Creating a real-time electronic 50/50 game experience for the Ottawa Senators Foundation
The Ottawa Senators Foundation empowers children and youth to reach their full potential by investing in recreation and education programs that promote physical and mental wellness. One of its key fundraisers is the 50/50 draw it runs at every Ottawa Senators home game. Until 2014, the Foundation ran a paper-based raffle. Although it was very successful, the Foundation saw an opportunity to improve both revenues and player experience by offering electronic 50/50.
Under the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) 50/50 Pilot Program, CBN partnered with the Foundation and OLG to develop and launch the new game for the 2014 / 2015 hockey season. Our goal was to increase revenue by improving efficiency, building player interest and introducing greater security. We collaborated with the Foundation and OLG throughout the process of mapping out the game specifications, developing the supporting software, building back-end systems and procuring the right hardware. Together, we introduced enhancements along the way, conducted thorough tests, and launched successfully at the season opener.
The results?
- Faster, more convenient: fans can buy tickets from 32 mobile and 8 fixed kiosk point-of-sale sellers;
- Greater excitement and increased sales: real-time displays show the jackpot growing, which encourages more fans to take part;
- Longer selling time: now able to purchase tickets closer to the end of the game;
- Greater integrity, security and accuracy: all transaction and ticket numbers are accounted for in a central database and the winning number is generated by an enterprise-quality random number generator;
- Independently validated: CBN raffle software is GLI-31 and AGCO certified;
- Environmentally friendly: no more paper tickets thrown out at the end of the evening; and
- More funds back to the local community: sales increased by 30% in the first year alone.
This was the first electronic 50/50 draw in Ontario, and the launch went without a problem. And, with customer service support team available 24/7, the Foundation knows it’s in good hands. We’re now working on developing an electronic payment system that will allow players to buy tickets using their credit and debit cards.
testimonial
“The technology solution designed and installed by Canadian Bank Note represents a significant improvement to our electronic 50/50 program and directly influences the growth in revenues and therefore, the available funds for our Foundation’s community investments. The CBN solution permits us to sell tickets later into the game, instantly draw a winning number and to date, we have not had a single manual draw or an unclaimed prize. CBN’s tech-support and service is always efficient and available. Further, CBN’s engagement in our program’s initial launch and commitment to the program’s ongoing success reflects a true partnership.”
In the pilot year, 50/50 ticket revenues increased by 30%
In 2016, local children and youth organizations and programs received $1M in support as a result of the 50/50 raffle proceeds