Friday 2 August 2013

News Updates from Lottery Insider Saturday August 3, 2013


Here at Lottery Insider, We sometimes have to REPEAT releases, simply because we posted them days before any other media outlets - and then when the news catches up and others start reporting on it - we have to repeat it so we do not look like we are behind ! When we were in front in the first place ! 


SATURDAY AUGUST 3, 2013
MORNING NEWS BREAK

Party Like a Celebrity with the Illinois Lottery's 'Anything's Possible' Music Series
CHICAGO, Illinois (August 2, 2013) -- The Illinois Lottery is bringing a season of summertime fun to Illinoisans with its Anything's Possible Music Series.
At each concert, the Lottery will create an unforgettable experience for a lucky fan and three friends. Prizes include a hotel stay, limousine transportation to the concert, an autographed guitar, a private meeting with the featured artist, and $500 spending money. In addition, the Lottery will be awarding 30 pair of general-admission concert tickets to most of the seven shows included in the summer-long music series.

Lottery Reaches Agreement for Central Computer System to Operate to 2018
CHARLESTON, West Virginia (July 31, 2013) -- West Virginia Lottery Commission Director John Musgrave announced Thursday that the Lottery has reached an agreement with Scientific Games International (SGI) that will allow the current central computer system that controls all video lottery machines within the state to remain in operation through Jan. 31, 2018.
"This agreement will maximize the lifespan of our system and ultimately save both the state and Limited Video Lottery operators and retailers from the very costly process of making a system change at an earlier date," Musgrave said. "I want to thank Scientific Games International for working with us to make this extension possible."

Expansion Down Under will Pay off for William Hill
LONDON, UK (August 3, 2013) -- William Hill said its expansion into Australia would pay off after results on Friday highlighted weak points in the new business and helped to send shares in the British bookmaker into retreat from record highs
William Hill shares fell 7 percent on Friday, the largest fall in the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares and a setback after the stock had climbed more than 70 percent over the past year.
Chief Executive Ralph Topping defended the Sportingbet deal, noting that Australia was one of the world's largest online gambling markets. "You never buy a perfect business. This business has a lot going for it but there are imperfections in it and there is upside for us on the digital side," Topping told reporters

Split Rumours Push Bwin to Two Month High
LONDON, UK (July 30, 2013) -- Break-up rumours helped BWin Party Digital advance on Tuesday in a London market otherwise dominated by earnings news. Talk that BWin Party was working on a plan to spin off its unregulated operations into a separate company helped the FTSE 250-listed bookmaker and online casino climb to a two-month high.
Meanwhile media reports that bwin.party’s Chris Welch will step down as group director of poker next month.

FRIDAY AUGUST 2, 2013
AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK

Fridays News has been posted in Our Daily News Edition.
Breaking news Bites will Resume from Saturday Afternoon (AEST).

THURSDAY AUGUST 1, 2013
AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK

Governor Appoints Commissioner to the Gaming Control Board
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (July 31, 2013) -- With critical decisions affecting the future of gambling in Philadelphia on the horizon, Gov. Corbett has appointed to the Gaming Control Board a new commissioner who is a well-known legislative aide and former Exelon Corp. executive.

Calls for Gaming Companies to be Given a Head Start against Illegal Competitors
NETHERLANDS (July 27, 2013) -- The proposed legalization of Internet gambling will likely see existing gambling operators such as the National Lottery and the Holland Casino, lose out to competitors who have been operating illegal sites online

German Bundesliga Team Partner with Lotto Berlin
BERLIN, Germany (July 31, 2013) -- German Bundesliga team Hertha BSC has announced a new three-year partnership with Lotto Berlin.
Under the new partnership Lotto Berlin will be provided with advertising opportunities at Hertha Berlin's home games at the Olympic Stadium, and at the team's media and PR activities, Sports Pro media reports.

