Scientific Games is fresh off instant lottery ticket vendor wins in Missouri and New York. Now, their wholly owned subsidiary, MDI Entertainment, has reached a multi-year agreement with Churchill Downs Incorporated to offer instant scratch lottery games featuring logos, themes, and images from CDI’s internationally renowned Kentucky Derby horse race.
This license presents a tremendous opportunity for lotteries to capitalize on the widespread allure surrounding the annual Kentucky Derby and to offer fans chances to win Kentucky Derby merchandise and tickets to the event.
Casey Cook, CDI’s Vice President of Brand Development & Marketing, commented in the release “We’re very pleased to be working with MDI, and think the Kentucky Derby is a natural fit for the lottery brand…We’re confident that fans of the race – and those who just want to attend for its time-honoured traditions – will be excited about the chance to win tickets and other prizes associated with the Kentucky Derby entertainment experience.”
Steve Saferin, President, Properties Group and Chief Creative Officer for Scientific Games, added, “Lottery players have a very strong interest in horse racing — and vice versa,” he said. “And the Kentucky Derby is no ordinary race — it is, after all, ‘the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports’ and is surrounded by a world famous experience. We expect that instant scratch games featuring this brand will be great sellers for lotteries.”
The prizes are pretty cool, I must admit. Aside from the coveted Derby race tickets, merchandise and grand prize packages could consist of paid travel to the Kentucky Derby event, entry to a number of events like the famous Taste of Derby and Winner’s Party and accommodations at the Galt House Hotel, which is also the official hotel of the Kentucky Derby.
This deal will probably excite many instant scratch lovers, who are a scratch and win away from an opportunity to play dress up at the Kentucky Derby fashion show.
I ‘d probably be more excited, but I’ve never faired well with lotteries. I certainly wish there was a skill game or poker tournament that had Kentucky Derby tickets for prizes and Mint Julep vouchers!
