The price is a revolution, but so is the lottery central system developed by TQG. In the beginning of 2014, TQG has positioned itself as technology partner for state-licensed lotteries. What looked like a simple internet system in the beginning, grew extensively over time.

London/Munich, 16. January 2014 - For the fifth time since 2007, MECN is updating and expanding its unique and well-received benchmark study of the global lottery industry. This study again provides a wealth of information on lottery-specific industry benchmarks far beyond existing sales comparisons.

After the ECJ's decision in case C-46/08 Carmen Media, the German gambling monopoly has come to an end. In its decision given today, the ECJ makes it clear that the Verwaltungsgericht (Administrative Court) of Schleswig, in its resolution of 30 January 2008 referring the case for a preliminary ruling, correctly reached the conclusion that the German gambling regulation is not in compliance with Union law (see press release dated 31 January 2008).

National Lottery operator Camelot could change hands after major shareholders in the firm said they were considering selling their stakes. Banknote printing group De La Rue and Japanese IT firm Fujitsu are looking at a possible sale of their 20% holdings in Watford-based Camelot, which has run the Lottery since it began in 1994.

The bingo-like lottery game that began this summer in Ohio to help plug the gaping hole in the state budget is off to a slow start. Keno has been hindered by a weak economy and challenges getting it established at 2,000 bars and restaurants, said Mike Dolan, executive director of the Ohio Lottery. Keno started August 4. The game is a central part of Governor Ted Strickland’s plan to insulate the state budget from the economic downturn that has dried up tax revenue.

Bermuda could get its own lottery, along with hotel casinos, after Government confirmed today they are taking a serious look at the island's gambling laws. Making a formal announcement this morning, Premier Ewart Brown appeared to acknowledge that he may be putting himself on collision course with the church lobby. However, he also said that many Bermudians would welcome being able to gamble on the island, rather than having to make gaming trips to the States.

In Turkey, the government has set the scheduled date for the privatization of the national lottery to January 9, 2009 in the wake of strong bidding from numerous international parties. It is set to involve a re-branding exercise alongside the appointment of a regulatory authority. The final privatization is set to involve a re-branding exercise alongside the appointment of a regulatory authority with firms such as Greek firms OPAP and Intralot interested in taking over the national lottery.

The European Commission has sent a formal letter to Portugal requesting that the nation cease its practice of taxing some lottery winnings while exempting those from other games. Portugal has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1986 and the Commission stated that the nation’s current practice runs contrary to treaty obligations as it restricts the freedom to provide equal services.

In France, the government is planning to introduce legislation that would set out the mechanisms to privatize national lottery company La Francaise Des Jeux via a share flotation sometime next year. According to the newspaper Les Echos, Christophe Blanchard-Dignac, head of La Francaise Des Jeux, stated that the company was preparing for a decision by the State on how to reduce its 72 % stake and had hired Merrill Lynch as financial advisers.

Turkish conglomerate Alarko Holding said it is still in search for a foreign partner to jointly bid for the tender for Turkish national Lottery Milli Piyango. In a filing to the Stock Exchange, the company responded to media reports that Alarko Holding would bid together with Greece OPAP and Turkish Dogus Group. Alarko said that it was "still carrying out negotiations with the Milli Piyango administration and would make necessary announcements when a deal with a foreign company is materialised".

According to Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, its citizens spend about USD 2 billion a year on betting, lottery and gambling via TV and online, reported local media VietNamNet Bridge this week. The ministry discovered programs planned by Internet service providers, radio, TV and press agencies are conducting illegal gambling activities and profiting by charging high S.M.S. fees.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, acknowledging his past year’s attempt to get new casinos and racetrack slots past state House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was a failure, now wants to lease out the Illinois Lottery to help fund the governor’s latest capital improvement program. Blagojevich has downsized the planned budget for improving roads, schools and other infrastructure to USD 25 billion.