Sixth Lottery Commits to Launching Idol Instant Ticket; Who's Next?
With 10,000 fans lining up this week for the first American Idol® auditions in Pasadena, it's already clear that next season is going to be even bigger than the past.
And with the number of lotteries lining up to run American Idol instant tickets, the stage is being set for another blockbuster season of instant ticket sales.
"American Idol is unlike any television series we've witnessed," said Steve Saferin, MDI president. "Lotteries committed to running American Idol in conjunction with its next season are ahead of the game."
American Idol is offered to lotteries exclusively through MDI Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation. In addition to cash prizes, the game offers cool merchandise and trips to the next Season Finale!
American Idol has remained the #1 and #2 show in America for five years in a row. More than 31 million viewers on average watched every episode of Season 5 and over 42 million tuned in to the Season 5 finale when Alabama's Taylor Hicks was crowned the 5th American Idol.
"The key to successful lottery sales is to appeal to a new, expanded audience," Saferin said. "What's going to attract new players more than the hottest thing on television right now? We anticipate that many lotteries will jump on this!"
The game has performed very well in the states that launched an Idol-themed game earlier this year, indexing at well over 100. Saferin noted that with an outstanding new ticket design, the game will stand out among a lottery's instant ticket line up.
As the number of states planning to run American Idol lottery games increases, so does that of another television phenomenon Deal or No Deal. Since MDI announced its agreement to offer the rights to DoND, eleven lotteries have committed to the game, most launching this fall when the second television season begins.
"In looking at the incredible interest in American Idol and Deal or No Deal, it is clear lotteries are focusing their attention on offering games that have universal appeal," Saferin said.
Season 6 of American Idol begins in mid-January. |
