Pollard Banknote's Exclusive Pollard PlayBook® a Record-Setting Sensation with Ohio Players

WINNIPEG, Nov. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited (TSX: PBL) (Pollard Banknote) is pleased to share another recent success of its exclusive Pollard PlayBook^® instant ticket product innovation, now in the Ohio market. Launched on September 9, 2012, the Ohio Lottery's Lucky 7s Playbook has become the Lottery's best-selling $20 game since 2006, and has sold 48% higher than the average $20 game launched by the Lottery since 2002.

"Lucky 7s Playbook has had a positive impact on overall sales performance of our $20 games. Thanks to effective game concept testing and a successful pre-launch rollout strategy, we feel that the value of this product goes beyond offering players a new product with extra entertainment value," said Dennis Berg, Director, Ohio Lottery. Berg continued, "Lucky 7s Playbook is a true testament to the cooperative and collaborative effort put forth by product development and sales teams at the Ohio Lottery and Pollard Banknote. Innovative products like the Pollard PlayBook^® are a perfect fit with our product diversification plan, as we optimize our game plan to appeal to a broader range of players and increase contributions to education within the State of Ohio."

From concept to launch, the introduction of Lucky 7s Playbook in Ohio has been carefully planned and executed. First tested as part of a web-based research study, the game proved to be an exceptionally attractive $20 product to instant ticket players in Ohio and a strong fit with the Lottery's strategic product diversification plan. Once incorporated into the Ohio Lottery's launch schedule, Pollard Banknote collaborated with the Lottery to train its Lottery Sales Representatives on the game's unique features and assist with the expansion and improvement of the Lottery's retail facings to maximize players' response to the launch of Lucky 7s Playbook.

"Pollard Banknote is especially excited to see the Ohio Lottery's planning, testing, and launch efforts come together in support of Lucky 7s Playbook. What we've seen happen in Ohio is just one example of how we partner with our clients to bring not only innovative products, but the expertise and support needed to make these exciting launches stand out and drive the Lottery's sales," stated Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Pollard Banknote. "Based on the recent impressive results of our prelaunch planning to support Pollard PlayBook^® launches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, and now Ohio, we believe that similar successes can be achieved by other lotteries. We anticipate collaborating with more clients to employ our turn-key solution which maximizes the reach and impact of the unique appeal and play value offered by the Pollard PlayBook^®."

Pollard Banknote's exclusive Pollard PlayBook^® brings multiple games together in a unique booklet format, enabling players to enjoy a wide variety of play experiences and a number of different games in a new and exciting way. Games included in the Pollard PlayBook^® may incorporate a single play style, such as a booklet of Crossword tickets, or may be designed to include several different play styles around a broader concept, such as Las Vegas, for example.

In total, approximately $450 million in retail sales has been generated by the patented Pollard PlayBook^® since it was first launched. To date, 13 lotteries around the world have launched over 30 patented Pollard PlayBook^® games. The added play value of the Pollard PlayBook^® has helped these lotteries increase contributions for good causes by generating 46% higher-than-average sales compared to other games at the same price point.

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.

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote Limited

Doug Pollard ([email protected])         
Co-Chief Executive Officer
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John Pollard ([email protected])
Co-Chief Executive Officer
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Rob Rose ([email protected])
Chief Financial Officer
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