WINNIPEG, May 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) ("Pollard Banknote") is pleased to announce that it has been
awarded a new contract for primary instant ticket printing by the
Taiwan Lottery Co. Ltd. ("TLC"). The two-year contract began January 1,
2014, and includes provisions to extend the agreement for up to two
additional years.
As a member of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association ("APLA") and an
exclusive provider of instant tickets to Taiwan for the past 12 years
(seven years contracted with TLC and five years with the previous
operator), Pollard Banknote has developed an in-depth understanding of
the Taiwanese market—specifically, the game design characteristics and
play preferences that appeal most to players, as well as the unique
security and quality considerations that must be taken into account for
optimal success. Since 2006, TLC has seen an extraordinary 347%
increase in instant ticket sales—the result of a charitable reputation,
diverse product portfolio, and a strategic marketing partnership with
Pollard Banknote in the areas of promotion, product design and channel
management.
Sales data from early 2014 indicates that the Lottery is on track for
yet another year of tremendous growth. During the first three months of
2014 alone, TLC generated a staggering $1.35 billion USD in instant
ticket sales—a particularly noteworthy achievement considering 2013
annual instant ticket sales totaled $1.67 billion USD.
"We have developed a very close and cooperative working relationship
with TLC over the past seven years," said Doug Pollard, Co-Chief
Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. "The unprecedented growth
experienced by TLC in recent years is a reflection of the Lottery's
hard work and dedication to providing secure, high-quality games to the
people of Taiwan. We are committed to building on the proven success of
this partnership and continuing to explore new and innovative products
and marketing strategies for Taiwan's unique marketplace."
"We are pleased to announce that Pollard Banknote will continue to be a
key partner in the growth and development of our instant tickets," said
Joy Huang, President, TLC. "We have enjoyed a very profitable
relationship with the Pollard Banknote team and we look forward to
further successes during the term of this new contract."
As the operator of Taiwan's Public Welfare Lottery since 2007, CTBC Bank
Co., Ltd. ("CTBC Bank") was once again awarded a 10-year lottery
operator license by the Ministry of Finance beginning January 1, 2014,
and running through to December 31, 2023. CTBC Bank subsequently
contracted with TLC to manage the operation of the lottery business,
consisting of online, instant, and passive products. TLC offers
diversified lottery products to Taiwan's citizens and strives to assist
socially disadvantaged groups in Taiwan through the allocation of
lottery profits.
About Pollard Banknote
Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 50 lotteries
worldwide, providing high quality instant ticket products, licensed
games and strategic marketing and management services for both
traditional instant games and the emerging iLottery space of web,
mobile and social channels. The company is a proven innovator and has
decades of experience helping lotteries to maximize player engagement,
sales, and proceeds for good causes. Pollard Banknote also plays a
major role in the charitable pull-tab and bingo markets in North
America. Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately
73.5% by the Pollard family and 26.5% by public shareholders and is
publicly traded on the TSX (PBL). For more information, please visit
our website at www.pollardbanknote.com.
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 that 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.
SOURCE Pollard Banknote Limited
