| WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
Receipt Lottery has First Drawing
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (October 1, 2013) -- The state lottery monopoly Tipos today announced the first winners of the National Lottery receipt lottery. The first prize of ten thousand euros went to east Slovakia, gained pad of purchase for 6.30 euro.
State Lottery Sales Top $1.28 Billion For Education
LOS ANGELES, California (October 1, 2013) -- California schools and colleges received $1.28 billion in lottery funds last year, the state controller's office said Tuesday, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times.
More than $1 billion was paid to K-12 schools. Community colleges received more than $168.5 million, the California State University system was paid more than $46 million, and the University of California was allotted nearly $30 million.
New Free Facebook Competition Launched by FDJ - "The workshop of Dreams"
FRANCE (October 1, 2013) – To celebrate it 80 years of service to the people of France, the National Lottery, La Française des Jeux (FDJ), has launched a free competition on the internet so that everyone can realize their dream.
Australasian Gaming Expo scheduled for August 12-14, 2014
London Olympics building to be reassembled for Australian show
LONDON, UK (October 1, 2013) -- One of the temporary structures developed for the London Olympics last year is being shipped out to Australia to provide a home for the 2014 Australasian Gaming Expo, which will be held from August 12-14. The event will be on a new site at Glebe Island, surrounded on three sides by the Sydney Harbour and with spectacular views of the Anzac Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
AG says Lottery Commission Will Determine Decision on Keno
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (October 2, 2013) -- Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says it's up to the state's Lottery Commission to determine whether it can offer keno under the constitutional amendment setting up the lottery, the Associated Pressreports.
Extension Given to Final Draft Gaming Report
MIAMI, Florida (October 1, 2013) -- Faced with omissions and confusing data in the 464-page draft report on gaming in Florida, the chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee on Tuesday said that legislators will give a month-long extension the Spectrum Gaming Group so that the company can refine the final draft that was due today.
Lawsuit Issued over Referendum Proposal Language
SYRACUSE, New York (October 1, 2013) -- Stop the ballot presses: A Brooklyn lawyer is asking a New York judge to make New York officials re-write or remove a referendum proposal that would expand casino gaming throughout the state, according to news site Syracuse.com.
Dealer Positions will Only Be Filled by Locals under My Term
Tony Lai for Macau Business Daily
MACAU (October 1, 2013) -- Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On stressed yesterday only permanent residents will be allowed to work as casino dealers as long as he is in office.
Speaking on the sidelines of National Day celebrations organised by the Macau Chamber of Commerce, Mr Chui recalled that he had “promised” that only residents could become dealers, Macau Business News reports.
IG Group Hires Agency to Educate the Public on Spread Betting
FTSE 250 Company IG Group has appointed Brands2Life to explain spread betting and forex trading to the public
LONDON, UK (October 1, 2013) -- The agency Brands2Life has won the newly created brief, which also includes positioning the company as a standard bearer in global business, following a competitive pitch.
INTRALOT S.A. Earns GSA Certifications for iGEM Site Controller
LAS VEGAS (October 2, 2013) – The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) is pleased to announce that INTRALOT S.A. has earned its first certifications under GSA’s Certification Program.
Bloomberry Resorts appoints new President, COO
MANILA, Philippines (October 2, 2013) -- Thomas Arasi, former president and CEO of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, is now at the helm of the US$1 billion Solaire Resort and Casino complex operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corp, Solar news reports.
| TUESDAY OCTOBER 1, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
RAY's Revenue Has Continued To Increase
HELSINKI, Finland (September 27, 2013) -- The revenue of Finland's Slot Machine Association continued to increase in the second four-month period of the year. However, yield development slowed down slightly from the start of the year; in January-August, revenue increased by 2.1% from last year and amounted to MEUR 520.2.
Sportium Official Sponsor of football club Elche
SPAIN (October 1, 2013) -- Bookmaker Sportium, a joint venture of bookmakers Ladbrokes and CIRSA, has been named the official sponsor of the football club Elche, acting in the highest division of the Spanish La Liga.
Massachusetts State Lottery’s SUPER 50/50 Raffle is back for the Holiday Season
BOSTON, Massachusetts (September 30, 2013) -- Ticket sales begin October 1, 40 chances to win $2,000 bonus prizes before New Year’s Day drawing
The Massachusetts State Lottery today announced that its SUPER 50/50 Raffle game is returning for the holiday season. Ticket sales for the limited-time $10 game begin on Tuesday, October 1 at all 7,400 Lottery retailers statewide.
Atlantic Lottery Recertified under WLA Level IV Responsible Gaming Program
Reaffirmed as a World Leader
MONCTON, New Brunswick, Canada (September 30, 2013) -- Atlantic Lottery has been reaffirmed as a world leader in responsible gaming and social responsibility by being recertified under the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Responsible Gaming Framework (RGF). It is the highest level of certification available.
