lose Maltco Injunction Bid
MALTA (December 21, 2012) -- A judge has rejected an application by lotto receivers to stop lottery company Maltco from imposing a higher bank guarantee on them.

William Hill Rejects Playtech Claim on Sportingbet Deal
LONDON, UK (December 21, 2012) -- British bookmaker William Hill has rejected a claim by joint venture partner Playtech that it should share in the benefits of a planned takeover of online gambling group Sportingbet.

Governor Retains Agency Leaders
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (December 22, 2012) -- Gov.-elect Mike Pence announced Friday that he would be retaining the heads of IDEM, the BMV, the Hoosier Lottery and other state agencies.

Bodog launches Anonymous Poker Series in 2013
To celebrate the Bodog Poker Network’s (BPN) creation of the first network made in Asia for Asia, Bodog will embark on a year-long poker series in 2013. The Anonymous Poker Series will be comprised of both live and online events, to showcase the BPN’s unique product offering. January 2013 will also see the BPN’s newest B2B partners join the network.

N.J. Can Be Sued To Stop Sports Betting, Judge Rules
A federal judge has ruled that the National Collegiate Athletic Association and a coalition of professional sports leagues can sue New Jersey to stop the state from sanctioning and regulating sports betting.




Head to: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

On behalf of all of the staff at Lottery Insider, We wish you and your families the very best Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Lottery Insider & Gaming Portal will continue to release the complimentary magazine on Monday December 24, 2012 and also the Daily News Edition on Monday.

The Blog will be updated over the weekend and week only if essential breaking news is apparent - I just can't help myself but search for news - but the publication will not be published until January 2, 2013, as we continue with maintenance on the site and a well deserved day or two off !!!!

So check back if you find a quiet moment or two over a glass of eggnog or something stronger.....

cheers

Trace

Headlines as at Friday December 21, 2012

 

 

To access the Daily News Service: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/subs.htm

Please check back for the news snippets in between publications - all part of Lottery Insider keeping you informed around the clock as much as possible.

Cheers

Trace

 

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Friday December 21, 2012

PRIVATIZATION NEWS

1. Turkish Government Plans to Sell Betting Company, May Tender National Lottery Licence in H1 2013.
2. Pennsylvania in Talks to Extend Lottery Bid Deadline.
3. Secretary of Aging Defends Lottery Privatization Process.

 LOTTERY NEWS

1. South Dakota Lottery to Test New Technology, Expand Games.
2. China Lottery Sales Grow Faster in November.
3. Tennessee Lottery Reaches Milestone with 100th Winning Ticket Worth $1 Million or More.

LEGAL, LEGISLATIVE, POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT

1. Berjaya Locked in Legal Battle with Government Sweepstakes Organization Over Lotto License.
2. IT Worker Jailed for Stealing Online Bet Files.
3. Retailers Threaten to Lodge Lawsuit Against Norsk Tipping.
4. Shuffle Master Wins Appeal on Patent War.
5. Poker Machine Reforms Pass, But Clubs Win Two-Year Delay.

MARKETING and SPONSORSHIP

1. Michigan Lottery Heats Up the Winter! It’s Blazing 500s Again!

VENDOR NEWS

1. GTECH Executes Exclusive License and Representation Agreement with Caesars Entertainment Operating Company for Rights to Licensed Content.
2. INTRALOT Granted New Sports Betting License in Poland.
3. GTECH Executes Exclusive License and Representation Agreement with Caesars Interactive Entertainment for World Series of Poker® Brand.
4. AGTech Closes China's First International Lottery Hardware Sale.
5. Net Entertainment Releases Elements: The Awakening™.
6. GLI Europe Renews RvA Guide 65 Accreditation.
7. PokerTek Re-Enters Mexican Gaming Market with PokerPro.
8. GTECH Renews Exclusive Trademark License Agreement with Prometheus Global Media for Rights to the Billboard Brand.

REMOTE GAMING

1. Caesars Scores Nevada Web Poker License.
2. New Commercial Bingo Game Launches On Facebook.

MARKET WATCH

1. Betting Giant Pays Out £130m Tax Bill.
2. Sportingbet Chairman’s AGM Statement.
3. Rank Group Must Sell Six Casinos to Win Gala Takeover.
4. International Game Technology Completes $400 Million Accelerated Stock Buyback.

CASINO NEWS

1. Crown's Chairman Lifts Stake in Casino Group.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

1. NeoGames Appoints New Chief Executive Officer.
2. Elisabeth Lennhede Appointed New Communications Director At Net Entertainment.

