Building on the partnership which has existed since 1993, International Game Technology has announced the signing of a new long-term contract between Czech Republic-based lottery and betting operator SAZKA and IGT Global Services Limited.
The deal aims to provide the Czech operator with technology products and services through an upgraded lottery central system, next-generation lottery terminals, a new digital lottery platform, and associated content and services.
Robert Chvátal, SAZKA Group CEO stated: “SAZKA has been working with IGT in the Czech Republic for the past 27 years, and building on this relationship is a positive reflection of SAZKA Group’s partnership with IGT in multiple European markets.
“We’re looking forward to leveraging these new solutions for enhanced growth, ensuring that we continue to generate funds for youth sport in the Czech Republic.”
As part of the contract, IGT will convert SAZKA’s current IGT lottery central system to its Aurora lottery solution, which is designed to meet all of the Lottery’s needs while enabling it to respond rapidly to changing market conditions.
The upgrade also includes the integration of both BizApps, which offers enhanced business intelligence and analytics tools aimed at maximizing sales growth, and Order Wizard, a proactive, predictive ordering tool that ensures best-selling scratch cards are sufficiently stocked at the retailer, increasing sales while minimizing returns.
In addition, IGT will provide a range of technical services including central lottery system operation, depot service, and software and telecommunications maintenance services, as well as game content and a suite of game design and marketing consulting services.
Declan Harkin, IGT Senior Vice President and COO, International, said: “We’re excited to begin this new era in our successful long-term relationship with SAZKA. Our Aurora platform’s exceptional performance and reliability will ensure long-term innovation and growth for the Lottery and drive player engagement, increasing revenues to good causes and ultimately benefiting the people of the Czech Republic.”
Moreover, the contract between both organisations also grants SAZKA the opportunity to leverage IGT’s PlayCommand platform. The solution enables the Lottery to oversee all areas of player engagement, anticipate new customer and technological trends, strategically adapt the operation to new opportunities, and provide advanced and flexible responsible gaming features.
IGT is also set to replace SAZKA’s 8,000 lottery terminals with its newest terminals, including its most-deployed and retailer-friendly draw-based lottery terminal, the Retailer Pro.