State Lotteries Expects to Earn 4.8% more
The expected turnover rise by the agency in 2014 to 9127.8 million euros
MADRID, Spain (September 30, 2013) -- State Lotteries expects to earn 1.719 million euros in 2014, 4.8% more than the expected benefit for the year of 1,640 million euros, according to the Draft State Budget for 2014.
Bigger is Better! – Lottery Rolls Out First $20 Scratchers® Ticket with $5 Million Top Prize
$5 Million Jackpot Game Offers Largest Instant Scratchers Payday Ever!
SACRAMENTO, California (September 25, 2013) -- It doesn’t get any bigger than this – literally! – and in so many ways. Just in time to kick off the fall season, the California Lottery is launching the state’s first $20 Scratchers game called $5 Million Jackpot. This striking, jumbo-sized ticket’s top prize of $5 million is worth more instant cash than any of our popular Scratchers have ever paid out! It goes on sale today at all Lottery retail locations.
West Virginia Hosts Lottery EXPO
CHARLESTON, West Virginia (September 30, 2013) -- The West Virginia Amusement and Limited Video Lottery Association plans to host its annual industry-wide EXPO in Charleston Oct. 15 and 16.
The Charleston Daily Gazette reports that the three major gaming manufacturers, along with hundreds of vendors, operators and retailers are expected to attend the two-day event at the Charleston Town Center Marriott.
Cabinet Endorses Tax Exemptions for Casino Project
COLUMBO, Sri Lanka (September 29, 2013) -- Australian casino tycoon James Packer has moved one step closer towards opening his integrated resort in Colombo, with the Cabinet endorsing a series of tax exemptions for the project. It now remains for Parliament to approve the project for it to go into operation. In the unlikely event that Parliament rejects the project, it will be deemed to be rescinded under the provisions of the Strategic Development Projects Act, the Sunday Times reports..
Holding Company to Manage State Enterprises Not justified
TALLINN, Estonia (September 29, 2013) -- Prime Minister Andrus Ansip says that the proposal made by Erkki Raasuke, former CFO of Swedbank Group and current adviser to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to set up a holding company to manage all state enterprises is not miracle cure, writesÄripäev.
“This is not a very original thought,” said Ansip, adding that similar attempts made in Europe have not been successful.
Bulgaria Adds to its Gambling Black List
SOFIA, Bulgaria (September 30, 2013) -- Top French poker site Winamax is among the latest additions to the Governments Black list of gambling sites in Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian online gambling regulator Bulgarian State Commission on Gambling has brought to 142 the number of internet gambling websites on its blacklist, which means that ISP access & local financial transactions could be impeded.
Act is effective Piece of Legislation in the Battle against Lottery Fraud and Cyber Crime
KINGSTON, Jamaica (September 30, 2013) -- Some 50 persons have already been charged under the Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Act, which was passed in Parliament less than six months ago.
This was disclosed by National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, who described the Act, commonly referred to as the Lotto Bill, as a “very effective piece of legislation”, which has made law enforcers much more equipped at tackling the lottery scam and other forms of cybercrimes.
“I’m also very hopeful that we will see some convictions under this (legislation) within the next few months,” Mr. Bunting said.
EU Parliamentary Commission to Propose a Legislative Framework and Appropriate Measures to Combat Money Laundering
Linked to Betting, in Particular Sports Betting Gambling and Vote Buying To Be Included in the Fight with Organised Crime at EU Level
Article By: Zhaneta Kuyumdzhieva.
BRUSSELS, Belgium (September 30, 2013) -- On September 17th, the temporary committee of the European Parliament has completed its work, after almost 15 months, on Salvatore Lacolino's report (EPP, Italy) via which the committee recommends legislative measures to counteract crime, money laundering and corruption. The last proposed amendments to the report (totally 392) were complemented and adopted by 29 "in favour", 0 "against" and 8 abstentions. The interest in the document was really strong which predefined the intensive work of the committee to improve the scope of measures against corruption, organised crime and money laundering and, most of all, to take them out at EU level.
Prosecutors Rest case in Trial of Million Dollar Gambling Operation
SANFORD, Florida (September 30, 2013) -- Prosecutors rested their case Monday in the trial of a Jacksonville attorney accused of masterminding a veterans group that ran a $300 million gambling operation.
The Associated Press reports that prosecutors told jurors at attorney Kelly Mathis' trial Monday that they had rested their case, less than 10 days after giving opening statements in which they accused Mathis of helping build a network of Internet cafes that actually were computer casinos.
Casino Magnate Loses Libel Lawsuit
NEW YORK, NY (September 30, 2013) -- Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino magnate and prominent Republican donor, has lost a $60 million libel lawsuit in which he claimed a Democratic group spread a false accusation that he had condoned prostitution in his casinos in Macau, Reuters news reports.
At issue was an article published on July 3, 2012 by the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) on its website that sought to dissuade then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other Republicans from accepting Adelson's allegedly "dirty" and "tainted" money.
