International Game Technology (IGT) has recently announced a 10-year contract extension with the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL), solidifying a relationship that has been thriving since its inception in 2006. This new agreement will commence on 1 July 2027 and will continue until June 2037, marking an important milestone for both parties and ensuring the continued enhancement of the state’s lottery system through cutting-edge technology and superior services.

IGT Secures 10-Year Contract Extension with North Carolina Education Lottery

A Technological Upgrade for the NCEL

The contract extension comes with a significant upgrade in lottery technology and operational services, designed to improve the overall efficiency and customer experience of the North Carolina Education Lottery. One of the key elements of this upgrade will be the implementation of IGT’s Aurora central system, a solution that will be integrated with the company’s comprehensive lottery system, Omnia. Aurora is renowned for its flexibility, scalability, and ability to manage the intricacies of a modern lottery system.

IGT’s Aurora Central System

At the heart of IGT’s offering is its Aurora central system, which promises to revolutionize the way the North Carolina lottery operates. This system allows for seamless, real-time processing of lottery transactions, providing the NCEL with enhanced operational control, security, and scalability. Through Aurora, IGT will be able to offer a more agile infrastructure, supporting the ever-evolving demands of the state’s lottery operations.

Moreover, the integration of Aurora with IGT’s Omnia platform ensures that the NCEL will have access to one of the most powerful and unified lottery management systems available today. This will allow for greater efficiency in managing ticket sales, distribution, and customer engagement, which are crucial to maximizing the lottery’s contribution to public education in North Carolina.

Boosting Efficiency with Upgraded Back-Office Business Applications

Another important aspect of the new contract is the introduction of IGT’s enhanced Wizard back-office business applications. These applications are designed to optimize the lottery’s administrative processes, ensuring that NCEL operates at peak efficiency. The Wizard software will facilitate smoother operations in areas such as financial management, data reporting, and retailer support, thereby streamlining the NCEL’s workflow and improving the lottery’s overall performance.

With these advancements in place, the NCEL can expect a significant reduction in operational costs while increasing sales and engagement, ensuring that the lottery remains a reliable source of funding for education in North Carolina.

Expanding Retail Presence with New Hardware Solutions

In addition to the software upgrades, IGT will also provide up to 8,500 Retailer Pro S2 terminals, a critical component in ensuring the success of lottery retailers across the state. These next-generation terminals offer enhanced performance, faster transaction processing, and a more user-friendly interface, giving retailers the tools they need to efficiently serve lottery customers.

To further augment customer experience, IGT will also deploy 28 self-service vending machines, allowing players to conveniently purchase tickets without the need for retailer assistance. The installation of these self-service terminals will improve accessibility to lottery games, ensuring that players can engage with their favorite games at their convenience.

Furthermore, IGT will provide 2,000 lottery play centers and 4,000 Jackpot signs. These upgrades are designed to increase lottery visibility and foster greater player participation. The Jackpot signs will dynamically display jackpot amounts, encouraging spontaneous ticket purchases and enhancing player engagement.

Enhanced Communication and Connectivity

An additional feature of the contract is the implementation of a dual cellular communication network. This robust communication solution will ensure reliable and secure connectivity between all lottery terminals, significantly reducing downtime and improving overall system performance. The dual network will provide enhanced redundancy, ensuring that lottery operations remain uninterrupted even in the event of connectivity issues.

Comments from Key Figures on the Partnership

Both the North Carolina Education Lottery and IGT have expressed their enthusiasm for the continued partnership and the benefits this extension will bring.

Mark Michalko, CEO and Executive Director of the NCEL, stated: “IGT has been a trusted partner to the NCEL for more than 18 years, supporting our consistent growth and record-breaking sales. Supporting public education is our mission, and we now raise more than $1bn a year for our state. We look forward to extending our strong relationship with IGT. The new technology that IGT will provide will help the lottery continue to responsibly increase sales and our contributions to North Carolina.”

This statement emphasizes the importance of IGT’s role in helping the NCEL generate significant funds for public education while continuing to grow its sales through innovation and responsible gaming.

Jay Gendron, IGT’s COO of Global Lottery, added: “The NCEL is among the top 10 most successful lotteries in the US, and IGT is excited to upgrade its retail technology with our high-performing solutions and help it drive sales growth. IGT’s future-forward technology will provide the systems and equipment needed for the NCEL to work effectively and efficiently for its players, its retail partners and the good causes it serves.”

These comments from industry leaders underscore the shared vision between IGT and the NCEL to leverage advanced technology in driving the growth of the lottery, enhancing player satisfaction, and continuing to contribute meaningfully to education.

The Impact of IGT’s Support on North Carolina’s Education System

The North Carolina Education Lottery is a major contributor to public education funding in the state. The funds raised by the lottery help provide school construction, pre-kindergarten programs, and college scholarships. With over $1 billion raised annually, the lottery has become an essential component of the state’s education budget.

Through this extended partnership with IGT, the NCEL will be better equipped to meet the increasing demand for lottery services while continuing to responsibly support education. IGT’s cutting-edge systems, innovative hardware, and unparalleled support will ensure that the lottery operates smoothly and efficiently, allowing for increased sales and, ultimately, greater contributions to public education.

FAQs IGT Contract Extension with NCEL

1. What is the duration of the new contract between IGT and the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL)?

The new contract is a 10-year extension, starting on July 1, 2027, and running through June 2037.

2. What is the purpose of the contract extension between IGT and NCEL?

The contract extension aims to upgrade lottery technology and services for the NCEL, including improvements in central systems, hardware, and operational efficiency.

3. What technological upgrades will IGT provide under this contract?

IGT will implement its Aurora central system, which is part of the Omnia platform, alongside upgraded Wizard back-office business applications. These enhancements are designed to optimize operational efficiency and improve lottery management.

4. What new hardware will be introduced by IGT as part of the agreement?

IGT will deploy 8,500 Retailer Pro S2 terminals, 28 self-service vending machines, 2,000 lottery play centers, and 4,000 Jackpot signs to enhance retail lottery operations across North Carolina.

5. How will the new hardware improve lottery services for NCEL?

The hardware upgrades, such as the Retailer Pro S2 terminals and self-service vending machines, will allow for faster transaction processing, improved customer convenience, and better lottery visibility.

6. What is the purpose of the dual cellular communication network included in the contract?

The dual cellular communication network will ensure reliable and secure connectivity for all lottery terminals, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall system performance.

7. How will the contract extension benefit North Carolina’s public education system?

The enhanced technology and efficiency provided by IGT will help increase lottery sales, ultimately contributing more to public education funding in North Carolina, including support for school construction, pre-kindergarten programs, and scholarships.

8. How long has IGT been a partner of the North Carolina Education Lottery?

IGT has been a trusted partner of the NCEL for over 18 years, providing technology and support to help the lottery grow and achieve record-breaking sales.

9. What is the role of IGT’s Aurora central system in this contract?

The Aurora central system is designed to streamline the management of lottery transactions, offering real-time processing and operational control to improve efficiency and scalability for NCEL.

10. What comments have been made by NCEL and IGT executives about the contract extension?

Mark Michalko, CEO of NCEL, praised IGT for its long-standing support in driving lottery sales and contributing to public education. Jay Gendron, IGT’s COO of Global Lottery, highlighted the success of NCEL and expressed excitement about providing future-forward technology to enhance the lottery’s growth.