The Public Policy and Government Affairs Senior Vice-President for Scientific Games, Christine Wechsler, testified today before the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee to share the company’s support of House Bill 1218, State Lottery – Internet Sales Authorization and Distribution of Proceeds. If adopted, the legislation would authorize the Maryland Lottery to offer its games to in-state consumers through online sales channels.

Wechsler discussed the importance of remaining competitive and modernizing at the same pace as other gaming products offered in the market in order to maintain and grow the Maryland Lottery’s more than $714 million in profits returned annually.

“The Maryland Lottery is like all other businesses selling products to consumers; it must modernize to meet changing consumer demand,” Wechsler said in a prepared testimony. “Providing convenient and relevant experiences to consumers online and at retail will be critical to enable the Maryland Lottery’s sustainability and maximize revenue potential for the state.”

Wechsler also shared key iLottery facts with the Committee as it considers this legislation, which included:

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• iLottery doesn’t cannibalize bricks-and-mortar retail sales. Of the twelve United States lotteries selling online today, none have experienced cannibalization at retail. Retail sales have grown faster in iLottery jurisdictions than in states that do not sell online.
• Online sales platforms provide player protections and tools that support healthy, responsible lottery play. Key platform features can include the ability to self-exclude, engage in cooling-off periods and/or set limits on deposit and play amounts.
• iLottery is a new, convenient sales channel to offer lottery products; it is not designed to be a substitute for or compete with casino games. iLottery has proven in other states to successfully co-exist with iCasino, sports betting and other forms of gaming.

As a 27-year partner to the Maryland Lottery, Scientific Games provides the systems technology, terminals and communications infrastructure supporting sales of its lottery games at retail. The company also provides the Maryland Lottery with other key products and services including printed instant games and inventory management software as well as manages the entire interactive category which includes the My Lottery Rewards loyalty program, associated mobile app and second-chance promotions.

“Our focus has always been on delivering solutions and services to facilitate retail growth and maximize profit returned to Maryland’s beneficiaries,” Wechsler said. “And we are invested and fully committed to helping shape a successful iLottery framework for the state that responsibly drives continued growth across the Maryland Lottery’s established bricks-and-mortar retailer network while providing incremental online revenue.

Scientific Games is the global leader in retail instant games, a major provider of retail systems and technology and an industry pioneer in iLottery and digital lottery solutions that drive profits for government-sponsored lottery programs. The company is a trusted partner to more than 130 lotteries spanning 50 countries including over 30 iLottery customers.

Company’s Key Milestones on Schedule and New, Modern UK Technology Facility Officially Operating

LONDON and ATLANTA – February 1, 2024 – Scientific Games marks the official transfer of the UK National Lottery’s fourth license on February 1. Through close collaboration with partner Allwyn UK, Scientific Games has delivered strategically planned milestones to support Allwyn’s plans to grow The National Lottery responsibly and minimize environmental impact.

Positive momentum is underway with the opening of Scientific Games’ high-tech, 92,000-square-foot state-of-the-art scratchcard logistics facility in Warrington, UK to serve The National Lottery retailers. The facility features the company’s patented SciTrak technology, which includes predictive ordering and sorting systems that drive scratchcard supply-chain efficiencies and sales performance. The on time opening of the new facility brings new jobs to the industrial city approximately 20 miles southwest of Manchester.

The logistics facility is the first of many scheduled deliverables from Scientific Games that are planned as part of the company’s partnership with Allwyn. Allwyn’s transformation program includes, in time, the conversion of The National Lottery’s technology to Scientific Games’ advanced SYMPHONY enterprise gaming system and more than 40,000 retailer terminals. Additionally, through the partnership, Scientific Games will provide a new digital platform, and high-performance instant win games created by UK-based SG Studios as well as partner studios around the world via the SG Content Hub and Partner Program.

“We commend Allwyn on its vision for growing The National Lottery and substantially increasing returns to National Lottery-funded projects as a result. We’ve long-awaited this moment, made possible through a close, working partnership. Together, we’ve proven our ability to navigate challenges necessary to begin delivering sustainable and responsible growth to the UK National Lottery on time and across channels,” said Michael Conforti, President of International and Strategic Accounts for Scientific Games. “With more technology and products being deployed over the course of the license, this is going to be a very exciting time for The National Lottery, its retailers, players and beneficiaries.”

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On February 1, as the exclusive scratchcard provider to The National Lottery, Scientific Games commences its world-renowned Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership program with portfolio planning advanced logistics and distribution of current scratch games alongside all-new, data-driven scratch games created and produced by the company. The scratchcards are produced at the company’s Leeds, UK facility, one of five production facilities for the world’s largest lottery games company.

