The Oklahoma Lottery has been one of the fastest growing lotteries in the United States. It has expanded its product pool, increased its price points, expanded its retailer base and even introduced new payment options for players. Now, the lottery may be able to start selling “iLottery” in the near future. But it’s not the “iLottery” the industry is accustomed too.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and two Oklahoma tribal nations have signed new gaming compacts. The Gaming Compacts specifically mention “iLottery,” claiming the new compacts will not prevent the lottery from selling “iLottery.” However, the definition of iLottery in the compact is not as broad as Michigan and Pennsylvania. The key phrase is : “elements of consideration, chance and prize require persons playing iLottery to electronically load games at the physical location of an authorized lottery retailer, and not remotely.”
However, this new product line, although not traditional iLottery, could still be an interesting product that could attract new retailers and players. New types, like bars and restaurants, could be interested in this product. Virginia Lottery sold MobilePlay, a similar “tethered” digital lottery product.
Oklahoma has 130+ casinos operated by 30+ tribes in Oklahoma. As only two tribes have signed the compact so far, the issue is far from settled. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan responds with this announcement below:
“We respect the sovereignty of each Tribe to take what actions it believes it must on behalf of its citizens.”
“All the same, Governor Stitt does not have the authority to do what he claims to have done today. Without the engagement of the Oklahoma Legislature, he has entered agreements based on a claim of unilateral State authority to legalize sportsbook, to revamp the Oklahoma Lottery, and to authorize new gaming facilities in Norman and Stillwater, among other places. That’s simply not the law.”