OEG, licensed for online gaming in Latvia
Will Start Providing Expanded Selection of Services Under New Brand from 1 August 2013
LATVIA (August 1, 2013) -- Olympic Entertainment Group Company Announcement OEG, licensed for online gaming in Latvia, will start providing expanded selection of services under new brand from 1 August 2013.

Scientific Games Signs Rhode Island Lottery Instant Ticket Printing Services Contract
NEW YORK, NY (July 31, 2013) -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) today announced that the Company has signed a contract with the Rhode Island Lottery to serve as the sole supplier of instant ticket printing services

SNAI SpA Reports Decline in Figures for the First Half of 2013
Highlights of the Report
Revenue of € 253 million
EBITDA of € 49.1 million (before non-recurring costs determined for management purposes)
Net debt amounted to € -346.8 million

G.H.I. Solutions President Claudia Winkler Renews with BNP Media to Program Gaming Technology Conference 2014
Event to take place March 18-19, 2014 at Caesars Palace
LAS VEGAS (July 31, 2013) - G.H.I. Solutions President Claudia Winkler has been retained for a second year in a row by BNP Media to program the Gaming Technology Conference, the gaming industry's premier technology event.

Scientific Games Announce Contract Extension with Tatts Lotteries in Australia
ALPHARETTA, Georgia (July 31, 2013) -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) today announced that the Company has signed a contract extension to serve as the primary vendor to supply instant games, game design and marketing support to Tatts Lotteries, the largest operator of lotteries in Australia. The extension, which began in July 2013, lengthens the current contract term for NSW Lotteries and Golden Casket to December 2014 and includes two one-year extension options held by Tatts Lotteries. Revenue to Scientific Games will continue to be based on a price-per-thousand tickets basis.

WEDNESDAY JULY 31, 2013
AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK

RGA Challenges Greek Threat to Interim Gambling Licensees
The Remote Gambling Association has written to the Hellenic Gaming Commission to ask it to stop reviewing the licences of companies held by legitimate operators in Greece.
LONDON, UK (July 31, 2013) -- The trade association believes that the real reason for interviewing the operators who have been granted an interim online gambling licence is to prepare a blacklist.

JUMBO Interactive Mexico and Germany Website Development Update
Mexico Website Completed And Submitted For Final Approval.
Estimated Timeframe For Release Is September 2013.
Development Of Germany Website Progressing Well For Release In December 2013.
Leading interactive lottery business, Jumbo Interactive (ASX: JIN), provides an update on the progress of the website development in Mexico and Germany.

Odds and Gambling Codes Registered
SYDNEY, Australia (July 31, 2013) -- Sports fans can now enjoy broadcasts of live sporting events, without the constant intrusion of promotions of live odds during play. The Australian Communications and Media Authority today registered new codes of practice which limit betting odds promotions and gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts.

Multimedia Games Stock Surges after Q3 Earnings
AUSTIN, Texas (July 30, 2013) -- Entertainment company Multimedia Games Holding Company Inc. today reported a 19 percent rise in third-quarter revenue to a record of $48.1 million. It reported $40.5 million for the same period last year.

Governor Cuomo Signs Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed the Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act, a comprehensive new law that, pending approval of a referendum this fall
ALBANY, NY (July 30, 2013) -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed the Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act, a comprehensive new law that, pending approval of a referendum this fall, will establish four destination gaming resorts in Upstate New York and boost tourism and economic development in communities across the region. Long Island News reports that under the casino gaming plan outlined in the new law, all localities in the state will share in increased education aid, or lower property taxes, no matter where the casinos are located.

Scratch Ticket Contract Lapses as Officials Lament on How to Plug the Sales Gap
WASHINGTON DC (July 31, 2013) -- A dispute between the District and the vendor responsible for the State's highly profitable scratch-off lottery tickets, has led to the recent lapse of the city's instant-ticket contract, according to the local news sources. Without a contract, lottery officials warn, the city could run out of tickets within months, costing the government as much as $12 million in revenue.

