Aristocrat & Portugal's Lottery: A Deal Fueling Growth and Good Causes

LONDON, UK – May 07, 2026 – Aristocrat Interactive has solidified its long-standing relationship with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML), Portugal's national lottery, by signing a new three-year agreement. The deal extends a successful 13-year partnership and ensures that Portuguese players will continue to have access to the full suite of eInstant games from Aristocrat's acclaimed NeoGames Studio.

This renewal is more than a simple contract extension; it represents a strategic continuation of a collaboration that has been instrumental in shaping SCML's digital lottery offerings. Under the terms of the new agreement, NeoGames Studio will not only provide its extensive library of popular digital instant-win games but also maintain a robust pipeline of innovation, developing new and entertaining titles specifically tailored for the Portuguese market. The move underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the player experience and driving digital growth for one of Europe's oldest and most socially significant lottery organizations.

An Alliance Forged in Digital Transformation

The partnership between the two organizations has been a cornerstone of SCML's evolution in the digital age. For over a decade, NeoGames' content has helped the Portuguese lottery transition its offerings online, capturing a new generation of players and expanding its reach. The success of this collaboration is reflected in the enthusiastic statements from both parties.

"This new agreement underscores the continued success of our long-standing work with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa," said Chris Shaban, Managing Director of Aristocrat Interactive iLottery. "Together, we will continue to deliver high-performing content that resonates with players, driving long-term value for SCML's continued digital growth."

This sentiment is echoed by SCML, which credits the quality of the game content as a primary driver of its digital success. Dr. Ricardo Lavos, General Manager of the Games Department of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, highlighted the player perspective. "Our extension with Aristocrat Interactive reflects the strong appreciation Portuguese players have for NeoGames Studio high quality eInstant content," he stated. "The titles we have at our disposal have been a key driver of our digital offering, and we have full confidence in Aristocrat Interactive's ability to continue delivering modern, responsible, and engaging experiences that meet our players' expectations."

A Cornerstone of Aristocrat's European Strategy

For Aristocrat Interactive, the renewal with SCML is a significant validation of its European market strategy, which was supercharged by the landmark acquisition of NeoGames in April 2024 for approximately US$1.0 billion. This acquisition was a clear signal of intent, positioning Aristocrat to become a global leader in the online Real Money Gaming (RMG) sector. The company has set an ambitious target to generate at least US$1 billion in revenue from its interactive division by fiscal year 2029.

The performance of the NeoGames business has been critical to this strategy. In the first half of fiscal year 2025, Aristocrat Interactive's revenue surged by 141%, a result largely attributed to the integration of NeoGames' iLottery and iGaming operations. The partnership with SCML is a key piece of this puzzle, representing one of 18 European lotteries that Aristocrat Interactive now supports with NeoGames Studio content. This expanding footprint, which includes a recent launch with Hungary's national lottery, solidifies the company's position as a go-to technology partner for state-run gaming entities across the continent.

The company's deep integration within the European lottery ecosystem is further evidenced by its status as a Level 2 partner of The European Lotteries and Toto Association (EL), granting it a platform to share expertise and help member lotteries optimize their operations and, by extension, their contributions to public funds.

Beyond the Jackpot: Funding a Nation's 'Good Causes'

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this partnership is where the revenue ultimately flows. Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa is not a typical commercial entity. Founded in 1498, it is a centuries-old institution with a public utility mission deeply embedded in Portugal's social fabric. The proceeds from its lottery games, including the popular eInstants provided by Aristocrat, are not retained as profit but are instead channeled directly into a vast array of 'Good Causes'.

This funding supports a comprehensive social welfare network across Portugal. SCML's interventions include managing nursing homes and home care for the elderly, providing educational and protective services for children and young people, and offering socioeconomic support for families in need. The organization is a crucial lifeline for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, people with disabilities, and victims of domestic abuse. Its health services address both physical and mental well-being for communities throughout the country.

In a modern twist on its historical mission, SCML also fosters social innovation through its 'Casa do Impacto' (House of Impact). This hub incubates and accelerates startups and social enterprises dedicated to solving societal and environmental challenges, aligning its work with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. By ensuring SCML's digital lottery offerings remain engaging and competitive, the partnership with Aristocrat Interactive indirectly helps fuel this entire engine of social good, turning gameplay into tangible community support.

A Competitive Choice in a Regulated Landscape

While SCML holds a state-sanctioned monopoly on the national lottery, its decision to extend the partnership with Aristocrat Interactive was not made in a vacuum. The Portuguese iGaming market, regulated by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), is highly competitive. SCML itself diversifies its portfolio by working with multiple top-tier content suppliers, including other major international providers like Scientific Games for its instant lottery products.

This context makes the 13-year-long relationship and its recent three-year extension all the more significant. It demonstrates a strategic choice by SCML to continue with a proven partner whose content consistently performs and resonates with its player base. In a market where numerous global iGaming giants operate, from Betano to PokerStars, the ability of NeoGames' eInstant content to stand out and drive results for the national lottery speaks to its quality and tailored appeal. The continued collaboration ensures that as the digital landscape evolves, Portugal's national lottery remains well-equipped to compete for player engagement while fulfilling its foundational mission of serving the public good.