Pacific Lottery has received exclusive approval to broadcast the 30-minute Hanoi Lottery Draw nightly beginning from Monday on State-run television. The programme will use the Calgary-based firm’s national online lottery technology to present the winning combinations for the various games offered by the State-owned Lottery Corporation.

The Canadian firm revealed that its marketing personnel would also assist the government with the development, launch and ongoing production of this new prime-time televised lottery show. It also stated that it expects to ‘significantly increase’ its national marketing efforts in Vietnam’s only State-authorised online lottery programme.

“We are extremely gratified by the continuing confidence the government has shown in us through its ongoing strong support of the nation’s only online lottery programme,” said David Aftergood, founder of Pacific Lottery.

“This development marks a major milestone in the ongoing progress of the Vietnamese lottery programme and will also significantly assist in the boosting of our brand nationally in Vietnam and regionally throughout South East Asia.”

Pacific Lottery stated that it had purchased a new ball draw machine from SmartPlay International Incorporated of New Jersey to use during the Vietnam show.

In addition, it revealed that the Lottery Corporation is to start selling its new Two Digit/Pair proprietary online lottery game in order to combat an illegal lottery. Pacific Lottery stated that this is the first time that a game similar to the illegal lottery has been authorised for use by the Vietnamese public and it expects that the new title will directly compete with the unauthorised but well-known version.

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Million-2-1 is a subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT), the Reno-based designer and manufacturer of computerised gaming equipment, and stated that the deal will also see it offer Riley customers the very best in mobile and online casino gaming content.

The agreement will see the Manchester-based developer organise exclusive competition prize draws for Rileys customers while also informing them of any special offers at their nearest clubs. In addition, Rileys members will be able to take advantage of exclusive offers and bonuses available both online and through its mobile platform.

“Rileys realises the importance of the mobile market and this agreement allows us to reach our customers using a fresh and innovative platform,” said Peter Hooker, Operations And Commercial Director for Rileys.

Rileys’ customers will be able to play top titles including Elvis Top 20, Hi-5 and Ooh Aah Dracula and this selection could increase in the future with the addition of games such as Rainbow Riches, Cleopatra, Monopoly and Cluedo.

Members of Rileys will also have access to a host of online casino games including poker, blackjack and roulette along with slots such as Battleship: Search and Destroy, Da Vinci Diamonds and Triple Fortune Dragon.

“This partnership demonstrates the versatility of Million-2-1,” said Simon Murphy, Commercial Director for Million-2-1.

“We are able to offer Rileys unrivalled experience and expertise in mobile marketing as well as allowing its members access to the very best in mobile and online gaming.”

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Most significantly, profits after tax rose by a massive 106.9 percent to $3.96 million from $1.91 million, helped by the signing of three new license agreements for its CasinoModule software solution alongside two breakthrough deals for its CasinoCafe land-based gaming system.

”This year is off to a strong start for Net Entertainment with continued sales growth and several new license agreements,” said Johan Ohman, President and Chief Executive Officer for Net Entertainment.

“The market for online gaming shows positive development where organic growth was the prime driver for the company during the period.

“We move into the second quarter with an order book comprising 14 casinos that still are to be commissioned, of which three are so-called ‘Tier One’ operators.

“It is my view that the company has good opportunities for continued success as a result of our specialisation within the segment of the online market with the highest growth and strongest profitability.

“The IT project initiated at the end of 2008 aimed at increasing our development, delivery and operational capacity has progressed according to plan and affected the cost base during the first quarter. The project continues during the second quarter and creates a foundation for the continued growth and expansion for the company.”

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Intertops.com had previously been powered by software from Microgaming but the Isle Of Man-based gaming solutions provider revealed that it did not wish to operate in the US with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act still on the books.

“Intertops.com is proud to have been powered by such a reputable and market-leading gaming software provider over the past decade,” said Michl Posch, Head Of Marketing for Intertops.com.

“The assistance that Microgaming has provided in the change process has been extremely helpful.”

Antigua and Kahnawake-licensed Intertops.com launched the world’s first online sportsbook in 1996 before going on to debut a virtual casino in 1998 with software from Microgaming.

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Intralot Australia was awarded a ten-year license in 2007 to run a live, state-wide bingo game with tickets sold at retailers. Numbers were due to be drawn on television at eight o’clock in the evening on Sundays but the game was moved to Melbourne radio station 3AW last weekend after no commercial television network could be found to show the programme.

“The Victorian Commission On Gambling Regulation determined Intralot breached its licence for failing to broadcast the drawing of ‘TV Bingo’ and has recommended that the Government take disciplinary action,” said Tony Robinson, Gaming Minister for Victoria.

“By failing to broadcast the ‘TV Bingo’ draw on television, Intralot is conducting a public lottery that is different to that authorised by the licence.”

Intralot is also set to receive a letter of censure for failing to comply with the conditions of its licence while Robinson revealed that the licence conditions would be amended to prevent ongoing contraventions by removing the obligation to televise the game.

“This is the first time in Victoria the Government has ever fined a lottery licence holder,’ said Robinson.

‘We regard this as a significant breach of the licence condition.’

This is the latest problem for Intralot since its entry into the Victorian market last year. Retailers have complained of lost revenues through faulty technology, complicated games and poor marketing while the government is set to receive $265 million in tax this financial year from lottery games, which is $8.5 million less than under previous operator Tattersall’s.

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