Camelot Launches Online Competition
LONDON, UK (September 30, 2013) -- Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, is launching an online singalong competition to the song in its new TV ad, which is based on the Gilbert O'Sullivan tune 'Ooh-wakka-doo-wakka-day', later today.
Agency Wins Swiss Lottery Contract for Web Development
GENEVA, Switzerland (September 26, 2013) -- The digital agency Geneva Net Design has just launched collaboration with two major advertisers Swiss Migros Geneva and the Loterie Romande.
Lottery Defends its Expenditure on Advertising of GeoSweep Game
NEWFOUNDLAND, Canada (September 30, 2013) -- The Atlantic Lottery Corporationspent almost $2 million to advertise and promote the GeoSweep lottery before withdrawing the game, documents obtained by CBC News through an access-to-information request show.
GeoSweep was launched in Atlantic Canada last year. Its introduction to the market was accompanied by a splashy promotional campaign, including TV ads, billboards, and buses covered by the logo.
Sports Betting Provider Extend Partnership for Handball Champions League
GERMANY (September 30, 2013) -- The international online sports betting provider bet-at-home.com and EHF Marketing GmbH (EHFM) extend their partnership for another season game. Starting from the season 2006/07 was bet-at-home.com sponsors the EHF Champions League active.
Chamber Supports Sports Betting Bill
WINDSOR, Ontario (September 30, 2013) -- Canada’s business community urged Monday for the passage of a sports betting bill which has been bogged down in the Senate the past 18 months, the Windsor Star reports.
Data Centre Upgrade will Benefit Islands eGaming Sector
ISLE OF MAN (September 30, 2013) -- Manx Telecom has started work on a £10 million three phase project, which upon completion will result in a new purpose-built data centre. Phase one of the Greenhill Data Centre is scheduled to be open for business on January 1, 2014. Located at the Isle of Man Business Park near to the company’s headquarters it will become Manx Telecom’s third data centre - in addition to Douglas North and Douglas Central - and by far the biggest of any on the Island in terms of rack space. Greenhill will be constructed to the same Tier 3 world class specification and have the same industry accreditations as Douglas North which already provides hosting services for Isle of Man Government and many leading private sector brands. When it is up and running, Greenhill will create new jobs with recruitment dependent upon the level of new business which the centre generates.
State Looks to Boost Video Lottery Revenue
PIERRE, South Dakota (September 30, 2013) -- The decline in revenue generated at video lottery establishments started years before voters approved a smoking ban in 2010, according to a report commissioned by the state lottery commission.
| MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
INTRALOT's VLT System Certified by GSA
First to Receive GSA Transport and Security Certification
ATHENS, Greece (September 30, 2013) -- September 30th, 2013 INTRALOT is the first international vendor to receive the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) Point to Point SOAP/HTTPS Transport and Security Specification and one of the two companies that have been certified internationally according to the GSA Game to System (G2S) Message Protocol standard, both of them for its VLT Monitoring system, iGEM.
Net Entertainment signs partnership agreement with online gaming operator William Hill PLC
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (September 30, 2013) -- Net Entertainment has signed a partnership agreement with one of the largest and most reputable online gaming operators in the world, William Hill PLC. Under the terms of the agreement Net Entertainment will supply William Hill with a selection of top desktop and mobile titles.
Winamax Managing Director Steps Down
FRANCE (September 30, 2013) -- Canel Frichet, managing director of French poker site Winamax, is to step down from her role with France's market leader in online poker cash games at the end of this month.
Sportech Plc Announce Joint Venture with Picklive
LONDON, UK (September 30, 2013) -- Sportech Plc (SPO.L) Monday announced a joint venture with Picklive, to launch Picklive USA, an innovative new gaming product worth an estimated $2 billion, through a combination of daily fantasy sports, social gaming and in-play entertainment
Big Week for Lottery Players
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (September 29, 2013) -- Last night's massive Powerball jackpot was the largest individual prize in the game's history. And all $33 million has gone to one winner. The lucky ticket for the must-win draw was sold in Ponsonby, in Auckland. Lotteries Commission spokeswoman Emilia Mazur says it's the biggest week ever in terms of prizes given away. "We gave away $22 million on Wednesday, to a Big Wednesday player in Christchurch, and now $33 million to another Powerball player in Auckland. "So it's a massive week for us."
Lottery Looks to Expand Player Base
Also Revising Traditional Ball Drawings
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (September 29, 2013) -- In an attempt to draw new players and reinvigorate the Hoosier Lottery, private operator GTECH Indiana has focused on new games and branding, the Journal Gazette reports. The goal is not to get current players to play more but expand the player base to those who otherwise would not consider it.
Illegal Lotteries Flourish Via Mobile
BANGALORE, India (September 30, 2013) -- Six years after all forms of lottery were banned in Karnataka, the State Excise and Lottery Enforcement Cell has uncovered a 'mobile lottery' racket in Ramanagaram, according to the Indian Express newspaper.