At my desk Friday December 20th @ 4.30AM

Very tired today - we went xmas light watching till late last night.
Some people do amazing jobs of decorating their houses with lights for xmas.

But..............Dedicated as ever -  I am at my desk !

News filtering through to go into todays edition follows:

Please head to our site to read the full stories late this morning

Turkey May Tender National Lottery Licence In H1 2013-Finmin
INSTANBUL, Turkey (December 20, 2012) -- Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday Turkey plans to tender a licence to operate the national lottery in the first half of 2013.

China Lottery Sales Grow Faster In Nov
BEIJING, China (December 20, 2012) -- Sales of lottery tickets saw faster growth last month, rising 12.8 percent year on year to 23.71 billion yuan ($3.76 billion), the Ministry of Finance said Thursday .

Berjaya Girds for Legal Battle with PCSO over Lotto License
MANILA, Philippines (December 19, 2012) – Berjaya-led Philippine Gaming Management Corp. (PGMC) is ready to “go to war” with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for allowing another entity to enter its supposed exclusive Luzon territory without any public bidding.

GTECH Corporation Executes Exclusive License And Representation Agreement With Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. For Rights To Licensed Content

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (USA) – (December 20, 2012) – GTECH Corporation announced that it has signed an exclusive, multi-year License and Representation Agreement with Caesars Entertainment Operating Company Inc. (“CEOC”).  In 2008, GTECH executed a four-year License and Representation Agreement to exclusively offer the World Series Of Poker®, Caesars® and Harrah’s® brands to the lottery industry for use with certain lottery games. 

WMS Industries Recognized As One of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Places To Work For

WAUKEGAN AND CHICAGO, Illinois (December 17, 2012) -- WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE: WMS), a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of games, digital gaming content and gaming machines to the worldwide gaming industry, has been honored as one of the nation’s 2012 "National Best and Brightest Places to Work For" by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). Leading up to the announcement and for the fourth consecutive year, WMS was also recognized as one of Chicago's "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For."
AGTech Holdings Limited : AGTech closes China's first international lottery hardware sale - Provides progress update on other strategic initiatives
HONG KONG (December 20, 2012) --  AGTech Holdings Limited ("AGTech," together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (SEHK code: 8279), the leading integrated gaming company in China's sports lottery market, announced that its 100% owned subsidiary Beijing AGTech GOT Technology Co., Ltd. ("GOT") has entered into a contract to supply 530 of its new generation C8 betting terminals to Gold Circle (PTY) Limited ("Gold Circle"), one of South Africa's leading gaming and wagering companies.

PokerStars and Casino Gran Madrid to Open New Poker Room

ISLE OF MAN (December 20, 2012) -- PokerStars, the world's largest online poker site, has reached an agreement with Casino Gran Madrid, the biggest casino in Spain, for a new state-of-the-art PokerStars-branded poker room at Casino Gran Madrid, which will deliver the highest-quality live poker experience.


Sportech PLC

·         Earnings Enhancing Acquisition Extends Sportech's Reach in US Gaming Market

·         Acquisition of eBet, a Leading Provider of Internet and

·         Mobile Betting Services for Horseracing in North America

LONDON, UK (December 20, 2012) -- The Board of Sportech PLC ("Sportech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of eBet Online Inc ("eBet"), a leading US business to business ("B2B") online betting operator and technology and services provider focused on the North American horseracing betting market. Total consideration, dependent upon future performance, is to be up to $12.6m (approximately £7.8m).

 

NeoGames Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

MALTA (December 20, 2012) --  NeoGames, the global leader of interactive scratch cards and lottery games has appointed Mr. Ilan Rosen as its new CEO, effective January 1st, 2013.

Mr. Rosen brings with him over 10 years of proven track record  in finance, management and gaming experience.

 

 

 

Please head to our site to read these and many, many other articles in full - as well as have access to over four years worth of news archives on the Lottery & Gaming Industry.

 

We feature the latest news on Casino, sportsbetting, internet gaming, Gaming Machines, Lottery & Gaming Marketing and statistics as well as profile pages on lotteries and individual vendors.

 

To access the Daily News Service: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/subs.htm

Cheers

Trace

at my desk Thursday Dec 20th - 11AM

Breaking News filtering through for tomorrow's publication follows

Remember, I just give you an insight into what news is breaking, the full story will appear in our next edition of Lottery Insider's Daily News

This is just an additional service to our readers, so we keep you informed on the latest news within the industry around the clock

Please remember to support us by forwarding to our site, or drop me a comment or suggestion - we strive to be the best service we can be - and we do it with your support.

