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Long live the lottery: Future-proofing your business model

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5 years ago

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Ade Repcenko, CEO of Spinola Gaming discusses the new forms of technology available for the lottery sector and how it can help companies innovate their offering and create a future-proof business model in order to adapt to new market behaviour. He explores how technology can help lottery operators spend less yet increase their revenue, while driving more value towards good causes in the process.

Mobile first

Mobile penetration and stable internet access are at their peak, even across emerging markets, with almost 80 percent of the world’s adult population always having a smartphone within arms reach. This is not news for anyone, but while other industries have long adapted to this shift, the lottery sector has been somewhat stagnant in the digital and mobile transformation of their products. Operators across all markets, especially those in emerging markets such as Africa and LATAM where people are more likely to own a mobile than a computer or tablet, should be adopting a mobile-first approach as a necessity, not an option. People rely on their mobile for all kinds of purchases, now more than ever with the restrictions brought about by COVID-19. It therefore makes sense that players would want to access their favourite games, scratch cards and lottery draws on mobile.

Merging retail and online

Retail is not dead, but the belief that lottery player preferences will shift from retail to online is shared by many in the global lottery industry. The “Lotteries in Covid-19 Lockdown” webinar ran an interesting audience poll asking what changes the lottery industry predicts for post-Covid lottery player behaviour. Many European lottery executives and industry experts believe that some players would return to their normal retail/online preferences, while other players would choose to remain online, with retail lotteries becoming less relevant. As a new generation of lottery players emerges, lotteries need to adopt a hybrid approach which merges retail and online. Business models need to adapt in order to be able to give players what they want, whenever and wherever they want it.

Online ticket purchasing is set to play a very large part in the global lottery industry over the coming years. In fact, Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director Michael Sweeney, told the Lottery Commission that the online lottery market is the next big thing, and no longer the distant “future” of lotteries, but the present reality which companies need to adapt to in order to continue to reach their players long-term. He stressed that without an online element to lottery ticket sales, retail land-based lotteries such as the Massachusetts Lottery face “a significant threat of becoming somewhat obsolete”.

Rethinking retail

The time for change is now. Using large clunky lottery terminals that occupy very valuable retail counter space is no longer required. There is a whole range of modern lottery solutions that can be used to sell retail tickets of multiple lotteries via a retail POS application software that can be installed into already existing retail POS systems, without the need for traditional retail lottery hardware.

Lotteries can also be used for customer loyalty schemes and other retention or profit boosting incentives. Imagine going to your local grocery store, getting to the checkout, and there is an offer giving you a free lottery ticket with purchases over $100. Many customers will try to reach the $100 purchase mark therefore boosting shop profits and increasing lottery sales and exposure. The retail owner will purchase these lottery tickets as the cost is very low compared to potential overall retail earnings or giving away store credits.

Utilizing online retailers

Lotteries use retailers in the physical space to sell lottery tickets, and this same model can and should be applied to online retailers in the digital space. There is a plethora of online marketplaces, media and news websites, and other popular websites that can embed lottery widgets and iframes into their pages. It requires no integration and allows players to purchase official lottery tickets without leaving the website, earning online retailers a commission in the process. Adopting this system would give lottery operators more exposure, free advertising for their games, and also open up their entire product offering to a readily available global audience.

The power of online influencers

Social Media influencers can be a very powerful asset to leverage. In the same way that some influencers promote clothing brands and hotels, they could also generate exclusive content and promote online lottery games to their global network of followers. Influencers have an immense amount of power over the purchasing decisions of their audiences, based on their authority in the area and relationship with their audience. The unique content they generate, in exchange for earning a commission, can be used to promote lottery games and draws in order to encourage new users to buy a ticket.

The importance of engagement

Let’s face it, lotteries are NOT engaging. The reason why people play is to win the huge jackpots on offer. They dream of buying a new car, boat, house or of having enough money to live the dream.

Younger player demographics want more than just the prize, they want to be engaged, they want to feel like they have earned the prize whether it be through a challenge or journey. Traditional lotteries therefore need to look at new forms of games that can keep younger players engaged for longer periods of time. One way of doing this could be through creating e-sports inspired games with pooled jackpots. These would be short engaging games of 30-60 minutes, aimed at targeting the commuter market looking to kill time whilst at home or on their daily work commute. These games would take players on a journey where they collect points along the way, with each point getting players closer and closer to the opportunity to win lottery style jackpot cash prizes.

