Land based operators step up iLottery opposition

Pennsylvania
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A strong opening month from Pennsylvania’s controversial iLottery platform has been met with an increase in opposition of land based operators who continue to refute the legality of its implementation.

Having previously voiced opposition against state-supported online lottery gaming before launch, Pennsylvania’s 13 licensed casino operators have upped their campaign following a strong first month of the service.

A letter signed off by all of the key land based operators in the state has claimed the implementation of the iLottery product is patently illegal.

“In virtually every way imaginable, Lottery’s iLottery program mimics a casino operation offering simulated casino-style games in direct contravention of (the law’s) express prohibition on Lottery offering interactive lottery games which simulate casino-style games,” the joint letter read.

“Moreover, Lottery has been heavily marketing its casino-style games, free play and rewards program through direct mail, email, and television advertising.

“Overall, the games essentially have the same backbone as a slot machine; an outcome that is deter- mined by a random number generator with animated graphics and computer operations used to provide a visual depiction of that outcome.”

Since debuting on 4 June Pennsylvania’s iLottery range of games has generated $21.6m of sales and amassing 45,000 unique player sign ups. Such seems to prove the appetite for online gaming in the keystone state, something that has been a total non-starter in the commercial sphere as of yet.


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