Greek Privatization Deal Signed and Delivered
ATHENS, Greece (July 30, 2013) -- The contract for the operation of Greece's state lotteries for the next 12 years was finally signed yesterday by the state privatization fund (TAIPED) and the winning consortium Hellenic Lotteries SA, which will boost state revenues with a lump sum of 190 million euros plus another 580 million over the next 12 years. These amounts are guaranteed, TAIPED stated. The signing of the contract also paves the way for the completion of gaming firm OPAP's privatization.

Scientific Games Announces its Consortium Signs the Greek State Lotteries' Concession Agreement
NEW YORK, NY (July 30, 2013) -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) today announced that the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund has signed a 12-year concession agreement with the consortium in which Scientific Games Global Gaming S.a.R.l, a subsidiary of Scientific Games, is a participant, for the exclusive rights to the production, operation, circulation, promotion and management of the Greek State Lotteries. The consortium, incorporated as Hellenic Lotteries S.A., is principally comprised of Scientific Games, and subsidiaries of OPAP S.A. (ATH: OPAP) and Intralot S.A. (ATH: INLOT).

Aristocrat Releases First Facebook Social App, Heart of Vegas™, and Quickly Reaches 500,000 Installs
LAS VEGAS (July 30, 2013) - Leading land-based and online gaming technology supplier Aristocrat has released its first Facebook app since acquiring successful social casino publisher Product Madness late last year.
The first game, Heart of Vegas™ has been an instant hit, garnering 500,000 installs in just the first few weeks of its release. Heart of Vegas features free-to-play versions of several of Aristocrat's slots, the same slots that delight players worldwide. Players have come to know and love these slot games in Las Vegas and in casinos all over the world. Facebook users can become a fan of Heart of Vegas for special rewards and enjoy bonuses such as extra free coins and access to personalized promotions.

TUESDAY JULY 30, 2013
AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK

ARJEL Publishes Its Recommendations On Applications And Paris Online Games On Connected TV
FRANCE (July 26, 2013) - Pursuant to Article 34 of Law No. 2010-476 of 12 May 2010, the Regulatory Authority of Online Games publishes its recommendations to the government on gaming applications and Paris online connected TV. Download the Publication (Available in French Only)
SOURCE: ARJEL.

Olympic Entertainment Group Consolidated unaudited results for Q2 and H1 2013
ESTONIA (July 30, 2013) -- Estonia-based casino operator Olympic Entertainment saw its Eastern European core markets grow in value in the first half of 2013, with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania now representing 63 percent of the group's total operating business.

Suspension of Everleaf Gaming Limited
MALTA (July 30, 2013) -- Following investigations, and after having received all the information as requested by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (hereinafter the 'Authority') from Everleaf Gaming Limited's Players, the Authority hereby notifies that the remote gaming licences LGA/CL1/665/2011 and LGA/CL3/230/2008 held by Everleaf Gaming Limited have been suspended as of 26th of July 2013.

Land Purchase Confirms Intention for Sixth Casino Greenwood Racing Inc. is vying for a state license to open Maryland's sixth casino
WASHINGTON, Maryland (July 30, 2013) -- Greenwood Racing Inc. is confirming its intention to operate Maryland's sixth casino by purchasing 22 acres of land in Fort Washington

Wisconsin Lottery to give away Packers club seats
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (July 30, 2013) -- The Wisconsin Lottery will give away two club seat tickets to every Green Bay Packers home game for five years as part of this year's Packers Wisconsin Lottery offering, the team and the lottery said Monday.

Industry Body Says Government will Control Match Fixing and Money Laundering through Legalized Sports Betting
NEW DELHI, India (June 30, 2013) -- The government may earn about Rs 20,000 crore annually and reign in money laundering by legalising sports betting in the country, an industry body has said,

Innovative Yeti Hunt i3D video slot latest release from BetOnSoft
NICOSIA, Cyprus (July 30, 2013) -- BetOnSoft, leading providers of premium online gaming, casino software and turnkey solutions to the online gaming industry, announces the release of its exciting new video slot game Yeti Hunt i3D.

