More turnover from Lotto and Oddsen Norsk Tipping in 2006

Norsk Tipping has reversed a downward trend in turnover to a growth of 4.5 percent in 2006. Turnover for the year was NOK 9 616 million (approx. USD 1538 million), an increase of NOK 413 million compared to 2005. Product improvements introduced for Lotto and Oddsen were major contributing factors to the growth. Lotto turnover, NOK 3728 million (approx. USD 596 million), was the highest since the game was launched in 1986.

"It is extremely gratifying to see growth again after several years of decreasing turnover. We are particularly happy to see that we have succeeded in reversing a negative trend in a market typified by ever increasing pressure and competition by introducing responsible changes to two of our largest games", says President and CEO Reidar Nordby Jr. "We must at all times have maximum focus on that the result of our activities has a minimum social impact while at the same time we offer entertaining gaming opportunities to the public at large. We have succeeded in achieving this objective, and the result is a good, financial contribution to Norwegian sports and athletics, culture and humanitarian causes.

In 2006 the turnover of Norway's largest game, Lotto, was NOK 3728 million, the highest ever since the product was launched in 1986. An increase in the top-level payouts, new extra draws with the "Million Chance" and "One Number is Enough", and any increase in the stake per line have all contributed to reversing the game's negative development. Another game that has shown itself to be robust in a highly competitive market is the companys sportsbetting "Oddsen". This is due mainly to the increase in the number of gaming alternatives on Langoddsen and the new games such as "Handicap", "Goal Scorer Duels", "Half-time Odds", betting on number of goals scored, and betting on events with individual participants.

It was the games Lotto and Oddsen that represented a major share of the growth, while the Scratchticket Lottery "Flax" showed a marked downturn. This was due to in negative trend in the overall scratchticket market".