The 13 U.S. lotteries that offer the Lotto America game will switch to a digital draw system (DDS) from April 17, 2023, replacing the current numbered balls and mechanical drawing machines. Lotto America’s winning numbers will also be drawn earlier, around 9:15 p.m. CT, and up to 45 minutes earlier than they do currently. The DDS will be used to conduct Lotto America drawings using the Origin Digital Draw System from Smartplay International. DDS machines are not connected to any network or system and are physically secured in a double-locked cabinet when not in use. The DDS has been certified by an independent gaming testing laboratory, ensuring randomness and security.
- The Minnesota Lottery has launched a new scratch-off game called “Buck, Buck, Moose,” where players can win up to $15,000 instantly. The game features images of moose and other wildlife and is available at over 3,000 lottery retailers in Minnesota. Players can also enter for a second chance to win a Buck, Buck, Moose T-shirt and $1,000 cash. The Minnesota Lottery aims to raise money for the state’s environmental and natural resources programs through its various games and offerings. Some of the lottery dollars go towards funding research to support the moose population in Minnesota.
- Hungary’s gaming regulator, the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH), has issued a decree outlining new technical measures in response to recent amendments to the country’s Gambling Act. The legislation, which came into effect on 1 January 2023, aims to end Hungary’s sports-betting state monopoly system and replace it with a competitive licensing process overseen by the SZTFH. The new measures mandate that operators seeking authorization from the SZTFH must have at least five years’ experience in offering licensed online gaming within the European Economic Area. So far, the SZTFH has only approved a license for state-owned Szerencsejáték Zrt, which operates via the Tippmixpro.hu online portal.
- IGT has extended its contract as the primary technology supplier for the Rhode Island Lottery for three more years. IGT will continue to provide Rhode Island Lottery with its PlaySports platform and lottery solutions including iLottery, instant ticket and video lottery solutions. The deal extends the current contract until 2026. IGT powers state-wide mobile sports betting via the Sportsbook Rhode Island app and sportsbook locations at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel, along with its commercial partner William Hill US.
- Intralot has signed a three-year deal to provide its Orion sports betting platform and managed services to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in Canada. The partnership will see Intralot offering sports and lottery products via Photon X retail terminals and GameStation self-service terminals in more than 700 self-service and 3,400 clerk operated terminals across the province. Intralot’s Bring Your Own Device solution, which allows players to prepare digital betslips and generate QR codes for scanning at retail or self-service terminals, will also be available. The retail sports offering is set to go live later this year.