This form of lottery is similar to the banned matka, where a bet is placed on a certain number and prizes are distributed through a physical network. The new system, however, uses mobile phones and the internet for both betting and distribution of prizes.
Court Hears Tatts Deal was Open to Legal Challenge
SYDNEY, Australia (September 30, 2013) -- A Former Racing Queensland Limited director said he believed there was an opportunity back in 2008 to mount a legal challenge over a deal with gaming giant Tatts alleged to have cost the industry $91 million
Lottery Unveils New Scratch off Games, Keeping Products Fresh for Players
PANAMA CITY, Florida (September 29, 2013) -- New Florida Lottery scratch-off games came out this month, and state officials likely hope they'll be more successful than the Billion Dollar Blockbuster game that sold fewer than half of its 65 million pre-printed tickets and was taken off the market recently
Gaming Regulators Impose Fines
HANOVER, Maryland (September 30, 2013) -- More than two dozen instances of underage gambling at Maryland casinos will cost casino operators tens of thousands of dollars in fines. A consent agreement signed last week by gambling regulators and earlier by Maryland Live casino marks the state's first financial penalty for underage violations
December Date for Draft Rules on Gambling is Realistic
CONCORD, New Hampshire (September 28, 2013) -- The chairman of a state panel charged with writing new regulations to expand gambling in New Hampshire said Friday that a Dec. 15 deadline for draft rules is realistic
Commission to conduct Review after Fraudulent Casino Chips Case
DES MOINES, Iowa (September 29, 2013) -- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will review on Monday a case involving counterfeit gambling chips used at a western Iowa casino, said Brian Ohorilko, administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Final YLE Screening Of Lottery Draw On Sunday
HELSINKI. Finland (September 29, 2013) -- More than 42 years of tradition will come to an end on Sunday with the final YLE screening of Finland's weekly lottery draw. From the start of October the draw will be shown on MTV3 because the communications regulator ruled that YLE'S deal to show the draw was illegal.
New Lotto App That Will Help You Crack the Jackpot
BERGAMO, Italy (September 23, 2013) -- App Developer, Simiula introduces Lotto Dice Roller 1.0, their new entertainment app for iOS devices. Lotto Dice Roller is a lucky random number selector for lotteries 6 from 49.
Betting Operators Welcome Sanctions
BRUSSELS, Belgium (September 25, 2013) -- Mike O'Kane, Chairman of ESSA integrity body for the licensed betting operators, stated his organization did "fully supports tough sanctions against any player, official or other party did Engages in corrupt activity designed to manipulate sporting events to defraud bookmakers and Their customers. "
Record Amount Spent on Sports Betting
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (September 30, 2013) -- A record nearly $2 billion was spent on sports betting and the racing industry's poker machines in New Zealand last year, the New Zealand Racing Board says. TVNZ reports that the New Zealand's racing industry gets the greatest windfall from the board's record financial result announced this morning, receiving about $142 million in dividends as a result.
Britain's oldest football betting business has crossed the channel for the first time in its 90-year history
LONDON, UK (September 29, 2013) -- The Football Pools, which was founded outside Old Trafford stadium in 1923, has launched in France after agreeing a partnership with a company backed by former Chelsea footballer, Frank Leboeuf,
Paddy Power Strengthens its PR Department
LONDON, UK (September 27, 2013) - Paddy Power has Bolstered its public affairs department with the recent hire of Adam Smith. According to publication 'PR Week,' Adam Smith was brought in as head of external communications last week as part of the bookmaker's drive to strengthen its regulatory and governmental affairs firepower.
| THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
Record Profit for NZ Lotto
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (September 26, 2013) -- A record profit's been recorded by gambling agency Lotto. It's reported an almost $202 million profit in its annual report - an increase of over $11 million when compared to the previous financial year.
Lotterywest Posts Record Sales
PERTH, Western Australia (September 26, 2013) - West Australia's love of traditional punting has grown with a record $820 million spent on Lotto last financial year, defying a barrage of advertising for online betting by "men in stylish suits," from the competition. It means WA keeps its record as having the most Lotto sales per capita on Earth despite the world's biggest online book- maker Bet 365 arriving in 2012-13
The Lottery has been Supporting Community Causes to the Tune of £1bn in funding
BELFAST, Ireland (September 25, 2013) - Happiness and Family go hand in hand according to a recent poll conducted by the National Lottery. A National Lottery Good Causes poll in conjunction with Lucid Talk and the Belfast Telegraph found more than half of those polled are the most content when with our nearest and dearest. The National Lottery's own family in Northern Ireland - the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sport NI - are close to breaking through the £1bn funding mark since we started out in 1994
Government Looks to Sell Betting Agency
CANBERRA, ACT (September 26, 2013) -- The ACT Government is considering selling the betting agency ACTTAB, the Australian Broadcast Corporation reports. A government-commissioned feasibility study by PriceWaterhouseCoopers has found there is a strong argument for a sale.
