OLC has issued a Request for Proposal, seeking vendors to provide digital services that will enhance the lottery’s loyalty program, improve ticket verification, and enhance the app. Per the Request for Proposal, the specific upgrades include:

• Website and mobile app services
• Loyalty Platform: Players Club
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform
• A foundation that allows the OLC to launch an iLottery business model if granted legislative authority in the future
• Personnel Support
• Added Value

OLC’s requirements for vendors include being able to integrate the new apps with the commission’s existing system and meet strict security and data standards.

The vendor must also “ have an active U.S. iLottery business model capable of launching within 6–12 months of OLC authorization.”

While OTC has not confirmed that it intends to launch iLottery, it’s looking to position itself to be ready in case lawmakers pass a bill to authorize it.

Legislative Changes Needed for an Oklahoma iLottery

As online casino expansion in the US has stalled in recent years, some states are turning to online lotteries for an additional source of tax revenue.

For some, implementation is relatively easy. They need a regulatory change, such as an amendment to the state’s lottery commission rules. Examples of US jurisdictions taking that path include North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and most recently, Kansas.

However, for others, including Oklahoma, the process requires legislative approval. That means unless the state Legislature passes a new law or amends existing statutes, the OLC does not have the authority to offer iLottery.

That will not happen this year as the legislative session ended on May 30. The session did see one proposal, Senate Bill 164, which would have defined “online gaming” and directly authorized the purchase of lottery tickets through a computer or an app.

While the bill narrowly passed through the initial committee, it faced opposition. Some lawmakers feared it would violate exclusivity provisions of the gaming compacts with native American tribes.

At that time, lawmakers were placing a higher focus on two bills that would exclusively allow tribal sports betting. Both bills passed in the House, but ran out of time in the Senate.

OK Could Join a Growing List of States With iLottery

If online lottery eventually does come to Oklahoma, the state will join over a dozen others with some sort of online lottery purchases:

• Connecticut (draw only)
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Maine(draw only)
• Maryland (draw only)
• Michigan
• Kansas
• New Hampshire
• New York* (draw only)
• North Carolina
• North Dakota (draw only)
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island (eInstants only)
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia

*by subscription only

Kansas was the latest state to launch online lottery sales in February. Massachusetts expects to join the list in 2026 after it pushed its original forecast from this fall.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Lottery Commission approved online sales last year, but it’s facing opposition from lawmakers.

Lottery Couriers Have Filled the iLottery Gap in Many States

Online lottery ticket purchases are available in over a dozen states, and the list is growing. Additionally, in many states without state-run online options, lottery players can purchase tickets online through licensed lottery couriers.

These couriers, including Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, Lotto.com, and theLotter, act as a middleman. The user places a lottery ticket order through their app, and the courier purchases the ticket on their behalf, sending them a confirmation.

If the ticket is a winner, the courier will automatically pay prizes of $600 or less directly through the app. For larger prizes, the courier arranges the delivery of the physical ticket. The user must then claim the prize in person.

While licensed, lottery couriers are usually unregulated, except in New Jersey and New York. As a result, Jackpocket has recently found itself at the center of a scandal in Texas that could lead to the abolishment of the Texas Lottery Commission.

Meanwhile, in Connecticut, a bill that bans lottery couriers and sweepstakes casinos awaits Governor Ned Lamont’s signature to become a law.

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Wilna van Wyk

The Oklahoma Appropriations and Budget Select Agencies Subcommittee has passed two bills that seek to legalize sports betting. 

Representative Ken Luttrell submitted HB 1047 and HB 1011, which passed through the subcommittee by 5-0 votes. 

Understanding HB 1047 and HB 1101

HB 1047 and HB 1101 are similar in many ways, with the latter serving as an insurance policy that could see sports betting legalization voted on by Oklahoma residents should HB 1047 hit stumbling blocks in either the House or Senate. 

Under Luttrell’s proposed sports betting rules, the state’s tribal gaming compact would be expanded to allow legalized sports betting. 

House Bill 1047 mirrors HB1101 in many respects but does not require a voter referendum. It directly amends state law to allow sports betting under the state’s existing tribal gaming compact structure.

Tribal Gaming Compacts and Exclusive Rights

The bills offer exclusivity to tribal operators, meaning private sportsbooks or commercial properties cannot offer sports betting. The bill also explicitly states that the amendments relate solely to sports betting and no other form of gaming.

Should the legislation pass, tribes will not be required to offer sports wagering. Instead, a tribe can opt in and sign a supplement to its existing gaming compact. Once the compact supplement is signed, it must be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior and published in the Federal Register before wagering can commence. 