More frequent draws

Most national lotteries have draws once or twice per week. Players buy a ticket and wait a few days for the draw to take place. It is understandable that high-value games with multi-million jackpots cannot normally happen every day, but through new forms of jackpot insurance models and prize pooling, operators have the opportunity to create high value jackpot games as frequently as they want, even every hour! Most people, especially younger demographics, need instant gratification when it comes to gambling, they are not patient enough to wait a week for a draw to take place to know if they have won or not. Creating more frequent draws keeps players more engaged and gives them a reason to increase the frequency of their ticket purchase.

Branded lottery games

Creating games in partnership with major brands, films and events is something which the slot industry has accomplished quite successfully. There is a huge opportunity for lotteries to follow suit and partner up with globally recognized brands to create branded lotteries. The games would instantly amass the brand’s established base of fans and followers, with the brand’s reputation reflecting on the actual game produced.

These could be used as CSR based lottery initiatives for the brands to support and endorse good causes, or as PR stunts giving lucky fans the chance to win life changing jackpots or unique prizes like tickets to a film premier or a test drive in a supercar’s latest model. Player ticket purchase can be achieved on a global level through placement on product merchandise and promotional materials, or by using widgets and iframes embedded directly on the brand’s website which links the players directly to the games.

Looking forward

Going digital and embracing the technology available to the lottery sector can open up the door to many new opportunities and kick-start a new era of borderless global lotteries. This would give lotteries access to new player bases and revenue streams on a global level, something that is not currently attainable through the traditional retail model.

Companies like Spinola Gaming provide powerful digital solutions that allow lottery operators to achieve all of what is suggested above, to digitize their products, and create innovative new products to appeal to today’s changing audience. Their software allows operators to monitor all lottery ticket sales and track all online and offline purchases in real-time, complete with a myriad of marketing functions and analytics available at the touch of a button. It allows for full 360 player and reseller network management through one seamless interface. The system is available across all markets, currencies and languages and is fully customisable to suit each operators’ particular needs.

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N3on Joins Iggy Azalea as Partner and Co-Owner of MOTHERLAND Casino

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September 17, 2025

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Globally recognized streaming star N3on has officially partnered with Grammy-nominated artist and entrepreneur Iggy Azalea as co-owner of MOTHERLAND, the online casino and gaming platform pushing the boundaries of entertainment, gaming, and crypto culture.

Since launching, MOTHERLAND has distinguished itself as the sexiest and most entertainment-rich casino on the Internet, blending gambling, livestreaming, celebrity appearances, and community into a one-of-a-kind destination. N3on’s entry as a co-owner and partner signals a bold step forward in expanding the platform’s reach into the global gaming and streaming community.

MOTHERLAND, developed in collaboration with Kasino Labs and backed by crypto powerhouse Karatage, has become a leader in the new wave of digital entertainment. Players can enjoy slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, live dealer games featuring Playboy bunnies (official partners), influencer livestreams, sports betting, and an ever-growing pipeline of unique games and experiences.

With a massive global following built through streaming and content creation, N3on brings cultural relevance and direct engagement with the next generation of gamers, strengthening MOTHERLAND’s position as the ultimate fusion of crypto, casino, and entertainment.

“Joining Iggy as a co-owner of MOTHERLAND is more than just a business move, it’s about shaping the future of gaming culture. I’ve always believed the worlds of streaming, crypto, and entertainment were destined to collide, and MOTHERLAND is proof of that. Together, we’re building a casino that’s not only fun, but one that actually reflects the community and energy of the culture we live in,” said N3on, Partner and Co-Owner of MOTHERLAND.

Iggy Azalea added: “N3on’s partnership marks an incredible next chapter for MOTHERLAND. His influence and connection to the gaming community perfectly complement the bold, entertainment-first vision that has fueled this brand since day one.”

The post N3on Joins Iggy Azalea as Partner and Co-Owner of MOTHERLAND Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Bragg Gaming Group

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September 17, 2025

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SCCG Management, a leading advisory firm in the global gaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Bragg Gaming Group, a worldwide leader in iGaming technology and content solutions.

Through this partnership, SCCG will leverage its extensive global network to introduce operators to Bragg’s award-winning Player Account Management (PAM) platform. Bragg’s PAM delivers a fully managed, end-to-end solution that empowers online casino, sportsbook, and lottery operators with seamless integration, robust compliance support, automated KYC and fraud prevention tools, personalized CRM campaigns, and data-driven player engagement features.