Cheers

Trace

To access the Daily News Service, log on to: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/nasplnews.htm

To access the Daily News Service Mobile/ iPad Site http://www.lotteryinsider.com/news/mobile_version/index.htm
Pennsylvania in Talks to Extend Lottery Bid Deadline
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (December 19, 2012) – Gov. Tom Corbett's administration and a British firm say they're talking about extending a deadline to decide on the company's bid on a 20- to 30-year contract to manage the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Large Instant Lottery Tickets To Draw Attention To Real Winners Of Corbett Administration Privatization Deal

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (December 19, 2012) --  At 11:30, Thursday, Dec. 20, a growing coalition of concerned citizens will present four large - very large -- instant lottery tickets to the handful of special interests who will "win" if the Corbett administration closes the deal to privatize management of the PA Lottery with United Kingdom-based Camelot

Lottery Reaches Milestone with 100th Winning Ticket worth $1 Million Or More

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (December 19, 2012) -- In news sure to spread extra holiday cheer throughout the state, the Tennessee Lottery announced today it had hit yet another milestone with the sale of its 100th winning ticket worth $1 million or more. The lucky holder of the 100th ticket, Thomas Ridenhour of Jackson, arrived at the Lottery’s Nashville headquarters this morning to claim his prize, won by playing the instant-ticket game “Millionaire Jumbo Bucks.”

Howlin to Publish New Lottery Bill
DUBLIN, Ireland (December 19, 2012) – Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin will tomorrow publish legislation overhauling the rules and regulations governing the national lottery

News Headlines For Thursday December 20th

Headlines Posted for Thursday December 20th

Head the our site to read the full articles:

To access the Daily News Service, log on to: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/nasplnews.htm

To access the Daily News Service Mobile/ iPad Site:  http://www.lotteryinsider.com/news/mobile_version/index.htm

 

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Check back throughout the day as breaking news headlines are posted in between our publication - so that you are always informed and stay in the loop !

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Thursday December 20, 2012

LOTTERY NEWS
    
           Spanish Lotteries Are Seeking Ways for Growth.

1. Lottery Director: Profit Rules Hurt Education in Oklahoma.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING INITIATIVES

1. Responsible Gambling Kiosks Initiative Extended.

 

LEGAL, LEGISLATIVE, POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT

1. Minister to Publish New Lottery Bill.
2. New Jersey Gambling Lawsuit Turns Initially on Question of “Standing”.
3. Interior Ministry Issues First Twelve Permits for the Organization and Distribution of Online Casino Games.
4. New UK Tax Legislation Could See Gaming Companies Lose Millions.
5. Sweepstakes Company Appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court for Stay of an Order Banning the Games.
6. Antigua Disappointed at WTO Online Gambling Position.
7. Veterans Club Under Investigation for Selling Pull-Tabs Purchased on the Internet.
8. Controversial Anti-addiction Medicine to be Trialled on Problem Gamblers.

MARKETING and SPONSORSHIP

1. Advertising Standards Authority Bans 'Irresponsible' Health Lottery Adverts.
2. Independent Gambling Authority Pushes for Gambling Ads to be Banned from SA Sport.
3. William Hill Unveils iPAD App.

VENDOR NEWS

1. Norsk Tipping to Launch Online Games Next Year with the Responsible Gambling System Playscan™.
2. INTRALOT Italia and AS ROMA Sign Agreement.
3. Bally Technologies Announce Agreement to Provide 650 Video Lottery Terminals to Saskatchewan.
4. Interblock Wins Another New Market.
5. Introducing IGT's New Online Blockbuster: Ghostbusters™.
6. Unibet Live with Play’n GO Casino Games.
7. Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Acquires 50% Stake in Games Developer MX Digital.

REMOTE GAMING

1. Germany and UK Take the Lead in Online Social Gambling Market.

MARKET WATCH

1. Sportingbet Wagering Activity Returning to Normal Levels – Chairman.
2. Spanish Multinational Gaming Firm's Bond Offering Double-Digit Returns.
3. Mediobanca SpA Reiterates Outperform on Lottomatica Group.
4. LMAX Sell-Off is Questionable Strategy for Betfair.
5. Macau December Gaming Revenue Already 15% Higher.
6. Lakes Entertainment Announce Closing on $17.5 Million Financing Facility.

