National Lottery To Introduce Online Skill Games
The United Kingdom's National Lottery is said to be preparing to launch a holiday-themed online lottery game by next month.
The game, "Holiday Bonanza," will be the first of three new online games. The second two, which will be released later, are skill-based games called "Flirtathon" and "Predict-a-Ball."
Camelot, which operates the National Lottery, said it is taking some games online to attract new players. In early December, the group announced its worst round of half-year results since 1994, when it launched.
For the recent six-month period, revenue was down to £2.3 billion, which is 5.2 percent lower than revenue for the same time period last year.
In preparation for the online launch, Camelot is said to be shopping around for a digital creative marketing agency. The group's current online marketing is done by interactive agency Victoria Real, which will help it launch interactive scratch cards
Whatever company wins the account can expect a cash windfall: Camelot spends £45 million per year on marketing.
BSkyB and Camelot Join Forces for Interactive TV Channel
British Sky Broadcasting's Sky Active digital satellite platform will be home to an interactive lottery channel through the National Lottery during the upcoming year.
Europemedia reported last month that Sky Active has signed a deal with Camelot to work together to develop an interactive version of the lottery drawings. Viewers will be able to purchase tickets through the digital television platform as well as check results, see what charities the funds are being given to, and view drawings.
Camelot is investing £45 million in the interactive television venture.
Update on Polish Video Lottery
The Polish Lottery Monopoly and the Poland Games Services have entered a partnership to develop a mutual video lottery scheme, but the scheme could divide the companies before they make a profit.
Due to recent financial problems with the Polish Lottery Monopoly, the Parliamentary Finance and Banking sub-committee has not yet finished working on a bill that would amend the country's gaming laws. The bill is said to be stalled because of Parliament's workload and also the fact that the Polish Lottery Monopoly can't agree with Poland Games Services on how much the latter company will invest in video gambling machines.
Boss Media Joins WLA
In late November, Boss Media unveiled its Interactive Video Terminals (IVTs) at the World Lottery Association Congress in Adelaide. The machines will use Boss's Internet-based gaming software to offer gambling in kiosk form in casinos and cruise ships.
The company also announced that it has joined the World Lottery Association as an associate member. Boss said it joined to be provided with the association's contacts. Peter Bertilsson, CEO and president of Boss Media, said the WLA has traditionally not accepted members from the online gambling industry.
"We regard the fact that Boss Media has been accepted as a member--which requires the approval of all the other members--as a sign that Boss Media is perceived as a long-term player in the market," he said. "We can contribute both experience and competence which will benefit other members."