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Manchester launches UK’s first regional mobile lottery

Manchester launches UK’s first regional mobile lottery

Friday 25th June 2004

- the first in a series, set to raise £100m for local charities -

The Manchester Lottery launched today - the first in a series of lotteries set to raise £100m targeting regional ‘coldspots’ traditionally underserved by its national counterpart.

Licensed lottery manager, Million-2-1 plans to launch ten regional mobile lotteries in the next year. And up to 50 regional lotteries could be operating throughout the UK within five years.

Each lottery will provide at least 35% of its revenue to smaller, local charities that have struggled to secure grants from the national lottery. The proportion allocated to good causes could increase to 50%, dependent on the uptake in each region.

The idea of a ‘local lottery for local people’ was conceived by Chris Sheffield, founder and Chief Executive of Million-2-1. Sheffield aims to bid for a share of the national lottery license itself when it is reviewed in 2009.

“I am delighted be launching the UK’s first mobile lottery in my home town, Manchester. This is the first of many local lotteries that will provide people with the opportunity to win substantial amounts of money and invest in their local community at the same time,” said Sheffield. “It‘s anticipated that the Manchester lottery will give £1 million to local good causes in its first year, and I expect this figure to increase year on year as more and more people get involved.”

A local lottery that empowers the local community and local charities has been backed by Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United FC who said: “I really hope people will support the lottery. The more people play, the more the Greater Manchester area will benefit.”

Charities set to benefit from the Manchester Lottery are Christie’s, the cancer charity, Manchester kids, the charity for underprivileged kids and the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, which prioritises grants for grassroots projects in Manchester and outlying regions.

Million-2-1’s mobile technology and registration process make it the safest lottery platform in the UK. To prevent underage players, Million-2-1 checks credentials at registration, card registration and before awarding prizes. Players are also restricted to ten £1 plays per week.

Contact: Tim Kitchin/James Cherkoff,

Glasshouse Partnership: 020 7255 0273 or 0788 798 6868

Tim Kitchin

Partner

The Glasshouse Partnership

T: 0207 2550270

M: 0788 7986868

www.glasshousepartnership.com




Source: OnlineCasinoNews