Legislature Pursues E-Gaming despite Passage of Video Lottery Bill
SAIPAN (September 25, 2013) -- Despite the passage of a video lottery bill now with the governor, the House and Senate are still pursuing an electronic gaming legislation whose conferees could meet as early as yesterday
Massachusetts Contracts with Pro-Lite for Modulex™ Jackpot Signs
COSTA MESA, California - (September 30, 2013) Pro-Lite recently delivered the first instalment of wirelessly updatable, double jackpot LED window signs, on a three-year contract from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC), which includes two one-year extension options. 2,500 signs were delivered
California Lottery Awards Advertising Account
SACRAMENTO, California (September 25, 2013) -- The California State Lottery has tentatively awarded Muse Communications a contract to help it reach African-Americans in the state, according to an intent-to-award notice, publication PR Week reports. The five-year contract is estimated to be worth up to $10 million, according to RFP documents for the account. The pact is expected to be formally approved at a board meeting on Thursday morning
Premier Defends Contradictory Action on Advertising, acknowledging that Competition for the Players Dollars is Fierce
PERTH, West Australia (September 26, 2013) - Lotterywest has reported a record $820 million spent on Lotto last financial year, despite a barrage of advertising campaigns from competitors, in attempts to attract the WA Player's dollar.
Maltco Lotteries U*BET Sports gets bigger and better!
Maltco Lotteries Limited has just launched two ambitious projects related to one of their most popular games-U*BET Sports
MALTA (September 24, 2013) -- All sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to browse and get connected to the magical and exciting world of U*BET sports through the new U*BET website: www.ubet.com.mt. The website brings together the integration of dynamic odds, thus offering more visibility.
Berjaya Remains intent on Acquisition of Luxury Car Dealership
MANILA, Philippines (September 25, 2013) -- The Philippine arm of Malaysian conglomerate Berjaya is extending its offer to acquire the remaining shares of a London-based luxury car dealer, declaring the bid "unconditional" after the investment holding firm's ownership breached the 50-percent mark.
Lottomatica Signs Agreement for Processing Tax Payments
ITALY (September 26, 2013) -- From today payments of Equitalia can be paid at the point of sale from Lottomatica SisalPay. La Stampa reports that thanks to an Agreement by Lottomatica SisalPay, taxpayers can now settle the payment slips through a wide time range and all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.
Inspired VLTS Go Live in Lottomatica Venues in Italy
LONDON AND ROME, (September 25, 2013) -- Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired), the international SBG and VLT specialist, and one of the largest suppliers of VLTs and Virtual Sports in Italy, today announce the start of a long-term VLT partnership with Lottomatica (GTECH SpA) and the installation of Inspired's VLTs in Lottomatica venues. Lottomatica is one of the largest operators in Italy with over 800 VLT venues
GVC says Sportingbet Deal Paying Off
LONDON, UK (September 25, 2013) -- GVC expects to beat market forecasts this year thanks to rapid progress on restructuring the Sportingbet businesses it bought this year, the online gambling company said on Wednesday. Reuters reports that GVC, listed on the AIM stock market, was the junior partner to William Hill in a 485 million pound ($775.2 million) takeover of online gambling group Sportingbet earlier this year.
| WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
Education in Louisiana Received Unexpected Millions thanks to Lottery
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (September 24, 2013) -- Huge jackpots for Powerball and Mega Millions helped generate unexpected millions in the last fiscal year for education in Louisiana.
“We had a $2 (per ticket) increase in Powerball (and) we had two really good Powerball jackpots,” said Rose J. Hudson, president of the Louisiana Lottery Corp., on Tuesday, speaking with The Advocate.
$30 Million Powerball Jackpot Won on the Internet
BRISBANE, Queensland (September 24, 2013) -- A lucky OzLotteries.com customer from New South Wales this morning discovered she was the sole winner of last night’s $30 million Powerball jackpot.
A staff member from Jumbo Interactive - the company that operates OzLotteries.com - broke the news to the stunned lady, who wishes to remain anonymous, via a telephone call.
Loteria del Tolima to Offer Products Over the Internet
TOLIMA, Colombia (September 19, 2013) – The Manager of Loteria del Tolima (http://www.loteriadeltolima.com/), Victoria Castillo, announced today that the company will enter a select group of lotteries in the country and in the world that offer their products over the Internet.
The lottery has enabled ten (10) virtual points that can be accessed through this process, which will be located at 843 municipalities.
Lottery Off to a Good Start
DES MOINES, Iowa (September 24, 2013) -- As good as the Iowa Lottery’s year was in fiscal 2013, sales in the first two months of the current year that started July 1 have been even better.
According to the Muscatine Journal, the lottery posted a record year with sales topping $339 million and transferred profits of nearly $84.9 million to the state treasury when the 2013 fiscal year ended June 30.
Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia to Launch "Scratch-Lottery" on October 21
PANAMA CITY, Republic of Panama (September 20, 2013) -- Emilio Somoza, an official of Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia (LNB), announced that on October 21, a new game of chance "Scratch-Cards" will officially be launched in the Republic of Panama.
The official said that the cost of "Scratch-cards" is 50 centavos, 1 and $2, and prizes range from $1 to $10,000.
Canada’s Favourite Lottery Games Are Now Offered On Playnow.Com
MANITOBA, Canada (September 19, 2013) -- PlayNow.com, Manitoba’s site for casino, sports and poker action, now offers a convenient option for the province’s lottery players. Tickets for Canada’s two national games, Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max, can now be purchased online through PlayNow.com.
Lottery Considers Renovation Rescue on Headquarters
DES MOINES, Iowa (September 25, 2013) -- The Iowa Lottery is seeing sales continue to exceed expectations as the organization looks for a new place to operate its headquarters, according to Radio Iowa.
With business doing well, Rich told the broadcast station that they want to keep it that way and are looking at avoiding some potential problems with their headquarters building in Des Moines
Player Claims First Prize In Record-Breaking Scratch-Off Game
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (September 24, 2013) -- The Florida Lottery announces that Sherry Sapp, 50, of Winter Haven, claimed the first $1 million prize in the 100X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. The new $25 game, which launched on September 17, produced the highest first-week sales in the Lottery’s 25-year history. By generating $14.3 million, it surpassed the previous record held by the 25th Anniversary MILLIONAIRE Scratch-Off game, the Lottery’s first-ever $25 ticket.
GTECH Wins Gaming & Technology Award
Sphinx 3D™ game recognized by Global Gaming Business Magazine for technological innovation
SPIELO now a gaming product brand under new, integrated GTECH organization
MDI to Unveil Slingo® Lottery Challenge Instant Game and Mobile Competition at NASPL ‘13
ALPHARETTA, Georgia (September 25, 2013) -- Attendees of this year’s NASPL convention in Rhode Island will be among the first to play a new instant game and mobile competition introduced by MDI Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS). “Slingo Lottery Challenge” features the tremendously popular MDI-licensed Slingo brand on an instant game and accompanying mobile game application, available soon for Android™ and Apple® smartphones and tablets. Development of the new mobile game was a joint effort between the MDI Interactive team, Slingo, Inc. and Telos Entertainment, Inc.
Aristocrat’s nLive™ Virtual Casino Solution Wins “Innovation Award” in the 2013 Gaming & Leisure Gaming and Hospitality Awards
LAS VEGAS (September 25, 2013) – The award-winning nLive™ virtual casino solution from leading land-based and online gaming technology supplier Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a winner again. nLive has been named the winner of the “Innovation Award” in the 2013 Gaming & Leisure Gaming and Hospitality Awards.
According to Gaming & Leisure, the innovation award was given to the product and corresponding company that demonstrated the best original thinking in solving one or more business problems.
Gaming Companies to Compete for Licences Under New Act
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (September 24, 2013) -- The Finance Ministry has released a draft bill on games of chance which stiffens licensing rules and eliminates restriction of betting services to providers based in Slovenia.
SOURCE: STA.
Wynn to run Online Gaming from Competitors base
ATLANTIC CITY. New Jersey (September 24, 2013) -- Wynn Resorts Ltd. (WYNN) plans to run its online gaming business in New Jersey from the property of competitor Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR), according to a person with knowledge of the situation speaking with Bloomberg.
Spanish Regulator Ready for Liquidity
SPAIN (September 25, 2013) -- The European online gaming market has experienced many difficulties with the separation of markets in France, Italy, and Spain. While some online poker sites have thrived, most struggle with the issue of smaller player pools and higher-stakes players leaving the countries in order to gain access to the global market. France, Italy, and Spain have begun to acknowledge the problem as profits fall and revenues decrease.
Tabcorp’s Queensland Keno Licence Extension Finalised
MELBOURNE, Australia (September 25, 2013) -- Tabcorp Holdings Limited today announced that its Queensland Keno licence has been extended to 2047.
In April 2013, the Queensland Government announced it would extend Tabcorp’s Queensland Keno licence by 25 years to 2047, in return for Tabcorp making a $20 million payment to the State. Tabcorp has made the payment to the State and the necessary documentation has now been completed.
Dallas Cowboys and Texas Lottery Continue Partnership
IRVING, Texas (September 25, 2013) -- For a fifth straight year, local Cowboys fans can support their favorite NFL team, as well as public education, by playing the Dallas Cowboys scratch-off game from the Texas Lottery.
| TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
Cruise Ships to be Able to Operate Casinos in Port
HAMILTON, Bermuda (September 23, 2013) -- While Bermuda wrestles with the thorny topic of introducing casinos to the island, cruise ship passengers could soon be allowed to gamble on-board their vessels while in port.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) Announces New Top-level Appointments, Positioning Company for Continued Growth
LAKEWOOD, New Jersey (September 23, 2013) - Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), the world's leading gaming testing laboratory and technical consultancy, has made multiple top-level appointments, sending a very clear and strong signal that GLI is laying a solid groundwork for continued growth into the next decade.
