The Michigan Lottery is upgrading its technology stack as the state lottery, like many others across the US, embraces online operations.
More and more states are launching iLottery products in the US, or further expanding existing ones and developing the technology that underpins their web platforms.
To support its own iLottery ambitions, the Michigan Lottery has struck a deal with Australian firm Aristocrat Interactive, which took its online solution live on 17 July.
The lottery will leverage Aristocrat’s end-to-end iLottery ecosystem as well as a suite of solutions from its NeoGames subsidiary, including instant draw games.
Additional systems leveraged include the NeoSphere player account management (PAM) platform, NeoDraw draw games solution, NeoCrube business intelligence solution, and NeoEngeage customer and data experience solution.
“The successful launch of our full iLottery solution in Michigan marks a significant milestone in our 12-year relationship with one of the most successful lotteries in the US,” said Chris Shaban, Managing Director of Aristocrat Interactive iLottery.
“By deploying our latest technology and managed services, we are providing the Michigan Lottery with the tools to further their position as a trailblazer in iLottery.
“Our focus remains on delivering a seamless experience for players that prioritizes responsible gaming and drives the incremental revenue to support public education across the state of Michigan.”
Online lottery operations have been gradually making their way across the US.
Lotteries in the US are traditionally retail, and many have been slow to embrace online sales in the same way many European state lottery companies have.
This can be partly attributed to legislation, with some states having seen political sparring over the topic of online lottery launches as congresspeople on one side saw the potential for greater returns to state good causes while others raised concerns about problem gambling.
Bills to launch online lottery sales in Colorado and Indiana saw resistance from policymakers sitting in the latter camp, for example.