Pollard Banknote Announces Michigan’s New Instant Ticket, Sales Are 3 Times Higher Than Average

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 13, 2013 /CNW/ – Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Michigan Lottery’s latest $20 game, Diamond Payout. Based on sales in its first five weeks, Diamond Payout is the Lottery’s best-selling $20 game since 2002. Diamond Payout’s five-week average sales are more than triple that of all other $20 games launched in Michigan since 2006. 

Further evidence of this ticket’s success, Diamond Payout was a contributing factor in the Michigan Lottery reaching an all-time high for weekly sales – the Lottery logged record instant ticket sales of $26,994,000 for the week ending April 8, 2013.

Launched on March 5, 2013, Diamond Payout showcases Scratch FX^®, a patented Pollard Banknote printing feature that uses sparkling effects to increase an instant ticket’s visual appeal. Scratch FX^® products offer a high-value, eye-catching look that stands out at retail and attracts impulse buyers. 

Restructured prizing also contributes to the game’s attraction. Diamond Payout offers the same $1 million top prize as other recent $20 games, but offers more mid-level “chatter” prizes – prizes that are high enough that people will share their winning experiences with others. This change is supported by a two percent higher prize payout than the average $20 game.

“Pollard Banknote is delighted with the early performance of Michigan Lottery’s Diamond Payout,” said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “The success of this game exemplifies the ability of Pollard Banknote and the Michigan Lottery to collaborate and develop a winning ticket that combines enticing Scratch FX^® graphics, a top prize of $1 million, and more mid-level prizes.”

“Our excitement for this ticket originated with its striking appearance – the Scratch FX^® allows for a ticket design that emulates the appearance of actual diamonds – and continued because of its impressive sales results,” commented Tom Weber, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Michigan Lottery. “This is a great looking product with a high payout and, as sales indicate, our players are taking notice.”

Pollard Banknote and its predecessor companies have provided instant ticket services to the Michigan Lottery as their primary supplier since 1986. The Michigan Lottery reported annual sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2012, and generated over $770 million in net revenue for the state’s School Aid Fund, which supports public education programs throughout the state. Since 1972, the Lottery’s total contributions to schooling have grown to exceed $17 billion.

About Pollard Banknote Limited

Pollard Banknote Limited is one of the world’s leading full-service lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America’s charitable gaming industry. The company manufactures instant lottery tickets and provides related programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote manufactures pull-tab tickets and bingo paper, and supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution). Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 73.5% by the Pollard family and 26.5% by public shareholders and currently serves more than 50 lotteries worldwide, including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise.

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