The Arizona Lottery has introduced Lucky Lounge, an online platform featuring four digital games. Participants can use tokens to play and earn more tokens for sweepstakes, offering chances to win cash prizes. Lucky Lounge includes bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly drawings of up to $10,000. Accessible through the Arizona Lottery Players Club app or online, players can purchase tokens or earn them through daily logins and point exchanges.
Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation to legalize sports betting in North Carolina, allowing residents to bet on various sports starting next year. The law permits sportsbooks at eight authorized venues, including the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, as well as online platforms. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission launched a dedicated webpage providing information about the new law and its regulations. The commission is actively seeking an experienced leader to oversee the implementation and management of sports betting and horse race wagering programs. The anticipated launch of legal sports wagering is set for on or before June 14, 2024. The new law includes measures to support responsible betting and allocates tax revenues to fund problem gambling initiatives, youth sports, college athletics, and more.
Michigan Lottery Seeks Bids for Internet Sales Platform, Dominates U.S. Online Sales, $27B Contributions to Education Fund
ORLA held a meeting with retailers to discuss proposed video lottery rule changes by the Oregon Lottery. The Lottery faces inventory shortages and budget constraints due to outdated equipment management strategies, leading to a halt in application processing in 2021. Rule changes are now proposed, including removing machines from low-performing retailers. ORLA submitted testimony and urged retailers to comment on the proposed rules. Updates will follow.
Finland is transitioning from a monopoly system with Veikkaus to a multi-license gambling regime. The change aims to increase channelization, prevent financial losses to offshore sites, and address gambling problems effectively. The new system will cover online casino and sports betting, emphasizing player protections and responsible marketing. Analysts project a potential revenue decline of 5% and a 3% cost increase for Veikkaus, with a significant impact on dotcom operators. Minimum requirements for new licensees, such as loss limits and player communication, are being proposed.
Arkansas Legislative Panel Approves $20.1 Million Advertising Contract for Arkansas Scholarship Lottery with CJRW. The proposed three-year contract includes up to two one-year extensions, totaling $13.5 million. Lottery Director Eric Hagler stated that the annual spending with CJRW would be around $6.7 million. Other firms submitted proposals, but CJRW had the highest technical score and the lowest cost. The lottery’s advertising and marketing budget is expected to be $6.5 million in fiscal year 2024.
The CT Lottery has until fall to announce its new sportsbook partner after Rush Street Interactive (RSI) pulled out of its 10-year commitment. RSI’s departure was motivated by financial considerations, redirecting their capital and resources. The CT Lottery reported that RSI’s online sportsbook accounted for only a small portion of handle and revenue since its launch. Four bidders who previously lost out will now have a chance to secure the partnership, although they cannot use the name of a retail casino in their brand. The new operator will join DraftKings and FanDuel in Connecticut’s competitive sports betting market for the next eight years.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives has given the green light to an online casino bill, with a 57-11 vote in favor. If signed by Governor Daniel McKee, the measure will become law, and the online casino marketplace could launch as early as March 1, 2024. The bill outlines a single site to serve the state’s residents, backed by Bally’s Corporation and International Game Technology (IGT). The operator and branding details for the site are yet to be determined. Tax rates on operators have been increased through bill substitutions, requiring revenue projections to be recalculated.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott has signed legislation to legalize online sports betting in the state. The new law allows for online wagering on professional and collegiate sports, except for Vermont-based universities’ regular-season games. The state aims to capture revenue that would otherwise go to neighboring states or illegal operators. Online sports betting platforms will be limited to six, subject to a $550K annual fee and a 20% tax on gross sports betting revenue. The launch is expected in January 2024, pending regulatory implementation by the Vermont Liquor and Lottery Department.
Jason Kurland, known as the “Lottery Lawyer,” has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for wire fraud and other charges. Kurland, a partner at Rivkin Radler law firm, defrauded clients who had won billions in lottery winnings, stealing over $100 million. His co-defendant, Christopher Chierchio, received a five-year prison sentence. Both were ordered to pay significant forfeitures and restitution.
The Arizona Lottery sponsored a Pride Parade in Flagstaff on June 17th.