'Enchanted Gardens' Slot Game Now Available for Mobile Casino Players
Jackpot Capital adds another feature-rich slots game to mobile casino app for iPhone and iPad
NICOSIA, Cyprus (September 23, 2013) -- Jackpot Capital Casino is astounding its mobile casino players again with yet another full-featured mobile slot game, Enchanted Garden. With all the color and excitement of the game that's been popular in the online casino for some time, Enchanted Garden looks spectacular in the new touch screen version enhanced for iPhone and iPad players.
House Bill Allows Video Lottery at Certain locations
SAIPAN (September 24, 2013) -- The CNMI is a step closer to allowing video lottery terminals after the Senate passed last night a House bill allowing video lottery terminals at certain hotels and airport departure areas to help generate new revenues for the NMI Retirement Fund and scholarship. Senators discussed the bill at length until its passage at 7:14pm.
Gamblers Supportive of Caps on Eftpos Machines
MELBOURNE, Victoria (September 21, 2013) -- Punters want daily limits placed on eftpos withdrawals in poker machine venues following the success of a ban on cash machines in poker machine venues
Opposition Questions Interest Payments on Deal Deemed to be an Investment
P.E.I Canada (September 20, 2013) -- Atlantic Lottery Corporation deducted $58,000 from its payment to P.E.I. in the 2011-12 fiscal year to cover interest costs on a loan used to invest in Geonomics Global Games.
| MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
YES ! We know we have missed a few days (You can stop emailing us on this) and we sincerely apologize but staff shortages have resulted in the breaking news page being delayed - we will be back to normal today!
Operators Turn to Cruise Ships to Meet Surging Demand and Escape Government Scrutiny
SYDNEY, Australia (September 23, 2013) -- Surging demand from mainland China has made Macau the world's largest gambling hub, pushing hotel prices above those in Las Vegas. Bloomberg news services report that lower costs, less government scrutiny and easier visa requirements are encouraging some China bettors to turn to gambling boats as an alternative to Macau's glitzy casinos, which drew $38 billion in revenue last year.
Panel to Meet with Consultant
CONCORD, New Hampshire (September 22, 2013) -- A special panel tasked with developing casino regulations for New Hampshire may meet with its newly hired consultant at its meeting Thursday.
The New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority recently hired WhiteSand Gaming of Nevada and New Jersey to help it write regulations for lawmakers to consider next year. The panel has a Dec. 15 deadline to submit draft legislation.
New York Casino Deal Challenged by Lawsuit
Article by Associated Press
ALBANY, New York (September 22, 2013) -- With a vote coming soon on whether to expand casino gambling in New York, two small upstate towns are asking a court to throw out the rules that would govern the rollout and a related deal between the state and the Oneida Indians, the Associated Press reports.
The towns of Verona and Vernon in central New York argue in a federal lawsuit for nullification of an agreement this year between the state and the Oneida Indian Nation that would allow the tribe to put up to 25,000 acres of land into trust.
Government will Clamp Down on Illegal Lottery Operators
LAGOS, Nigeria (September 22, 2013) -- The Lagos State Government has threatened to clamp down on illegal lottery operators in the state and prosecute any person or group caught in the act.
Online news site World Stage reports that the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, of Lagos State Lotteries Board, Lanre Gbajabiamila gave the warning at the 2013 Stakeholders Summit themed: The Gaming Business: Expanding the Reach and Generational Imperatives, held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja.
Guidelines Released for Clubs and Places of Public Amusement
BANGALORE, India (September 21, 2013) -- Faced with increasing complaints of gambling and betting in clubs, the Home Department has released guidelines making it mandatory for clubs in the city to take certain steps to ensure that no illegal activities take place outside the designated places
Error Causes Delay in Ticket Validation
EDMONTON, Canada (September 22, 2013) -- The Western Canadian Lottery Corporation (WCLC) is advising customers to recheck their tickets following a system problem. Officials said a delay in the draw results may mean that winning tickets weren't correctly identified, according to CTV News
Lottery Looks to Change Law allowing Employees to Purchase Tickets
OKLAHOMA CITY (September 22, 2013) -- The Oklahoma Lottery Commission wants to get a law changed to assist it with investigations. The agency wants to change a law that bans employees from purchasing tickets, said Rollo Redburn, Oklahoma Lottery Commission executive director. "It would be somebody in our security department who could purchase a ticket in the confines of an investigation," said Jay Finks, Oklahoma Lottery Commission director of marketing and administration.
Lottery Growth Stifled by Government Restrictions
SEOUL, Korea (September 20, 2013) -- Gaming regulators in South Korea, backed by a powerful anti-gambling lobby and the media, have declared that the domestic lottery market is overheating - although even a cursory glance at the figures reveals little evidence of the claim.
