The New Hampshire Lottery has launched a humorous ad campaign titled “Tax Shark” to highlight the tax benefits of playing and winning the lottery in New Hampshire, a state with no income tax. The campaign aims to remind players of the advantages of living and playing in New Hampshire while playfully poking fun at neighboring states with different tax policies. The 30-second ad features an out-of-state lottery winner who faces significant taxes on her winnings, humorously represented as being consumed by a “Tax Shark.” The campaign will be broadcast on TV, streaming platforms, and radio stations in New Hampshire.
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Responsible Wagering Australia is working with the government to investigate options for implementing a proposed ban on credit card use for wagering activity. There is ongoing debate in Australia about whether lottery products should be subject to the same consumer protection legislation as other forms of online gambling. The Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association contends that domestic licensed lottery products pose low levels of harm and should not be regulated like wagering products.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has transitioned to an automated lottery system called the Philippine Lottery System (PLS) for enhanced efficiency and transparency. The PLS centralizes sales reports, generates winning numbers, and provides more accessible ticket validation. This move is expected to improve the efficiency and transparency of lottery operations for both the PCSO and players. The transition was made possible through a joint venture with Philippine Gaming and Management Corp., Pacific Online Systems Corp., and International Lottery Totalizator System Inc.
Grey Machines/Skill Slots have proliferated in Missouri since 2018, and the legal status of such games is currently being challenged in court. The trial involves a lawsuit filed by Torch Electronics and Warrenton Oil Company against the Missouri State Highway Patrol, accusing the patrol of harassment and intimidation regarding these games. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the future of such games in Missouri.
The Portuguese government has approved an exclusive concession by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa to operate a new Eurolottery, Eurodreams. Unlike traditional lotteries, Eurodreams doesn’t offer a single lump-sum prize; instead, winners receive monthly payments over several years. The government asserts that this approach discourages addictive behavior and isn’t aimed specifically at younger populations. The new lottery will be launched in partnership with other European countries and will aim to combat illegal lottery offerings while diversifying and modernizing the gaming market. The first draw is scheduled for November 6, 2023, with draws occurring on Mondays and Thursdays in Portugal and eight other European countries where EuroMillions is played.
China’s lottery ticket sales in August reached their highest level of any month in 2023, surging 53.6% compared to the previous year to reach ¥52.96 billion ($7.25 billion), according to data from the Finance Ministry. For the first eight months of the year, total lottery ticket sales across the country amounted to ¥375.76 billion, up 51.6% year-on-year.
Scientific Games and Abacus Solutions Management Group are collaborating to provide in-lane checkout solutions for lottery sales at retail stores. This technology will integrate with retailers’ existing point-of-sale systems and lotteries’ central gaming systems. The solution will enable consumers to purchase lottery games alongside other merchandise and use cashless transactions. It’s aimed at enhancing the convenience of purchasing lottery products for both consumers and retailers, and it includes features like instant scratch game inventory management, improved product security, and real-time sales data. This collaboration aims to tap into the $348 billion global lottery market and drive revenues for lotteries’ good cause programs.
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International Game Technology PLC (IGT) has announced its plans for the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2023 event. The company will showcase over 200 gaming, iGaming, and sports betting solutions covering a space of more than 19,000 square feet. The exhibition will highlight IGT’s commitment to performance, quality, and innovation, showcasing the latest in its portfolio, from licensed games to multi-level progressives and advanced electronic table games. Some of the key products on display will include Whitney Houston Slots, Mystery of the Lamp, Wheel of Fortune games, and the MESA 4K Electronic Table Games terminal. Additionally, IGT will present advancements in cashless solutions and omnichannel content.
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Fennica Gaming, a subsidiary of Veikkaus, the Finnish national lottery, has expanded its eInstants into Austria. The Austrian platform win2day has launched these games in its online store, making them available to Austrian players. The games are known for their responsible gaming features and complement win2day’s broader gaming offerings. These eInstants, designed with mobile gaming appeal in mind, are particularly attractive to female and younger adult players.
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Allwyn, a major player in the lottery industry, has rebranded Camelot Illinois as Allwyn North America following its acquisition of Camelot Lotteries Solutions. The rebranded division, Allwyn Lotteries Solutions, will continue supplying technology to North American lottery operators, with a focus on expanding its offerings and delivering value to customers.
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H&S Energy Products LLC is integrating LottoShield’s lottery management system into its convenience store network, following a successful two-week pilot program. By adopting LottoShield, H&S Energy expects to achieve cost savings of over $1 million annually through reduced labor hours, improved operational efficiencies, and decreased theft. LottoShield is a lottery management platform that helps convenience stores automate and secure their lottery category, assisting with inventory reconciliation, theft detection, and invoice automation.