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// PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL // May/June 2016
Having read about the regulatory changes in Mauritius, and hav-
ing known Michelle Carinci for many years, I called to see if she could
describe what a CEO does when your portfolio of revenue generating
products is cut down by more than 25% and the ability to advertise your
products is taken away.
During her career that spans more than 40 years, Michelle Carinci’s
drive, vision and commitment to the industry are unparalleled. Her in-
valuable contribution was recognized with her induction to the Lottery
Industry Hall of Fame in 2006.
Prior to her appointment to lead Lottotech, operator of the lottery
in Mauritius, Michelle spent 10 years as President and Chief Execu-
tive Officer of the Atlantic Lottery, where she had the responsibility
of delicately balancing the gaming initiatives of four different gov-
ernment lotteries in eastern Canada. Prior to Atlantic Lottery, she
held leadership positions with gaming supplier GTECH Corpora-
tion (now IGT), the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and
the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
Mrs. Carinci also served as President of the Interprovincial Lottery
Corporation, a member of the Executive Committee for the North
American State and Provincial Lotteries and as an elected member
of the Executive Committee of the World Lottery Association (WLA).
She was the founding co-chairperson of the WLA’s Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee.
Carl Ah-Teck, Chairman of Lottotech: “This region of the world
presents an environment that requires skill sets only a few people in
the industry master. Michelle’s vast experience in sales and marketing
during the early days of modern lotteries, to her framing of worldwide
standards for responsible gaming, to her leadership in deploying the
first regulated Internet gaming platform in North America, will benefit
Mauritius at the highest level.”
Michelle’s commitment to the economic growth in Mauritius and
improving its quality of life is unwavering. Whether it’s a corporate
objective or a charitable event, Michelle has a passion for making
a difference.
Michelle’s commitment to Mauritius’ and Madagascar’s economic
growth and improving its quality of life is unwavering. Whether it’s
a corporate objective or a charitable event, Michelle has a passion for
making a difference.
—
Introduction by Paul Jason
The success story of Lottotech, the operator of the Mauritius National Lottery (MNL),
began in October 2009 with fireworks, a lot of fanfare and an inspiring speech from the
Prime Minister outlining the vision of how the funds from the lottery will be invested,
ultimately making a significant difference in the country. The game plan in Lottotech’s win-
ning bid to be the operator of MNL included the usual line-up of two weekly Lotto draws,
Instant games, Daily and Keno games and VLT’s. However, following the very successful
launch of MNL, things changed and Lottotech was limited to one weekly Lotto draw and
the Instant game category. In spite of the limitations imposed upon Lottotech, MNL’s per-
formance was stellar. Over 70% of adults participated, there was 100% awareness and 86%
approval ratings of the lottery realized within a few years. The responsible gaming strategy
was effective resulting in a lot of players spending a little on a weekly basis.
Five years later MNL proved to be truly the people’s lottery. In 2014 Lottotech success-
fully listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) and was three times oversubscribed.
Over 12,000 shareholders invested in Lottotech, most of them individuals investing for the
first time on the stock exchange. 2014 also proved to be a record year of sales as a result of
a series of jackpot rollovers that peaked at MUR120 million.
And then the environment changed again. During the 2015 election it was stated that
Mauritius is a “nation Zougadere,” a nation of gamblers. In fact, Mauritians do enjoy par-
ticipating in gambling. Horse racing has an active and significant following; there are 20
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