Texas Lottery Executive Director resigns
The resignation of Texas Lottery Executive Director Ryan Mindel comes after questions about the legitimacy of the Texas Lottery earlier this year.
Fox-7 Austin
Oklahoman is fighting for winning the lottery jackpot, and may soon no longer have to drive to the nearest gas station.
The Oklahoma Lottery Committee confirmed that it has submitted a request to USA Today to create a digital platform for players. The committee said the decision was aimed at enhancing player engagement, improving services and protecting both efficiency and data security.
“This is a step in transforming the Oklahoma Lottery,” Abby Morgan, director of marketing and product development for the committee, said in a statement. “We’re focused on creating best-in-class digital experiences that benefit today’s players while preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow.”
Morgan added, “Investment is almost a multiple product — it’s about modernizing the way we connect with players and operate as a business.”
The committee said the initiative will allow future development of the Ilottery platform, but emphasized that it is not the main focus. The committee added that the launch of the “Ilottery Business Model” requires legislative approval.
In the short term, vendors will be responsible for improving the Oklahoma Lottery loyalty program, including how players can check tickets and scradders.
According to Lottery USA, there are currently 16 states with official digital lottery services.
The Oklahoma Digital Lottery raises concerns
Oklahoma’s responsible gambling advocates told KFOR they wanted to develop the app with the gambler in question in mind.
The Oklahoma Issues Gambling and Gaming Association reports that 6.3% of Oklahomans meet the criteria for gambling disorders, and 23.5% of Oklahomans are at risk of problematic gambling.
“These are huge numbers. And it’s one of the highest prevalences in the United States. They’re in Oklahoma,” Wiley Harwell, executive director of the association, told KFO.
Harwell also told the TV station he hopes to see features that will help gambling addiction, such as ads for the state’s responsible gambling hotline and “positive mobile health tools to reduce gambling harm.”
“We want to reach out to people to recognize that this is potentially addictive and that you know, play safely,” Harwell said.
Contributor: Anthony Robredo