Scientific Games has signed a five-year extension to its digital sports betting and online gaming agreement with Canadian provincial lottery operator British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Under the deal, which runs through to 2024, Scientific Games will provide a fully upgraded suite of digital sports betting and igaming solutions, including player account management services.
BCLC will also have access to Scientific Games’ full range of OpenSports products, the solutions range based around its OpenBet platform, including promotional tools, scoreboards and a bespoke user interface.
“Scientific Games has helped power significant growth for BCLC’s PlayNow.com digital gaming site over the past several years, and this will help us to continue to grow and evolve our customer experiences into the future,” BCLC’s interim vice president, digital and enterprise services Cameron Adams said.
The companies’ existing relationship dates back to 2010, when OpenBet first partnered the provincial operator to provide the platform for its igaming launch, with sports pools launched in 2016.
“We’ve worked closely with BCLC for years, and we’re excited to continue building momentum with them in the Canadian market,” Jordan Levin, chief executive of Scientific Games’ SG Digital division, commented.
“Our gaming platforms and sportsbook solutions are a perfect fit for their large audience, and the continued trust, confidence, and innovation on both sides will drive positive growth in the industry.”
The renewal comes after BCLC in July announced record revenue for the 2018-19 fiscal year, with CAD$2.59bn being 3.5% up on the previous year.
Lottery and egaming revenue increased from $596.3m in 2017-18 to $686.1m in 2018-19. Lottery income climbed from $476.4m to $536.3m, while egaming revenue jumped from $119.9m to $149.8m.
Last month, BCLC also introduced PlayPlanner, a new budgeting tool to help land-based players control their gambling. Using PlayPlanner, members of BCLC’s Encore Rewards loyalty program can set themselves spending or play session limits at the operator’s community gaming halls and casinos.
Also in North America, Scientific Games was last week confirmed as being part of the Twin River Worldwide Holdings bid to take over the Rhode Island lottery contract currently held by IGT.
IGT’s current contract is due to expire in 2023, but the state is considering a 20-year, no-bid billion-dollar extension to the agreement. Twin River is putting pressure on the state to launch a public tender for the contract, linking up with Camelot Lottery Solutions, Intralot and now Scientific Games as part of the effort.