Local lottery giant Supreme Ventures Limited is to expand its products with the introduction of video lottery terminals by the end of this year.

GTECH Corporation, Supreme’s technology service provider, will provide 150 to 175 terminals which, according to Supreme Ventures’ president and CEO Brian George, will be placed in gaming lounges across the island over the next three years.

George, who earlier this month signed an agreement for the provision of the terminals with GTECH executives, said that the first of these gaming facilities was being constructed in Kingston and would open later this year.

Video lottery terminals (VLTs) are, in essence, slot machines, but carry the added features of being extremely flexible and easily monitored and controlled.

They allow electronic games of chance, such as blackjack, poker, or spinning-reel slot machines, to be played on video screens. However, unlike slot machines, VLTs do not dispense money. Rather, a winning player is provided with a ticket that is redeemed by a retailer.

“The VLTs will be connected through a central unit which will allow the themes and games on the machines to be changed with ease,” a news release from Supreme Ventures said.

“The odds on these VLTs will be similar to that of the lottery and it will be possible to wager against someone in another location or parish playing the same game.”

“It would represent a quantum leap in our business,” George said.

Rafael de La Cruz, vice-president of GTECH Latin America and the Caribbean, who attended the signing, said that VLTs would exponentially increase not only revenues but also employment.

“This contract translates into a mutually beneficial arrangement for all stakeholders, including the Government,” De La Cruz said, “as it will boost turnover and the business of lottery in Jamaica.”

The signing, he said, was symbolic because it signalled the beginning of the implementation of VLTs throughout the island and also the future implementation of these terminals throughout the Caribbean.

Tim Nyman, senior vice-president of Global Services at GTECH Corporation, pointed out that the machines would allow games to be altered as consumer tastes change over time. “We can keep pace with our customers and modify our games to suit their changing needs,” Nyman said. He also said that a player loyalty programme would be implemented to keep track of the players and reward their loyalty.

Supreme Ventures chairman Paul Hoo, in his reaction to the development, said that the contract was two years in the making. “This is another milestone in our relationship with GTECH and means great things for gaming and lottery in Jamaica,” Hoo said.