The lottery isn’t what it used to be. You don’t need to stand in line, fill in a bet slip or carry a paper ticket anymore – now, you can play the game from your smartphone, whether that’s a lotto game or a scratchcard – wherever you are. That’s basically what iLottery is: the traditional lottery so many love but evolved to fit modern life.
And the numbers? They’re huge. Lotteries bring in about $130 billion GGR worldwide every year, and digital platforms are grabbing a bigger slice of that all the time. A lot of it comes down to convenience – faster access, better tech, and players looking for something that fits into their day. The thing is, most national lotteries still operate under a monopoly – no competition at all. That means fewer players’ choices and less incentive (or need) for the lotteries to shake things up. Unfortunately, but at Evoplay, we’ve seen how this system works. And more importantly, we know how to move past it.
What are the main lottery products?
Lotteries offer a diverse array of products, primarily categorised into two main types:
- Draw-Based Games (DBG) include popular formats like Lotto, such as 6/49 or 6/36, and multi-jurisdictional games like EuroMillions or Powerball, where players must wait for scheduled draws to determine their winnings.
- Instant Win Games (IWG), commonly known as scratchcards, provide immediate results on paper tickets.
Both come in paper and digital formats. Traditional scratchcards still use the familiar latex panels, but now you can also play them straight from your phone. Going digital just made it easier – you don’t have to go anywhere to play, and there’s a whole variety right at your fingertips.
The position of lotteries in the iGaming market
Lotteries hold a unique place in the iGaming space. Most of the time, they stick to draw-based or instant-win games, but there are exceptions. Some operators offer sports betting and even casino games. Sure, the payouts tend to be smaller. Return-to-player rates usually fall between 50% and 65% for draw games and 45% to 80% for instant ones, making it hard to compete with the flashier online casinos or sportsbooks. But lotteries have something those others don’t: trust.
A lot of people don’t see lotteries as just another form of gambling, especially when the money goes to something good. There’s something about that mix of doing a little good and maybe, just maybe, changing your life. It’s less about the odds and more about the feeling that anything could happen.
Doing business as a technology or game provider
Business in the lottery sector is often put in the same category as general gambling. And it is a critical mistake. Secondary lotteries or ‘betting on lotteries’ are considered separately. In many cases, the laws that regulate them are different and managed by various authorities within the state. Lotteries consider themselves servants of the state, the most ethical, operating under strict rules to ensure that players stay within safe limits.
A retail-focused approach generally characterises this area, although this is gradually shifting towards digital platforms. Lotteries are often managed by existing or former state entities, with political appointees frequently holding leadership positions. However, they typically operate under a monopoly status, contributing to their slow pace of change and risk-averse nature. Additionally, they often rely on mutual support and recommendations for suppliers and products.
How is Evoplay changing the iLottery future?
Evoplay is transforming the future of the iLottery industry by combining traditional gaming with modern innovations, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding its diverse game library. Our vision is to merge classic gaming elements with contemporary technology. We put a lot into how our games look, sound and feel – smooth animations, clear design, and interfaces that make sense.
In September 2024, we took a big step and joined the U.S. lottery scene by partnering with EQL Games. They’ve got a solid reputation in the space, and by teaming up with their iLottery Aggregator platform, we’re bringing our style of digital lottery games to a whole new audience.
We’ve been growing our game lineup, adding more bingo and iLottery titles along the way. Our lottery games don’t just follow a template – each one has its own vibe:
- Old West – an instant scratch game puts players in a dusty frontier town, where the sheriff keeps an eye on every cowboy hoping to strike gold.
- Book of Keno – a mystical instant game quest that takes things in a more mysterious direction – players pick their numbers, open the ancient book, and see if the Pharaohs are feeling generous.
- Adrenaline Rush: Scratch – a faster-paced lottery action. The more expensive a symbol is, the bigger your prize.
What makes our approach so special as a gaming provider? There are several reasons why our products always stand out:
- High-quality graphics and design, with exciting audio similar to that found in non-gambling online games, satisfying players’ expectations.
- An innovative 3D gaming style (as used in Adrenaline Rush) gives players a choice of how the game is played without affecting the outcome.
- A promotions platform, allowing (among other features) for leaderboards and quests that can include rewards for engaging with responsible gaming messages.
- Brandable games that allow lotteries to sell sponsorship space or include safe gaming messages.
- Games customisation to suit any given lottery in terms of volatility or RTP.
- Games with an RNG or depleting pool win determination. An in-house depleting pool allows for customisation.
- Online training and access to back-office features and functions, allowing full control.
We’re always asking ourselves, “Can we make this more fun? More engaging?” And every time, the answer is yes. So we keep building. Keep trying new things. If you’re curious about what’s coming next, just keep an eye on us.
