The New Zealand Lotteries Commission, better known as Lotto NZ, is to utilise the Neccton mentor software, in a bid to give its online players “the ultimate in protection”.

Lauded as a “prized contract” by Neccton who won the contract via a public tender process, the company says that it had to prove its credentials and explain how it would best serve Lotto NZ players.

Subsequently, the Vienna, Austria-based data science and software company has been working with the Lotto NZ team to reinforce their responsible gambling ethos across the group’s online offering. 

The agreement will see Neccton integrate its player behaviour analysis tool, which alerts the operator and contacts players who display critical behaviour directly, with Lotto NZ. 

This will see the firm’s online players become guarded by an AI-based solution that analyses player behaviour in real-time to prevent problem gambling habits evolving. The software recognises possible problematic behaviour and works to help both player and operator to identify and address the issue.

For example, players are informed when their deposit frequency is increasing significantly, which aims to help customers make better-informed decisions about their play with individualised feedback.

Dr Michael Auer, director and head of development at Neccton, said of the partnership: “We are always very proud when well-established organisations use our tools to help their players. 

“Our reach is increasing internationally as our reputation grows, and operators of all kinds are recognising the value of our software, and the validity of our approach to player protection, which we believe is unique.”

Lotto NZ in provides instant win games, plus daily Keno, alongside their traditional lottery tickets, to registered players online. Neccton’s mentor is now monitoring the play patterns of those customers in a bid to ensure they gamble responsibly and do not develop harmful play habits.