GAMING MACHINES (VLTS)

1. International Airport Gets OK for Electronic Pull-Tab Games.

CASINO NEWS

1. Sky's the Limit After Adelaide's Skycity Casino Deal.
2. Gaming Control Board Schedules Information and Public Input Hearings for Philadelphia Casino.
3. Casino Panel to Vote on Opening Licensing Process.
4. Saratoga Leaders Support Expanding Gaming at Casino.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

1. Governor Appoints Outgoing State Legislators to Lottery Commission.
2. Fortuna Appoints New Head of Bookmaking.
3. Penn National Gaming Names New Argosy Casino General Manager.

From my desk Thursday Dec 20th at 3.30AM

Want the news between publications ?

Then check out our blog throughout the day.
I post the news as it hits my desk, usually a small brief which is enough to alert readers to changes or issues affecting the Industry.

The complete story will follow in our next edition of the Daily News.

Remember, Lottery Insider published in excess of 25 news stories per day - 5 days a week - plus an additional overview of press releases in our complimentary weekend edition..................

and now for our readers benefits we also issue in between news notifications here on my blog - just to keep you in the loop around the clock.

Service, log on to: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/nasplnews.htm To access the Daily News Service Mobile/ iPad Site: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/news/mobile_version/index.htm

UPDATES

Interior Ministry Approved Online Casino Games; Andreas Breitner: No Discretion - Scale Alone The Law

GERMANY (December 19, 2012) -- The Interior Ministry on Wednesday (December 19 )issued  the first twelve permits for the organization and distribution of online casino games. The authorization shall be valid until 18 December 2018

INTRALOT Italia and AS ROMA Sign Agreement

ROME, Italy (December 19, 2012) -- INTRALOT Italia and AS ROMA have signed an agreement for the “Online Casino” category for the Football season 2012-2013.

Bally Technologies Announces Agreement to Provide 650 Video Lottery Terminals to Saskatchewan

LAS VEGAS(December 19, 2012) -- Bally Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BYI), a leader in slots, video machines, casino-management, interactive applications, and networked and server-based systems for the global gaming industry, today announced an agreement to provide 650 video-lottery terminals (VLTs) in Saskatchewan. This contract award follows a competitive procurement process

Sweepstakes Company Ask For Stay Of Ban

NORTH CAROLINA (December 19, 2012) -- The makers of software that drives sweepstakes gambling systems say they are appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court and have asked the state Supreme Court for a stay of an order banning the games

Baltimore To Vote On Deal To Boost Local Hiring At Caesars Casino

Las Vegas Company Agrees To Make Outreach, Training Efforts In Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland (December 19, 2012) – City officials are expected to sign off Wednesday on a deal that promises to help residents seeking the 1,700 jobs planned for Horseshoe Casino Baltimore — addressing one of the main arguments made by gambling supporters in the debate over expanding casinos in Maryland

Tribe Gets More Time to Pursue A Casino
BOSTON, Massachusetts (December 18, 2012) -- The state gambling commission has backed off a proposal to open Southeastern Massachusetts to commercial casino developers, punting the issue 90 days to mid-March

Rick Ask will be the Administrator of the Gambling Control Division
HELENA, Montana (December 19, 2012) -- Attorney General-Elect Tim Fox announced another round of appointments to his administration today.

Gaming Companies Could Lose Millions With UK Tax Bid
MALTA (December 19, 2012) -- New legislation intended as from 2014 to close off the loophole which has seen gaming companies setup in Gibraltar because of UK tax rates could cost gambling companies as much as £270 million by 2016-17

Gambling Game The Health Lottery Banned From Running Adverts That Made 'Irresponsible Promises Of Financial Security To Boost Sales'
LONDON, UK (December 19, 2012) -- Watchdogs have found the Health Lottery guilty of making irresponsible promises of financial security to boost sales

at my desk wednesday dec 18th @ 7.25AM

 

Lottery Insider's Blog spot is a place where we can post the latest news updates in between publication of our usual Daily News, its a service to readers to keep you informed around the clock.

We do not post the full story, but enough to give you an alert that a story is breaking or the main facts relating to an issue - the full story will appear within our next edition of the Daily News.

 

Please always check our site as we post over 30 news releases per day and not ALL posts that appear within our publication will be noted on our blog and visa versa.

 

This job takes a lot of dedication and coffee - so please support us by forwarding to our site and recognizing all the hard work...........................

