This solution supports two popular online games (3D and Union Lotto) as well as validation of all online games and instants games. The “terminal” is a powerful Samsung Galaxy SII that speaks wirelessly to a portable wearable Zebra thermal printer. The application is based upon the Android operating system and leverages the phone’s camera functionality and the retailer graphical user interface. It was specifically developed for the Beijing Welfare Lottery retailers.
“The explosion of mobile devices globally, coupled with the adoption of Android, provides a compelling new paradigm for our lottery industry. This joint endeavour between the Beijing Lottery and Gtech is indicative of the innovation we expect with respect to retail solutions going forward,” said Gtech Corporation Chief Innovation Officer Donald Stanford.
The mobile solution, consisting of mobile phones and portable thermal printer, was developed in Gtech's Warsaw technology center. A Polish team, comprised of several engineers, took three months to develop the solution which was tailored to the specific needs of the Beijing lottery market. Gtech’s Rhode Island and Asia Pacific Technology Teams also contributed their expertise to the Beijing delivery in terms of testing the Chinese user interface, ensuring a secure implementation, and designing the 3G network.
The Chinese market is the fastest growing lottery market in the world with a sales growth rate estimated at 30% per annum.
The solution was created in collaboration with Samsung engineers who worked with Gtech engineers to develop the technical solution specific to Samsung phones. “This solution was a direct result of our global expertise and partnerships. Our development hub in Warsaw Poland did most of the application work supported by our colleagues in the region. We see great potential in leveraging 3rd party off-the-shelf components to meet specific lottery needs,” said Gtech Corporation Chief Technology Officer Matthew Whalen.