Replacement of video lottery network in 2012: IGT Canada and Spielo
Manufacturing ULC win the contracts

MONTREAL, Sept. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société des loteries vidéo du Québec (SLVQ), a subsidiary of Loto-Québec, has awarded contracts to IGT Canada and Spielo Manufacturing ULC to replace its 12,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and acquire a new central operating control system.

The INTELLIGEN™ operating system will be provided by Spielo, while the VLTs will be provided by both Spielo and IGT Canada. Deployment of the system and machines is expected to begin in 2012.

The two bidders distinguished themselves from their competitors thanks to their excellent price-quality ratio, their experience and reputation in the VLT industry, the security, integrity and reliability of their VLTs, their platform relating to responsible gaming, as well as the diversity of their games and technological advances.

This announcement follows government approval Loto-Québec received last December.  The cost of replacing its VLTs and central control system is approximately $265 million.  In its request for approval, Loto-Québec cited the advanced age of the machines currently in use as the reason for replacing them. They have already exceeded their normal design life - estimated at eight years - which has resulted in a significant decline in their efficiency and a consequent increase in maintenance and repair requirements. Because manufacturers no longer produce the models currently in operation, it is increasingly difficult to find the spare parts required to ensure proper operation.

About…

The Société des loteries vidéo du Québec is a subsidiary of Loto-Québec created in 1993. Its mandate is to market and responsibly manage a network of almost 12,000 VLTs installed in some 2,000 establishments holding a bar, brasserie or tavern licence as well as an operator's licence from the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux. The SLVQ is also responsible for the management of the Trois-Rivières and Québec City gaming halls.

IGT is a global leader in the design, development, manufacture, distribution and sales of gaming machines and systems products. The company is headquartered in Nevada with offices around the world including in Moncton, New Brunswick. IGT offers a wide range of industry-leading products and prides itself on its dedication to responsible gaming efforts.

Spielo has more than 50,000 VLTs in operation, and is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of high-performance and innovative gaming machines, game software, and central system solutions for government-sponsored and commercial casino operators worldwide. Spielo is also a leading provider of responsible gaming solutions for government-sponsored environments. It is headquartered in Moncton, New Brunswick.

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