Reorganization in the Future for Mifal Hapayis?
Israel's treasury director, General Yoram Ariav, has instructed Accountant General Yaron Zelekha to conduct an in-depth audit of the Mifal Hapayis National Lottery after the state comptroller harshly criticized some aspects of its operations. The audit is expected to yield recommendations for changes in management to fix the problems noted in the comptroller's report, according to local newspaper Haaretz. A spokeswoman for Mifal Hapayis said the company accepts the recommendations of the comptroller and will take the necessary steps to implement the changes.
Tatt's Under Investigation
Investment accounts linked to former Tattersall's executive Duncan Fisher have become the focus of a British investigation on the firm's lottery license. The investigation focuses on funds, taken from a Tattersall's bonus scheme, that were hidden from a compensation suit in the mid 1990s. The investigation could result in adverse effects for Tattersall’s licensing, as was recently experienced by Intralot, the Greek gaming monopolist.
Lottomatica Feeling the Heat
Italian lotteries operator Lottomatica is facing claims of up to 4 billion euros ($5.38 billion) related to an investigation of its gaming network. The Rome-based company, which in January 2006 acquired Providence-based Gtech, denied any wrongdoing, saying in a prepared statement that the "claims are without merit." Bloomberg reported that a prosecutor for Italy's Court of Accounts is investigating the company's Videolot Rete unit, as well as nine other companies that have concessions for the management of a computerized network for gaming machines. "Lottomatica has already obtained legal opinions firmly supporting its position," it said. The company "does not anticipate that any penalties or liabilities will result from this matter," it added.
Monday Brought Back to Life
Since its June 11 re-launch, charity lottery PlayMonday has already come close to meeting its year-end sales goals. The company has increased the goal from 75,000 to 125,000 units in accordance with the success of its product--the £10 million ($20 million) Monday Superdraw.