Italian Lotto Reports Performs Poorly, Eyes Expansion
Revenue figures for the Italian lottery, Lottomatica SpA, were down for the month of March. The group reported that 539.8 million euro was wagered in March 2005, compared to 716.2 million euro during the same period in 2004. On the positive side, the numbers for "core" bets (excluding late numbers) increased from 511.5 million euro in March 2004 to 533.5 euro in March 2005. Total money wagered on "late numbers" amounted to 6.3 million euro in March '05, compared to 204.7 million euro in the same period of '04.
To offset the drop in sales, Lottomatica Chief Executive Rosario Bifulco said the group is looking for expansion opportunities throughout Europe, particularly in Turkey and the United Kingdom. Bifulco added that the company will take part in a tender for the privatization of the Turkish lottery.
A Record Year for Israeli National Lottery
Mifal Hapayis, the Israeli National Lottery, this week reported that 2004 was its most profitable year to date. Profits rose to $130.5 in 2004, a $17.5 million increase over 2003's profits. Chairman and CEO Shimon Katznelson said the substantial increase in profitability was due in large part to streamlining measures undertaken over the past year. The operation's revenue from six lottery games totaled $690 million in 2004, with 85 percent of the revenue returned to the community.
Nigerian President Passes National Lottery Bill
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo assented last week and passed the National Lottery Bill of 2005, a bill aimed at creating a framework for Nigeria to institute a nationwide lottery. The bill mandates that 20 percent of proceeds for the national lottery will be paid into a trust fund to be managed by a board of trustees and regulated by a federal lottery board. The fund will be used to support good causes throughout the nation. The passing of the bill does not preclude a state from operating its own lottery; it only provides a more conducive regulatory environment for the operation of a national lottery.
DCMS Announces Appointments to National Lottery Commission
The U.K. Department for Culture, Media and Sport this week announced the appointment of Robert Foster and Dr. Anne Wright as members of the National Lottery Commission. In addition to his role as commissioner, Robert Foster will also chair the project board for the forthcoming lottery license competition. Foster's term of appointment will run from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2010. Wright's term will run from May 1, 2005 to April 30, 2009.
China's Tax Coffers to Get Boost from Lottery
The Chinese government has introduced lottery games to boost its tax collection. Under the scheme, official receipts issued by retailers enable consumers to participate in the lottery. The government is hoping that the receipts will give it an idea of how much money retailers are actually making.
Golden Casket to Commence Internet Sales
EssNet last month announced a finalized contract with Golden Casket Lottery Corporation Limited through which EssNet will supply Golden Casket with its "e-Channel" solution for selling lottery products via the Internet. The service, which Golden Casket hopes to launch before the end of 2005, will enable Queenslanders to buy entries into popular lottery games, such as Gold Lotto, Powerball and Oz Lotto, on the Internet.
Ukraine Lottery Bill Passes First Reading
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has passed a bill introducing a moratorium on issuing lottery licenses. Two hundred fifty lawmakers backed the bill during its first reading in the legislative chamber. The policy stipulates that licensing of legal entities will be suspended unless a law regulating the business is passed.
GTECH Gains Foothold in Scandinavia
GTECH last week announced a three-year agreement with Swedish IT management and consulting group HiQ International AB through which the two partners will co-develop an integrated gaming platform for Finnish national lottery operator Veikkaus Oy.
Irish National Lottery Sales up 3 Percent
The Irish National Lottery reported last month that its overall sales figures for 2004 were 3.4 percent higher than its figures for 2003. The lottery raised 19.1 million euro for good causes. Instant games represented the biggest growth area, earning 160 million euro and representing a 9.3 percent increase from 2003. The lottery returned 305 million euro to players in prizes, with 17 new individual millionaires created as a result of winning lotto jackpots.