 

Did you also know that we keep a four year archive on all information online and an even longer stretch at about 8 years within our office, so if you need to know something - just ask us !!

 

To access the Daily News Service: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/subs.htm

To access the Daily News Service Mobile/ iPad Site http://www.lotteryinsider.com/news/mobile_version/index.htm

 

Breaking News for Thursday perhaps.....................

Argosy Casino Gets New General Manager

ST LOUIS, Kentucky (December 18, 2012) -- Penn National Gaming Inc. has named Scott Saunders as general manager of Argosy Casino in Alton, effective Jan. 7.

 

Saratoga Leaders Support Expanding Gaming At Casino

 

SARATOGA, New York (December 18, 2012) -- Members of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and City Council will vote on measures tonight that are expected to support expanding gaming at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

 

Challenges To Pa. Lottery Plans Mount, Corbett Tries To Counter Negative Publicity

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (December 19, 2012) -- Gov. Tom Corbett's administration is trying to counter negative publicity surrounding its move to privatize the management of the $3.5 billion Pennsylvania Lottery.

It has distributed fact sheets to rank-and-file lawmakers as the Dec. 31 deadline for the Republican governor decide on a $34 billion, 20-year contract bid by a British firm approaches.

 

Media Bags out Zynga CEO

that is just plain Not nice.................

 

Malaysian Gaming Firm Threatens To Sue PCSO

MANILA, Phillippines (December 19, 2012) -- Philippine Gaming Management Corp. (PGMC), the local gaming unit of Malaysian conglomerate Berjaya, has accused the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) of working relentlessly to bring down the Malaysian-led company.

 

The Headlines For Wednesday December 19th 2012
The following releases were published in todays newsletter

To access the Daily News Service, log on to: http://www.lotteryinsider.com/nasplnews.htm

Wednesday December 19, 2012

 
PRIVATIZATION NEWS

1. Union Sues Over Effort to Privatize Pennsylvania Lottery.
2. Challenges To Pennsylvania Lottery Privatization Mount.
3. State Explores Terms of Lottery Contract with Camelot.

LOTTERY NEWS

1. FRU to Refund Ticket Holders of Rugby World Cup Lottery Tickets.
2. Korean Lottery Sales to Surpass 2.79 Billion This Year.
3. Lottery Winners Can't Expect Privacy.

LEGAL, LEGISLATIVE, POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT

1. Gaming Firm Threatens to Sue Government Sweepstakes Office.
2. EU Commission, Industry Groups and Operators Decry Greek’s Plan to Extend OPAP’s Gambling Monopoly Online.
3. Machine Games Duty Registration Deadline Looms.
4. Government to Consult on Amount Society Lotteries Give to Good Causes.
5. Selectmen Recommend Casino Referendum.
6. New Jersey Assembly Passes Online Gaming Bill, 48-24-4.
7. OLG and Teamsters Union Resume Talks.
8. Moody's: Fiscal Cliff Threatens Gambling Industry.
9. State Supreme Court Upholds Video Gambling Ban.

MARKETING and SPONSORSHIP

1. Hoosier Lottery Selects New Creative Advertising Agency of Record.
2. Lottery Continues with Smart Advertising Campaign.
3. Betfair's Cash 4 Clubs Scheme Supports Mitcham RFC.
4. Betway Extends Reach in Denmark with Television Sponsorship.

VENDOR NEWS

1. Cantor Gaming® Signs Agreement to Offer Sports Wagering Sign-Up Station At new Location in Las Vegas.
2. Amaya's Ongame Selected by Redbet to Power Poker.
3. Euroslots Live on Quickfire Platform.

MARKET WATCH

1. William Hill Gets More Time for Sportingbet Deal.
2. Sportingbet and Plumbee Team-Up to Create Bonza Gaming.
3. Zynga Shares Slide Nearly 5%, as Active Users "Continue to Decline".
4. Cirsa Profits Continue to Rise.
5. Pennsylvania Table Games Revenue Up Slightly in November.
6. SHFL Entertainment Report Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended 2012 Results.

REMOTE GAMING

1. Slots Regulation to Give Huge Boost to Italian Online Gambling Market.

GAMING MACHINES (VLTS)

1. Regulators Approve New e-Pulltab Vendor.

SPORTS BETTING

1. State Flouts Sports-Bet Ban.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING INITIATIVES

1. Svenska Spel Research Council Funds Independent Evaluation of Playscan™.

University of Iowa Study: More Gambling Venues Haven't Led to More Problem Gamblers.