New Contracts Improve Intralot's Outlook
ATHENS, Greece (July 30, 2013) -- Following the extension of the OPAP contract for 5 years and the successful conclusion of the national lottery privatization (i.e. Intralot holds 16.5% of the winning consortium) IBG Research raises target price to EUR 1.90/share (vs. EUR 1.50/share) on improved risk profile.

Microgaming Forges Relationship With William Hill
ISLE OF MAN (July 30, 2013) -- Microgaming (www.microgaming.co.uk) the software supplier of choice to the gaming industry, and William Hill one of the world's largest gaming brands, have signed an agreement that will see William Hill take Microgaming's casino and mobile content through Quickfire, powered by Microgaming.

New Contracts Improve Intralot's Outlook
ATHENS, Greece (July 30, 2013) -- Following the extension of the OPAP contract for 5 years and the successful conclusion of the national lottery privatization (i.e. Intralot holds 16.5% of the winning consortium) IBG Research raises target price to EUR 1.90/share (vs. EUR 1.50/share) on improved risk profile.

BToto Trust to list in Singapore by Q4
Malaysian general election was part of reason for delay
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (July 30, 2013) -- Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd (BToto) will list its business trust early in the fourth quarter of this year, a top official said. Freddie Pang Hock Cheng, who is executive director of Berjaya Group and BToto, said all approvals had been obtained for the listing of Sports Toto Malaysia Trust (STM-Trust).

Firms Bustle in to Take Advantage of Web Betting Prospects
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (July 29, 2013) -- An online gambling firm that is negotiating to buy an Atlantic City casino filed an application Monday to cash in on New Jersey's Web betting operations, a senior executive said.
London-based 2UP Gaming PLC becomes the latest company to announce its intentions to offer Internet wagering on casino slot machines and table games. Monday was the deadline for applications to be filed with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the regulatory agency that will issue Internet gambling licenses.

Consultation planned on LCCP improvements
LONDON, UK (July 29, 2013) - The Gambling Commission plans to consult in September on some limited changes to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Many of the changes will be relevant only for the remote gambling sector and subject to the outcome of the consultation they should be in place for proposed government reforms that subject to parliamentary approval, will require all remote gambling firms targeting the British market to be licensed by the Commission.

Oklahoma Lottery Contribution to Education Exceeds Projections
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (July 29, 2013) -- The Oklahoma Lottery transferred $12 million more than what was appropriated to Oklahoma education from fiscal year 2013 Lottery proceeds. The Lottery's total beneficiary contribution for the year is $70,113,526.

Kentucky Lottery Honours Bouncing Ball Draw with Two Sets of Winning Numbers
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (July 29, 2013) -- An error during today's (7/29) midday Kentucky Lottery Pick 4 drawing has led to a second drawing being conducted, and both sets of winning numbers will be honoured. Inadvertently, one of the balls that were supposed to go into the first chamber of the draw machine bounced over to the second chamber of the machine when being loaded. This led to nine balls being in the first chamber and 11 in the second.

SMS-Lottery Action Offers Amnesty Delay
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (July 29, 2013) -- Prime Minister Ivar Asjes delayed the measures against the illegal sale of SMS lottery through the Curacao Lottery Foundation for three months.

PokerStars attempts to undermine Kentucky with Court Filing
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (July 29, 2013) -- The parent company behind online poker giant PokerStars sought to undermine the Kentucky government's claim against the site last week by filing a motion to dismiss. The motion to dismiss is in specific response to Kentucky's attempt to seize the PokerStars.com domain.

Scientific Games to Report Second Quarter 2013 Results
NEW YORK, NY (July 29, 2013) -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq:SGMS) announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 before the market opens on Thursday, August 8, 2013.