“Our ambition is to offer more games, attract more players, inject more entertainment, create more winners and raise even more money for National Lottery-funded projects. Powering that ambition is a significant investment in our technology and operations as we modernize to secure The National Lottery’s future sustainability,” said Andria Vidler, CEO for Allwyn UK.

In addition to applying 50 years of best practices to game design and performance, Scientific Games is one of the first lottery companies to be globally certified to the Responsible Gaming Supplier framework established by the World Lottery Association. The socially conscious company has delivered on its promise of an environmentally focused facility in Warrington featuring solar and battery power, radiant heating system, all-electric lift equipment and energy- efficient lighting. Operations within the building employ energy-efficient and minimum waste-to-landfill recycling processes certified by Forest Steward Council standards. Scientific Games’ UK field service vehicles are all electric and the company uses an internationally recognized sustainable courier for deliveries to The National Lottery retailers.

With products that generate 70% of global instant game retail sales, Scientific Games is the world’s largest instant games creator, producer and services provider, serving 130 lotteries in 50 countries, including 19 of the Top 20 instant game lotteries (La Fleur’s 2023 World Lottery Almanac).

SciTrak and SG Content Hub are trademarks of Scientific Games. © 2024 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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About Scientific Games

Scientific Games is a global leader in retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services that drive profits for government-sponsored lottery and sports betting programs. From enterprise gaming platforms to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We are industry pioneers in instant games, data analytics, retail solutions and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships since 1973, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, performance and unwavering security to responsibly propel the industry forward. For more information, visit scientificgames.com.

About Allwyn

Allwyn is a leading global lottery operator. We build better lotteries that return more to good causes by focusing on innovation, technology, efficiency and safety. The lottery-first approach of focusing on affordable recreational play has earned us leading market positions with trusted brands across Europe in Austria, Czech Republic, Greece and Cyprus, and Italy. Through our 64,000 points of sale and digital platforms, we serve a market of over 79 million adults, bringing in annual sales of over €16bn. As one of the largest taxpayers in each of our markets, we contribute hugely to national and local economies, returning over €2bn to governments in taxes and lottery duties. We also support direct community investment from each of Allwyn’s brands, financing a wide range of Good Causes across the health, sports, arts and community sectors.

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SG Media Inquiries: [email protected]

Allwyn UK Media Inquiries: +44 020 7632 5711

Meet Us At Midnight at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina, and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina, to start the new year in style.

With various exciting ways to enter 2024, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos offer the ideal holiday experience all within driving distance of Knoxville, Chattanooga, Atlanta and Asheville.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

• Spin to Win: Chance to Win a Million – On December 31, 2023, drawings will be held hourly from noon to 4pm at Myst Bar for five lucky guests to win up to 12,600 in free play or $1,000,000 in cash.
• New Year’s Eve Party at Wicked Weed Brewpub – Wicked Weed will host a New Year’s party with live music from 6pm to 2am from Kayla McKinney and late-night DJ Burr, food and drink, midnight ball drop, dancing and more.
• Comedy Zone – Start the new year off laughing with comedian Kevin Lee at a 7pm or 10pm comedy show. The second show ends just before midnight, so stick around for a New Year’s Eve countdown and toast. Purchase tickets at CherokeeComedyZone .com.
• Myst Bar – Snag your New Year’s Eve VIP package at Myst Bar. Packages include a bottle of champagne, front row seats to live entertainment at Myst Bar and party favors. Reservation link coming soon.
• Party Like a VIP – At a special rate of $1,299, guests will receive a guaranteed hotel room on December 31 at the resort plus entrance to the VIP party complete with an open bar, live entertainment, buffet and giveaway items. Use group code NYE2023 online.
• New Year’s Eve Giveaways – To help ring in the New Year, stop by Myst Bar to receive a free festive necklace or hat.
• Live Entertainment at The Cherokee – Enjoy live entertainment from pianist at The Cherokee hotel lobby from 2pm to 6pm then head over to Guy Fieri’s Bar for ‘off da hook’ drinks and beats from the DJ until 12am.

Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel

• Roll Into a Million – January 1, 2024, drawings will be held hourly from 11am to 4pm at the promotions stage for six lucky guests to win up to 12,000 in free play or $1,000,000 in cash.
• New Year’s Eve Entertainment – New Year’s Eve, enjoy an indoor light show from 2 pm to 1am along with live entertainment at the promotions stage from DJ Do It (2pm to 10pm) and Whiskey Rose Band (10pm to 12am).
• New Year’s Eve Giveaways – Prepare for the party on New Year’s Eve with a free necklace and hats available at Caesars Rewards and Starbucks.
• Specialty Cocktail – ‘Midnight Fizz’ featuring vodka, razzmatazz, blue curacao and starry available at casino floor bars.

Start 2024 with some fun by kicking off the New Year at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel.