Scientific Games has announced it has penned fresh terms with its long-term partner Lotto Hessen to introduce new gaming systems technology to the German lottery.

Named Symphony, the gaming system technology is designed to modernise the lottery’s operations, replacing and migrating the old Ageis system.

The Symphony system supports new game entertainment and new distribution channels with a secure, open interface that easily and quickly integrates third-party solutions and content.

The plan to evolve the lottery’s system is set to take place in several stages, with the Symphony integration just one stage of a wider strategy.

In the first phase of the plan, SG’s OGS Open Gaming System will connect to Lotto Hessen’s internet system to give players throughout Germany access to an online gaming experience directly via the lottery’s website, per the regulatory framework.

Pat McHugh, Group Chief Executive, Lottery for Scientific Games, said: “We thank Lotto Hessen for their continued trust in our systems technology leadership with our Symphony and OGS systems.

“We will continue to provide the best products that drive the most profits for our lottery customers, their retailers and players with technology that securely integrates all game entertainment product lines and offers operational efficiencies.”

Lotto Hessen is based in central Germany and becomes the third European lottery operator to utilise SG’s Symphony system this year.

The state-owned lottery has 2,000 official retailers in Germany and has annual revenues of over €800m. Its new system, operational from SG’s Vienna tech facility, makes up part of its aim to pursue new business opportunities.

Dr Heinz-Georg Sundermann, Managing Director of Lotto Hessen, added: “This is an important new era for Lotto Hessen, with new business opportunities on a road paved by regulatory options from 2021 onwards. Thanks to Scientific Games’ agile, modular system design, we will be able to consolidate our wide spectrum of games and services and offer them to our players in a streamlined platform.

“This new agreement with Scientific Games enhances our strategic partnership, with the goal to strengthen Lotto Hessen’s leading market position and enable future growth.”