With Bragg’s PAM, operators can manage their entire product suite across casino, sports, and lottery verticals through a single account and single wallet—driving stronger retention, higher lifetime value, and scalable growth across regulated markets.

SCCG is uniquely positioned to support the distribution of Bragg’s technology through its global client partner ecosystem, which spans over 130 partners worldwide. With deep relationships across operators, suppliers, and regulators, SCCG will ensure Bragg’s solutions are presented to the right partners in the right markets, accelerating adoption and maximizing impact.

In addition, SCCG will leverage its decades of experience in tribal gaming, where the company has built trusted relationships with tribal operators across North America. Through its Tribal Roadshow and ongoing collaborations, SCCG has consistently introduced innovative technologies that enhance tribal operations. By aligning Bragg’s leading PAM with these relationships, SCCG will provide tribal operators with advanced tools to streamline operations, strengthen compliance, and expand player engagement across both retail and online environments.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Bragg, whose PAM platform represents one of the most advanced and trusted solutions in the iGaming industry. At SCCG, we pride ourselves on connecting operators with technologies that drive sustainable growth and compliance across global markets. Bragg’s innovative platform and proven track record make them an ideal partner for operators seeking both efficiency and differentiation in highly competitive environments.”

Matevz Mazij, CEO, Bragg Gaming Group, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with SCCG Management, a respected leader in the global gaming industry. This strategic partnership is a pivotal step for Bragg Gaming Group, aligning two companies dedicated to shaping the future of online gaming.

“SCCG’s unparalleled global network provides the perfect channel to introduce operators to our award-winning Player Account Management (PAM) platform and expand our footprint with operators worldwide.

“This collaboration will enable us to deliver our scalable, responsible, and player-focused solutions to more partners, accelerating the distribution of our technology and strengthening our position as a global leader in iGaming technology.”

The post SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Bragg Gaming Group appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Iconic Online Games Set for Land-Based Debut Through Collaboration of Gaming Arts and Evolution

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September 17, 2025

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Gaming Arts, LLC and Evolution, through its dedicated land-based slot games partner Bluhare Studios, announced a landmark collaboration to adapt a select group of Evolution’s most celebrated online slot titles for the land-based Class III gaming market. This partnership combines proven game mechanics, strong brand recognition, innovative features, and Gaming Arts’ suite of high-performance MOD EX cabinets to deliver products designed to meet the expectations of today’s land-based casino players.

The first wave of releases is scheduled for Q4 2025 in North America and will be available across Gaming Arts’ latest cabinet line-up: the MOD EX J55, MOD EX 227, and MOD EX 337. Four titles will lead the launch, each carrying a strong legacy in online gaming along with exciting new enhancements for the casino floor.

Divine Fortune has been a global standout since its debut, ranking as the number one title for Evolution in the United States. Performing well in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and in all states it can be found online. It’s no surprise it has inspired successful online sequels such as Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. Now, this player favorite will make its long-awaited land-based debut. Developed in collaboration with Gaming Arts, Divine Fortune Ascensionbuilds on the success of the original with a fresh twist, introducing an all-new three-pot perceived persistence feature designed to heighten engagement.

Starburst, released in 2012, is one of the most recognizable slot titles in online gaming history and Evolution’s top performer globally. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, it has remained a staple for over a decade, inspiring sequels such as Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy. Starburst Supernovareimagines this classic with a multiplayer-enabled format, launching as part of a two-game multi-pack. Both titles will feature a new perceived persistent bonus mechanic that culminates in a hold-and-spin feature, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already proven brand.

This collaboration also creates new opportunities for integrated marketing campaigns across both online and land-based platforms, reinforcing brand engagement and building stronger connections with players.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Evolution team, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gambling markets.  This partnership allows us to work with two of Evolution’s most celebrated titles and bring them to a brand new player base”, said Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer, Gaming Arts.

“Bringing these iconic titles to land-based casinos represents a major step forward for Gaming Arts,” said Rob Ziems, CEO of Gaming Arts. “This collaboration goes beyond simply combining Evolution’s exceptional game brands with our latest MOD EX hardware. We are working closely with Evolution to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play while also innovating and modernizing them to create fresh, engaging experiences that will truly resonate with today’s casino players.”

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, said: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction; from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift. This collaboration allows us to bring our world-class IP to the incredibly talented team at Gaming Arts, and watching them work their land-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”

The post Iconic Online Games Set for Land-Based Debut Through Collaboration of Gaming Arts and Evolution appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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