In a groundbreaking move, IGT and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) have partnered with the National Lottery in Malta to introduce Historical Horseracing (HHR) technology to the region. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, making the National Lottery the first gaming operator outside the United States to offer HHR services. This expansion is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape in Malta, providing a unique and thrilling experience for players.
IGT and Churchill Downs Incorporated Collaborate with the National Lottery in Malta to Deliver Historical Horseracing Technology
IGT’s Role and Initial Deployment
IGT, a leader in gaming technology, will initially represent 100% of the HHR floor share at the National Lottery’s first HHR venue, IZIBingo. This venue will feature a comprehensive range of IGT’s HHR games on state-of-the-art IGT cabinets, including the PeakSlant49, PeakSlant32, and Cobalt27. These cabinets will showcase both HHR-version games and IGT’s classic titles, ensuring a diverse and engaging gaming experience.
Exacta Systems and CDI’s Contribution
The HHR gaming floor at IZIBingo will be powered by Exacta Systems, a subsidiary of CDI, utilizing their Exacta Connect system solution. This sophisticated system is designed to adapt to various markets and legislative environments, providing a flexible and robust platform for HHR gaming. Exacta Systems’ involvement ensures that the gaming experience is seamless and cutting-edge, meeting the high standards set by CDI and IGT.
Expansion Across Malta
This collaboration is not limited to a single venue. IGT and CDI, through Exacta Systems, will extend their HHR technology to several other National Lottery gaming venues across Malta. This strategic expansion aims to establish a widespread and consistent HHR offering, enhancing the overall gaming experience throughout the region.
Launch of IGT HHR Games
The HHR offering will debut with over 80 IGT HHR games, featuring popular titles and new releases. Games on the IGT cabinets will include fan favorites such as Prosperity Link and Cleopatra, adapted into HHR versions. This extensive game library ensures that players have access to a wide variety of high-quality gaming options, catering to diverse preferences and enhancing player engagement.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Jeff Lind, President of Exacta Systems
“Exacta is thrilled to announce our new partnership with IZI Group and IGT in Malta, which marks an exciting first step towards our international expansion. The flexibility of our Exacta Connect system in adapting to different markets and legislative environments, coupled with the thrill of HHR gaming, continues to drive this growth,” said Jeff Lind.
This statement underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in driving the success of HHR technology globally.
Johann Schembri, CEO of the National Lottery
Johann Schembri expressed his excitement about this pioneering initiative: “We are excited to launch the first-ever HHR offering outside the USA. This first installation at IZIBingo and other sites within our lottery network in the coming weeks is the result of extensive efforts and represents a significant step in our mission to innovate the operations of the National Lottery. Our collaboration with Exacta and IGT, two of the world’s leading technology providers in this market, enables us to establish the ideal showcase for this offering, as we endeavor to expand this concept internationally.”
His remarks highlight the strategic importance of this launch in transforming the National Lottery’s operations and expanding its global reach.
Nick Khin, COO of Gaming at IGT
Nick Khin, IGT’s COO of Gaming, added: “Expanding our historical horseracing footprint in Malta is an exciting growth milestone for IGT and a testament to the quality and global relevance of our HHR content and hardware portfolio. By offering players HHR-versions of highly popular IGT games such as Prosperity Link and Cleopatra, National Lottery is extending the reach of some of the gaming industry’s most celebrated content in a format that players readily enjoy.”
Khin’s statement emphasizes the value and appeal of IGT’s gaming content in the HHR format, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing exceptional gaming experiences.
Impact on Malta’s Gaming Landscape
The introduction of HHR technology in Malta is poised to have a significant impact on the local gaming industry. By offering a new and innovative form of gaming, the National Lottery is set to attract a broader audience and enhance player engagement. This move aligns with Malta’s reputation as a forward-thinking hub for gaming and entertainment, further solidifying its position in the global gaming market.
Future Prospects and International Expansion
The successful implementation of HHR technology in Malta sets the stage for further international expansion. IGT, CDI, and Exacta Systems are poised to leverage this collaboration as a model for introducing HHR technology to other markets. This initiative demonstrates the potential for growth and innovation in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and advanced technology in driving success.
Conclusion: The Collaboration
The collaboration between IGT, Churchill Downs Incorporated, and the National Lottery in Malta marks a significant advancement in the gaming industry. By introducing HHR technology to Malta, these industry leaders are setting a new standard for innovation and player engagement. The extensive game offerings, cutting-edge technology, and strategic expansion plans underscore the transformative potential of this initiative. As the first operator outside the US to offer HHR services, the National Lottery is poised to lead the way in global gaming innovation.
FAQs About the IGT and Churchill Downs Incorporated Collaborate with the National Lottery in Malta
1. What is the collaboration between IGT and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) with the National Lottery in Malta about?
The collaboration involves IGT and CDI partnering with the National Lottery in Malta to deliver Historical Horseracing (HHR) technology. This makes the National Lottery the first gaming operator outside the United States to offer HHR services.
2. What is Historical Horseracing (HHR) technology?
Historical Horseracing (HHR) technology allows players to bet on replays of past horse races. It combines the excitement of traditional horse racing with the convenience and engagement of modern gaming technology.
3. Where will the initial HHR venue be located?
The initial HHR venue will be IZIBingo in Malta, where IGT will represent 100% of the HHR floor share.
4. What role does IGT play in this collaboration?
IGT will provide the HHR games and cabinets, including models like PeakSlant49, PeakSlant32, and Cobalt27, featuring both HHR-version games and IGT classic games.
5. What is Exacta Systems’ contribution to this partnership?
Exacta Systems, a subsidiary of CDI, will power the gaming floor at IZIBingo with its Exacta Connect system solution, ensuring a seamless and advanced gaming experience.
6. Will the HHR technology be available at other venues in Malta?
Yes, IGT and CDI plan to extend their HHR technology to several other National Lottery gaming venues across Malta, enhancing the overall gaming experience in the region.
7. How many IGT HHR games will be available initially?
The HHR offering will launch with more than 80 IGT HHR games, including popular titles such as Prosperity Link and Cleopatra.
8. What makes this collaboration significant?
This partnership marks the first time HHR technology is being offered outside the United States, representing a major milestone in the international expansion of this innovative gaming technology.
9. What did Jeff Lind, President of Exacta Systems, say about the partnership?
Jeff Lind expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the flexibility of Exacta Connect in adapting to different markets and legislative environments, and the growth potential of HHR gaming.
10. What did Johann Schembri, CEO of the National Lottery, say about the launch?
Johann Schembri emphasized the significance of launching the first-ever HHR offering outside the USA and highlighted the extensive efforts and collaboration with IGT and Exacta Systems to innovate the operations of the National Lottery.
11. What are Nick Khin’s thoughts on the expansion?
Nick Khin, COO of Gaming at IGT, called the expansion to Malta an exciting growth milestone, emphasizing the quality and global relevance of IGT’s HHR content and hardware portfolio.
12. How will this collaboration impact Malta’s gaming landscape?
The introduction of HHR technology in Malta is expected to attract a broader audience, enhance player engagement, and further solidify Malta’s reputation as a forward-thinking hub for gaming and entertainment.
13. What are the future prospects for HHR technology following this collaboration?
The successful implementation of HHR technology in Malta is expected to pave the way for further international expansion, with IGT, CDI, and Exacta Systems aiming to introduce HHR technology to other markets worldwide.
