Lottery to update system with new terminals, more

By M. Scott Bowen, Lottery Commissioner

Last month the GTECH Corporation, which operates what might be described as the “back end” systems of the Michigan Lottery, was awarded a new contract. The most noticeable change will be that the familiar orange Lottery terminals will be replaced with much more updated terminals that will have many new functions.

This conversion process will be long and detailed and will involve much more than just new terminals. With an April 2009 completion date, the process is already underway, but because many aspects do not affect everyone, some of the changes will go unnoticed.

During the process of conversion, we will keep you informed through your Lottery sales representatives, terminal messaging, and our retailer newsletter, Game Line. While there will be new things to learn with the new system, we are confident that the end result will be a much more efficient process for all: the retailer, the player and the Lottery.

Below is a list of some of the features that will be available once the conversion is completed.

• Ticket checkers in all retailer locations
• New touch-screen terminals with thermal printers at all retail locations
• Flat-screen monitors at Club Keno locations
• 17" monitors for display of advertising at traditional retailers
• IP satellite communications network
• Multiple new Instant Ticket Vending Machines, plus other self-service equipment
•New computer systems with enhanced reporting capabilities

Clearly this is a huge project, but we’re excited about the prospects of updating the Lottery. We’re looking forward to the positive changes that are ahead.

Instants news
On May 23 the $2 Cashword Multiplier game launches, along with the $1 Cash Splash game.

On June 9, The Glittering 7’s Sweepstakes kicks off with the release of Ruby Red 7s ($10), Sapphire Blue 7’s ($5), and Emerald Green 7s ($2).

In addition to millions of dollars in instant win cash prizes, non-winning tickets from these three games are also eligible for over $1,000,000 in second-chance drawing prizes.

Launches on June 23 include Bingo Blast ($5), Blazin’ Hot Bucks ($2), and Games Galore ($20) featuring six pages of games, including four Hasbro products.

Over 95 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2007, the contribution to schools was $748.9 million. Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $14.3 billion to education in Michigan.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.