Scientific Games Corporation has announced the official ribbon-cutting of its “newest, most advanced” lottery instant game technology at its Leeds-based production facility, which serves the UK National Lottery as well as 50 lotteries in Europe and internationally. 

With the new technology, the company expands its global production capacity by 20 per cent. The additional production volume is expected to add an estimated 175 employees to the company’s UK workforce. 

“Our investment in this UK production expansion represents our strong commitment to serve the UK National Lottery and lotteries throughout Europe, and to entertain the world’s players through our instant game innovation,” said Kevin Anderson, VP global strategic accounts EMEA.

Hilary Benn, member of Parliament for Leeds Central, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour with Scientific Games executives Mark Scholey, VP global manufacturing, and Anderson, as well as a host of the company’s UK employees.

Having produced instant games for the UK National Lottery since its inception in 1994, the company serves as the National Lottery’s exclusive instant game provider, having played a key role in helping the Lottery’s instant game business grow to become a $4.7bn consumer product category that funds its UK beneficiary programmes. 

“This technology expansion allows lotteries to bring new games to market more quickly so they can offer just-in-time inventory at retail. The expansion strengthens our nearly 50 years of global leadership in lottery instant products, and importantly helps our lottery customers drive maximum proceeds to support their beneficiary programs,” said Scholey.

The new instant games production technology at Scientific Games’ Leeds facility is “the most advanced in the world”, offering a wide range of flexibility in game innovation including playstyle, color, images, ticket sizes, and specialty papers and finishes. 

The technology manufactures instant game tickets at 1,000 feet per minute and supports the company’s commitment to quality environmental practices with the use of green technology, recyclable paper, water-based inks and energy-efficient processes.