In a groundbreaking partnership, International Game Technology (IGT) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) have collaborated with the National Lottery in Malta to launch historical horseracing (HHR) technology. This significant deal marks the first time HHR services are being offered outside the United States, heralding a new era for gaming in Malta. The partnership is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape in Malta, with the National Lottery becoming the first operator to provide HHR services internationally.
Expansion into Malta
The collaboration will see IGT and CDI expand their HHR technology through Malta’s National Lottery, beginning with the launch at IZIBingo, the first HHR venue. Initially, IGT will dominate the HHR floor share, representing 100% of it. Exacta Services, a subsidiary of CDI, will power the gaming floor with its sophisticated Exacta Connect system solution. This technology will not be limited to IZIBingo but will also extend to several other National Lottery gaming venues throughout Malta.
Diverse Gaming Offerings
The HHR offerings will debut with over 80 IGT HHR games available on various IGT cabinets, including PeakSlant49, PeakSlant32, and Cobalt27. These will feature a mix of HHR-version games and classic IGT games, providing a rich and varied gaming experience for players. This wide array of games is designed to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring that there is something for every player.
Leadership Perspectives
Jeff Lind, President of Exacta Systems, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating: “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.”
Johann Schembri, CEO of the National Lottery, shared his enthusiasm: “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.”
Nick Khin, COO of IGT Gaming, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “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.”
Strategic Implications and Market Impact
The introduction of HHR technology in Malta is a strategic move that is expected to have a substantial impact on the gaming industry in the region. It not only positions the National Lottery as a pioneer in adopting innovative gaming solutions but also sets a precedent for other gaming operators outside the US to follow. The collaboration underscores the adaptability and global appeal of HHR technology, demonstrating its potential to transform gaming experiences in diverse markets.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the partnership between IGT, CDI, and the National Lottery in Malta is likely to pave the way for further international expansion of HHR technology. The successful implementation of HHR in Malta could serve as a model for other countries, showcasing the benefits of integrating advanced gaming technologies into national lottery systems. This move is expected to drive growth and innovation in the global gaming industry, opening up new opportunities for players and operators alike.
The collaboration between IGT, CDI, and the National Lottery in Malta marks a significant milestone in the global gaming industry. By introducing HHR technology to Malta, the National Lottery is set to transform the gaming experience for its players, while also positioning itself as a leader in adopting innovative gaming solutions. This partnership not only highlights the global relevance of HHR technology but also sets the stage for further international expansion, promising a bright future for the gaming industry worldwide.