Chinese lottery coup for Betex

The UK group Betex Group plc has announced that its Chinese operation has signed an exclusive 5-year contract with Nanjing Welfare Lottery Management Centre to launch and operate a new retail lottery concept across Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province.
Betex already has established sport lottery contracts in Hebei, Guizhou and Guangdong.
The new agreement allows the Betex to promote and sell all Welfare Lottery products from kiosk-style point-of-sale outlets in high footfall locations including supermarkets. Products include traditional computerised lottery games, scratch cards and high-frequency draws. Commencing in early February, Betex will initially operate 20 Betex and Welfare Lottery co-branded kiosks for six months before extending the retail estate to 150 by the end of 2010.
Betex has also signed distribution agreements with a number of premier retail brand outlets in Nanjing, which will allow the company to site kiosks within selected high-footfall stores throughout the licence period.
Commenting on the latest Chinese development, Betex chief exec Jeremy Longley said: “I’m delighted that we have secured our first agreement in the welfare lottery sector in such a high profile city. This is a significant and exciting deal for the Company and demonstrates the strength of our brand in China. I believe we have identified a retail strategy that combines two essential ingredients – short-term revenue generation and profitability, with long-term scope for roll-out and growth”.