With the mega-hit "Deal or No Deal" game show set to launch this month, 13 North American Lotteries are now producing, or have already printed, instant tickets to cash in on the popularity of the show.
In just the past two weeks, two more Lotteries have planned on launching the game between now and immediately after the holiday season. "Deal or No Deal" is offered to lotteries exclusively through MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation. MDI announced its agreement with the show's production company, Endemol International on June 23.
In breaking into its second season, "Deal or No Deal" plans to run the first four episodes in its first week beginning September 18, with a top potential prize of $6 million. Network advertising for the new season is prevalent throughout all NBC television day parts.
"'Deal or No Deal' is going to hit the top of the charts early and easily maintain its ranking through the spring," said Steve Saferin, MDI president. "More than one-fourth of North American Lotteries are running the game and we highly encourage other Lotteries to do the same. This is a unique opportunity for Lotteries to tap into a new player base."
"Deal or No Deal" was the surprise hit of the last television season, consistently ranking #1 for its time period in adults 18-49, rivalling that of only American Idol, another MDI licensed property. To date, "Deal or No Deal" has been produced in over 40 countries. The top prize won in the first season was $464,000 but that's about to change.
Comedian host Howie Mandel indicated in a recent press conference that a much higher amount has already been won in episodes he's taped that have yet to air.
"We're proud to be able to offer this opportunity to Lotteries and based on the overwhelming response we've seen, we're actively looking for future games and pop culture trends like 'Deal or No Deal' to help our clients with what they're looking for…a new generation of players," Saferin said. |
