Pollard Banknote Limited, a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, and its subcontractor, NeoGames S.A., a technology-driven provider of end-to-end iLottery solutions, are pleased to announce the signing of a four-year iLottery contract extension with the Michigan Lottery. Under this extended agreement, which commences July 2022 through to July 2026, Pollard Banknote, along with NeoGames, will continue to serve as the Michigan Lottery’s iLottery partner, providing world-class platform technology, a full suite of interactive eInstant and draw-based games, and a broad range of managed services—from player support and customer engagement marketing, to banking, payments, claims, and compliance operations. The two companies also currently supply similar solutions for four other highly successful iLottery programs in North America through their jointly owned and operated company, NeoPollard Interactive LLC.

Recognized as North America’s Lottery Operator of the Year by eGaming Review (“EGR”) in 2020, the Michigan Lottery has brought a multitude of innovative, revenue-generating iLottery games and payment solutions to market.

“We are proud of the success we have achieved with our iLottery program over the past several years,” said Shannon DeHaven, Deputy Commissioner of Gaming Operations for the Michigan Lottery. “The collective commitment to delivering exceptional player experiences through a deep understanding of the iLottery business and digital ecosystem has been a key ingredient to our success. We look forward to continuing our efforts to generate revenue for Michigan schools.”

“The success that the Michigan Lottery has achieved in just a few short years in the iLottery space is truly remarkable,” stated Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “Through our collaborative partnership with the Michigan Lottery, we have learned a great deal about iLottery players in Michigan and have made great strides in bringing new technology-enabled products and services to the Lottery to engage its players and optimize sales. We will continue to be a partner that is fully invested in the success of the Michigan Lottery’s iLottery program to increase revenues for good causes through online and mobile channels.”

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“We are privileged to have the opportunity to once again extend the market-leading work we do with the Michigan Lottery, and the overall growth since 2014 has been a testament to the innovative approach the Lottery has demonstrated,” added Moti Malul, NeoGames’ Chief Executive Officer. “Our company has worked diligently alongside the Lottery to continuously improve the program, whether it be new and exciting games or innovative solutions to enhance the online experience. We anticipate that even greater success is yet to come.”

SOURCE Pollard Banknote Limited

Pollard Banknote Limited congratulates Riva Richard, Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary, Pollard Banknote, and her team of in–house lawyers and staff on being shortlisted for the category of In-House Counsel/Legal Team of the Year at the VIXIO GamblingCompliance Global Regulatory Awards 2020.

With a record number of entries across 18 categories, the Global Regulatory Awards are the biggest and most influential awards in the gambling compliance sphere, recognising individuals, teams, and businesses that have excelled in the field of compliance, corporate social responsibility, and responsible gaming. The In-House Counsel/Legal Team of the Year Award, for which Riva Richard was shortlisted, celebrates, “an individual or team who safeguards the reputation of the company by guaranteeing that it strictly follows regulatory guidelines and proactively advises management to help steer the business”.

As chief legal strategist for Pollard Banknote—a global market leader in providing high-performing games and solutions, and the leading iLottery provider in North America through its joint venture company, NeoPollard Interactive (“NPi”)—Riva has played an integral role in establishing the compliance framework for U.S. iLottery operations, as well as supporting clients in navigating through a complex regulatory landscape. In 2019, when the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) threatened the iLottery industry with a revised interpretation of the Wire Act that would criminalize interstate transmission of all bets or wagers, Riva forged a collaborative partnership with the New Hampshire Lottery and multiple external legal experts to launch a strong challenge to the DOJ’s revised opinion.

Riva’s passionate commitment to leading this legal challenge has resulted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire ruling in favour of upholding iLottery operations, confirming that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting activities. While the plaintiffs were ultimately successful at trial, the DOJ appealed the decision. Oral arguments were heard in June. Under Riva’s continued leadership, Pollard Banknote mounted a strong defence of the New Hampshire court’s ruling. A decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is expected later this year.

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“We are proud to congratulate Riva and her team on this deserving recognition from the prestigious Global Regulatory Awards,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. “Her outstanding leadership efforts have given our clients confidence in their ability to operate iLottery and paved the way for others to explore introducing iLottery services, which ultimately benefit the good causes these lotteries support.”