Wynn Resorts Profit Trailed Analysts Estimates
LAS VEGAS (July 29, 2013) -- Wynn Resorts Ltd. (WYNN:US), the casino company run by Steve Wynn, reported profit that trailed analysts' estimates amid a slowing of Macau revenue and ongoing hotel renovations by the company there.
News services report, that profit totalled $1.51 a share, Las Vegas-based Wynn said today in a statement. Analysts had projected $1.57 a share, the average of 23

Pinnacle Cuts Rates on $1.6 Billion Loans for Ameristar Purchase
NEW YORK, NY (July 29, 2013) -- Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. (PNK:US) cut the rates it is offering to pay on $1.6 billion of loans it is seeking to fund the acquisition of Ameristar Casinos Inc. (ASCA:US)

MONDAY JULY 29, 2013
AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK

Lotteries Law Under Review from Parliament
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (July 29, 2013) -- The country's lotteries law is coming under review with Parliament set to look at the impact lotteries have on society. Publication reports that Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies tabled the draft legislation in Parliament and members of the portfolio committee are to tackle the proposed law.

New Gaming Sites On Bulgarian Blacklist
SOFIA. Bulgaria (July 25, 2013) -- Last Wednesday the Bulgarian State Gambling Commission added 20 new gaming sites on their blacklist which makes the total now to 94 sites. The blacklist has to take care that these sites are barred from operating in Bulgaria. The sites are expekt.com, stanjames.com, sportingbet.com.au, bg.sportingbet158.com, mybet.com, betway.com, sbobet.com, 188bet.com, dafabet.com, betinternet.com, marathonbet.com, marathonbet.co.uk, bet3000.com, iasbet.com and 6 sites from Boylesports

Ausbil Dexia Withdraws Support for Echo
SYDNEY, Australia (July 29, 2013) -- Ausbil Dexia has withdrawn its support for Echo Entertainment Group Ltd in the wake of the group's failed bid for a second Sydney casino and the perceived poor performance of the existing Star casino

Genting Chairman Prepared to Boost Stake in Echo
SYDNEY, Australia (July 29, 2013) -- One of Asia's most powerful businessmen, K.T. Lim, has said he would be prepared to boost his stake in Australia's Echo Entertainment beyond 10 per cent if he was given the green light by regulators

Pennsylvania Lottery Bid Extended Again
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (July 27, 2013) -- The bid from the United Kingdom-based private lottery operator interested in taking over management of the Pennsylvania Lottery has been extended until Aug. 30.
The bid was set to expire July 31.

Unlikely Government will Offer Casino Licences up for Public Auction
MACAU, SAR (July 29, 2013) - In Speaking with the Macau Business Daily, Union Gaming has said a one-time renewal fee - or at the outside a gaming tax hike - is a more feasible approach. It is "exceedingly unlikely" the Macau government will put casino licences up for public auction at the end of the current concessions and sub-concessions in 2020 and 2022, says a note from Union Gaming Research Macau.

Gaming Firm Secures Green Light to Accept Junket Gamers
MANILA, Philippines (July 28, 2013) -- Gaming firm Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) has secured the government green light to accept junket gamers from the region, the news reports today. Chairman and President Reynaldo Bantug in speaking with the reporters, said the company has signed an agreement on Friday with the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to accept so-called junket gamers from Asia.

Gambling Loss Deduction Eliminated, Wins still to be Taxed
TOPEKA, Kansas (July 28, 2013) -- Kansas lawmakers spent a great deal of time this year haggling over income tax deductions and whether to budge on sales tax changes, but a provision aimed at gamblers who deduct their losses on the state income tax gained quick consensus

Analyst Predicts Deal with Government a Positive Move for SkyCity Group
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (July 29, 2013) -- A Forsyth Barr analyst says SkyCity Entertainment Group's underperforming casino in Adelaide will make big gains following a deal struck with the South Australian Government

Series on The World of Sports Betting to Feature in Prime Time
LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2013) -- CNBC has ordered a new series about the world of sports betting for its primetime reality slate, the network announced at the TCA press tour Saturday.

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