Great article published in full in Tuesdays Edition
Concerns Lottery Sale does not Include Safeguards
DUBLIN, Ireland (September 22, 2013) -- The National Lottery licence is being sold without safeguards to protect good causes if the new operator doesn't hit its sales targets according to the Independent newspaper. It is understood that there are no penalties contained in the licence agreement that would kick in if the new operator fails to increase sales and hike payments to good causes.
| THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 NEWS BREAK |
Scientific Games and WMS to Present at 2013 G2E Gaming Investment Forum
NEW YORK and WAUKEGAN, Illinois (September 18, 2013) -- Scientific Games Corporation (Nasdaq: SGMS) and WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE: WMS) today announced that Jeffrey S. Lipkin, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Games, and Ken Lochiatto, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WMS and President and Chief Operating Officer of WMS Gaming, will present at the 2013 G2E Gaming Investment Forum sponsored by Deutsche Bank and UBS at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 1:45 PM PT / 4:45 PM ET.
President Warns ‘Change Laws’ or Risk Development Loss
LONDON, UK (September 18, 2013) -- Madrid's regional president says casino and hotel complex 'will end up elsewhere' without change to anti-smoking laws, the UK Guardian reports.
Spain could lose the controversial Eurovegas complex of casinos and hotels set to be built on the outskirts of the capital if the government does not change its anti-smoking laws, Madrid's regional president has warned.
Lawmakers Still Concerned over Online Ticket Sales
RALEIGH, North Carolina (September 19, 2013) -- State lawmakers said Wednesday that they plan to keep an eye on online sales of lottery jackpot tickets after retailers raised concerns that such sales could cut into their business, Capitol Broadcasting Companyreports.
Full Tilt Poker Remission Process
LAS VEGAS (September 18, 2013) -- Back in August, the Garden City Group announced that the Full Tilt Poker remission process would begin for former US members of the site on September 16th. Today is now the 18th and a new update has been issued by the Claims Administrator. The Garden City Group has issued a new update in regards to the remission process and what players need to do to receive their funds.
Control Board Levies Fines
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (September 18, 2013) -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Wednesday levied fines totalling $68,000 against two casinos and one vendor.
The fines were the result of consent agreements between the PGCB's Office of Enforcement Counsel and the casino license holders and vendor which were approved by the Board at its public meeting in Harrisburg.
Media Suggests the Australian Betting Market is Biased to the Winning Punter
SYDNEY, Australia (September 19, 2013) – Print Publication the Daily Telegraphsuggests that the online Betting Industry in Australia has geared itself to the $20 punter on masse, whilst shunning the larger player, a system that they suggest is purely un-Australian.
Partouche Removed from List of Official Operators
BOLOGNA, Italy (September 17, 2013) -- The Official Gazette has published a new list of authorized operators from Arjel, where they remain as authorized 19 companies.
Although Partouche had ceased to operate in June, it has now been officially removed from the list of operators. Though nothing is certain in the decision it probably has influenced the high tax burden and uninteresting results of the market where it has lost 8.6% of assets in the first half, going from 4.856 million in 2012 to the current 4,438.
Market Readies for Intense Competition in Online Gaming
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (September 19, 2013) -- One of Europe’s leading Internet gambling companies says it will be ready to launch online betting in partnership with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa as soon as New Jersey gives the go-ahead this fall.
OPAP Looks to Offer Games on the Internet
ATHENS, Greece (September 19, 2013) -- The priorities of gaming company OPAP after it changes hands next month will be to make the most of its monopoly in games of chance and to utilize the license to operate video lotto terminals (VLTs).
Bally Technologies and Cantor Gaming® Sign Online Content Agreement
LAS VEGAS, (September 18, 2013) -- 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, and Cantor Gaming®, a leading innovator in mobile casino gaming and race and sports wagering, today announced that they have signed an online content agreement.
Emma Delta Looks to Tap Bond Markets
ATHENS, Greece (September 19, 2013) -- Czech-Greek fund Emma Delta, the buyer of a majority stake in Greece’s gambling monopoly OPAP, is looking to tap bond markets to fund part of the 652-million-euro purchase, sources close to the matter said on Wednesday, according to Reuters reports.
Casino Developers Continue to Eye Japan
By Mayumi Negishi Published by the Wall Street Journal
TOKYO, Japan (September 19, 2013) -- Casino developers now see the best opportunity in years to get a casino-gambling resort built in Japan, hoping that Tokyo's plans to host the 2020 Olympic Games will provide the long-awaited final push for legislation to legalize casinos.
Record Spend on Poker Machines for Month
BRISBANE, Queensland (September 19, 2013) -- Punters spent a record amount at Brisbane's poker machines last month, with more than $40 million collected by gaming licensees.
The Brisbane Times reports that the Department of Liquor and Gaming Regulation confirmed August was the first time monthly “metered wins” in the Brisbane City Council area had reached $40.63 million.
