Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has become the first operator in North America to launch games from Pollard Banknote’s Pollard Digital Games Studio.

Four new eInstant games — Royal Court Riches, Sizzling Hot 7s, Bacon Me Crazy and Lucky Forest — are now available on AGLC’s PlayAlberta.ca platform.

Pollard Banknote said in a release that the games demonstrate the studio’s expertise in creating a diverse range of game types tailored to meet lottery requirements and market demands.

“We are thrilled to introduce these proven and exciting eInstant games to the Alberta market,” said Shannon DeHaven, VP of digital engagement at Pollard Banknote. “Our Pollard Digital Games Studio has been working diligently to develop unique and engaging content that resonates with players. These games are a testament to our expertise in the digital space, reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation, as well as our dedication to helping lotteries achieve their business objectives through exceptional digital products.”

The new games extend the long-running partnership between Pollard Banknote and AGLC. The company provides AGLC’s Play Alberta platform and related services through its joint venture entity, NeoPollard Interactive.

Pollard Banknote continues to power Canadian lottery corps

Pollard Banknote is a leading partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing instant ticket products and licensed games and a full suite of digital offerings such as player engagement and marketing and management services.

Last month, it signed a five-year extension to continue providing its services to Canadian lottery corporations across the country through a renewal of its Ticket Printing Services Agreement with the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC).

The ILC is a nationwide lottery organization with five members that span all 10 Canadian provinces: the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Loto-Québec, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (which includes AGLC) and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

For 35 years, Pollard Banknote has supplied ILC members with a range of services which today include instant tickets, game design, and related services. That deal now runs until December 31, 2028.

AGLC bolstering digital offerings

This fall, AGLC will launch a Play Alberta app for the very first time to mark the platform’s fourth anniversary. The mobile app will initially focus on sports betting offerings and will later add online casino and all of Play Alberta’s gaming verticals.

AGLC VP of Gaming Dan Keene told Canadian Gaming Business in June that Play Alberta’s game portfolio will roughly double in size.

“Play Alberta is still fairly young in its lifecycle and we’ve always had eyes on developing an app because it’s critical to the delivery of the product,” Keene said. “Our plan is to launch an app in September that will be focused on the sports vertical to start. Early next calendar year, we’ll add the rest of the verticals like live dealer, casino, lottery.”

Play Alberta has already added Aristocrat content to its portfolio this summer.

Meanwhile, earlier in August, AGLC expanded its responsible gambling support network with a new GameSense Info Line phone service to expand the reach of its GameSense responsible gambling program.