Company Overview

Pollard Banknote Limited is a Canadian-based provider of lottery and gaming products, operating primarily within the regulated lottery and charitable gaming industries. The company specializes in the design, production, and management of instant ticket games (scratch-off lottery tickets), digital lottery content, and related lottery services. Pollard Banknote generates the majority of its revenue from long-term contracts with government-sponsored lottery operators, which provide stable, recurring demand driven by public-sector gaming programs.

Founded in the early 20th century as a commercial printing business, Pollard Banknote evolved into a specialized lottery supplier through strategic investments in secure printing and gaming-related intellectual property. Over time, the company transitioned from a regional printer to a global lottery solutions provider, leveraging proprietary game design capabilities, secure manufacturing processes, and a growing digital portfolio. Its strategic positioning is supported by long-standing relationships with North American lottery corporations and an increasing focus on higher-margin digital and value-added lottery services.

Business Operations

Pollard Banknote operates through several integrated business segments focused on lottery ticket manufacturing, game design, and digital lottery services. Its core operations include Instant Ticket Printing, Game Design & Portfolio Management, and Digital Lottery & iLottery Services, which together support both traditional retail lottery sales and emerging online distribution channels. Revenue is primarily generated through multi-year supply contracts, digital platform licensing, and service-based arrangements tied to lottery performance.

The company maintains secure printing facilities and digital development operations, serving both domestic and international lottery customers. Pollard Banknote controls proprietary game mechanics, digital platforms, and data-driven portfolio management tools used by lottery operators to optimize ticket performance. It operates through several subsidiaries, including Pollard Digital Solutions, Schafer Retail Solutions +, and mkodo, and maintains strategic partnerships with government lotteries and gaming authorities across multiple jurisdictions.

Strategic Position & Investments

Pollard Banknote’s strategic direction emphasizes diversification beyond traditional instant ticket printing into digital lottery solutions, interactive player engagement tools, and retail optimization technologies. Growth initiatives include expanding iLottery offerings, enhancing data analytics capabilities for lottery operators, and increasing cross-selling opportunities between physical and digital products. The company has pursued targeted acquisitions to accelerate this strategy, notably acquiring mkodo, a digital lottery and mobile engagement specialist, and Schafer Retail Solutions +, which focuses on in-lane lottery sales and retail conversion optimization.

These investments reflect a broader focus on higher-margin, technology-enabled services and reducing reliance on print-only revenue streams. Pollard Banknote continues to invest in emerging lottery technologies, including mobile-first platforms, player account management systems, and digital instant win games, aligning with the long-term digital transformation strategies of its lottery customers.

Geographic Footprint

Pollard Banknote is headquartered in Canada, with significant operations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which serves as its primary manufacturing and administrative center. The company has a strong presence in North America, supplying instant tickets and digital services to numerous U.S. state lotteries and Canadian provincial lottery corporations, which together represent its largest revenue base.

Internationally, Pollard Banknote operates in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia-Pacific, supported by subsidiaries, joint ventures, and long-term supply agreements. Through its digital and consulting businesses, the company maintains an expanding global footprint, enabling it to influence lottery operations beyond its physical manufacturing locations.

Leadership & Governance

Pollard Banknote is led by a management team with extensive experience in secure printing, lottery operations, and regulated gaming markets. The company maintains a governance structure aligned with public company standards, with strategic oversight focused on sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and innovation in lottery products and services. Leadership emphasizes long-term partnerships with lottery operators and disciplined capital allocation.

Key executives include:

• Doug Pollard – Co-Chief Executive Officer
• John Pollard – Co-Chief Executive Officer
• Jennifer McLean – Chief Financial Officer
• Pat McHugh – Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
• Steve Schafer – President, Schafer Retail Solutions +

The Pollard family continues to play a significant leadership role, reinforcing continuity in corporate strategy while supporting the company’s transition toward digital and technology-driven lottery solutions.