International Game Technology and Churchill Downs Incorporated have signed a contract for Malta National Lottery (MNL) to be the first lottery outside the US offering historical horse race (HHR).
IGT has signed an initial agreement to provide technology for the first Malta National Lottery venue that uses HHR, IZIBINGO. Exacta Services will provide the gaming floor of HHR with their Exacta Connect solution, which is a Churchill Downs subsidiary.
The HHR machine allows players to bet on events that have already occurred. These devices have content that dates back to early 1990s. All information, including the horse or jockey’s identity, has been removed.
Some of these machines are similar to slot machines that have been in use for a while, and some even feature a slot machine element.
The arrangement will be expanded to include other National Lottery locations in Malta, where IGT and Exacta will power HHR. IGT’s and CDI’s offering was previously limited to the US.
Customers of the National Lottery will be able to play more than 80 HHR IGT games. The titles include Cleopatra Gold Wolf Run Gold Stinkin Rich Skunks gone Wild!
IGT and Churchill Downs to expand further?
According to Exacta’s president Jeff Lind, the deal represents an “exciting first step” in Exacta’s efforts at international expansion.
The thrill of the HHR games, combined with our Exacta Connect’s flexibility in adapting to various markets and legal environments, continue to fuel this growth, he said.
Nick Khin is IGT’s COO of gaming. He calls the acquisition “a milestone in growth”.
It is a testament to our global HHR hardware and content portfolio’s quality.
Johann Schembri, CEO of the National Lottery, said that HHR should go live in a few weeks.
This first installation is the culmination of intensive efforts, and marks a major step forward in our quest to improve the operation of our National Lottery.
Our collaboration with Exacta, and IGT are two of the leading technology companies in the market. This allows us to create the perfect showcase to promote this product, while we strive to spread this concept globally.
Today (4 July), IZIBINGO will open its first doors for customers.
The future of HHR is uncertain in the US
Some states are experiencing a growing lack of confidence in the future of Human Resources.
Minnesota banned all HHR machines earlier this year. Canterbury Park, as well as Running Aces cannot offer customers HHR services.
Idaho also has a similar ban since 2015. The ban was enacted after gaming machines were placed at Les Bois Park in Idaho Falls, Greyhound Park as well as the Double Down Bar & Grill. After being misinformed about the game’s nature, legislators enacted the ban.
Butch Otter vetoed it, but the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, who operate a casino in competition with racetracks and operates a gambling facility, won judicial review of the veto. In 2018, a ballot initiative that would have re-legalised HHR machines failed.
Kentucky had previously prohibited HHR machines. This was partially rescinded by 2021, allowing machines only at racetracks.