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission is responsible for regulating non-tribal gaming, but tribal sportsbooks would operate under their own internal regulatory frameworks regarding sports betting. 

If legalized, tribes would pay the state 10% of their monthly adjusted gross revenue from sports betting. The bill defines the taxable revenue paid by tribes as wagers placed minus prizes paid out and federal taxes. There is no mention of bonuses being tax deductible or any further nuance.

Of the revenue provided to the state, $25,000 per month will be allocated to gambling addiction treatment and education through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. 

88 percent of the state’s tax revenue from sports betting will go to the Education Reform Revolving Fund and 12% to the General Revenue Fund. 

If signed into law, sports betting will officially be legal for tribal operators on 1 November 2025. 

HB 1101 outlines the same, but it would require a public vote to advance proposals.

Governor Kevin Stitt is known to be against tribal exclusivity, which could be an immovable barrier to legalization. 

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman, Matthew L Morgan, said in a statement: “Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved. Tribal Nations have always been willing to sit down and talk, in a respectful manner, about what is best for Oklahoma. That has not changed.”

Written By

Wilna van Wyk

Wilna van Wyk is an online casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience working with some of the world’s biggest gambling affiliates, including Thunderstruck Media and OneTwenty Group. She specializes in gambling sites and games and provides expert knowledge on the online casino industry’s essential fundamentals.

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Anaxi’s Mobile on-Premise solution will allow casino players on tribal property to connect to Aristocrat’s Class-II gaming content via their mobile devices.

Building upon an existing partnership between the Chickasaw Nation and Aristocrat, WinStar players will now gain access to three titles via the solution – Mr Money Bags, Polar High Roller and Hot Red Ruby.

“Our commitment to both guest and operator experience is at the heart of everything we do,” commented Josh Morris, SVP of iGaming Product & Technology – Anaxi.

“Groundbreaking partnerships of this kind are the driving force in continuing to move our industry forward, and we’re eager to see our Mobile on-Premise solution now live, helping elevate the gaming experience offered by tribal gaming operators.

“We also thank our integration partners that have been part of this journey, helping to deliver this innovation solution.” 

Anaxi further highlighted that additional titles will be added to the partnership for WinStar players to enjoy over time.

Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce, Dan Boren, added: “We are constantly looking to improve the player experience across our properties.

“The approval last year by the National Indian Gaming Commission for alternate technical standards for the Chickasaw Nation Office of the Gaming Commissioners applicable to Class II mobile gaming provides us with the flexibility to take advantage of modern technology.

“There’s no denying that the mobile gaming trend is here to stay, so we’re thrilled to launch this first-ever mobile offering with our WinStar guests and look forward to expanding upon this partnership with Anaxi in the future.”

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Scheduled to open in late 2023, with its groundbreaking set of June 14, the new casino is being built near Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park. 

“We are excited to get started on bringing to life what promises to be an amazing entertainment destination for Oklahomans and our friends and neighbours in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana,” said Janie Dillard, Senior Executive Officer for Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 

“In addition to the gaming, hotel and entertainment amenities, we plan to offer our guests an opportunity to learn more about our history, our culture and what it means to be Choctaw.”

Naming the property Choctaw Landing is said to signify a place that “feels like home” to guests, according to the Oklahoma tribe. Moreover, they state it will “serve as an overlook” of the surrounding area and as “a guide” into the history of the Choctaw people. 

Hochatown is the site of a historical Choctaw Village and many still live in the area. The design of the mercantile and the resort is also said to reflect the tribe’s culture and the property will include historical information about the tribe and feature Choctaw art created by tribal members.

Costing $165m to construct, the property will be four-stories and be 200,000 square-foot of land and will include 100 hotel rooms, 600 slot machines, and eight table games, along with other amenities.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma also stated that the construction of the multi-use property will create more than 2,000 new jobs and is said to have an economic impact of more than  $211m. 

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Located in southeastern Oklahoma just a little over an hour’s drive from North Texas, the newly expanded Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is one of the largest in the US.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has played a role in delivering such a magnificent, top-tier entertainment destination for our region that not only elevates the experience for our guests, but elevates the lives of tribal members, individuals and families living across the state,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma chief, Gary Batton. 

“This expansion means 1,000 new jobs, funding for much-needed services for tribal members, millions in economic growth for Oklahoma, and additional dollars our tribal government invests in education and infrastructure improvements for all Oklahomans.”

With a goal to “elevate the overall guest experience” in order to meet the demands of a growing customer base from North Texas and beyond, Choctaw invested $600m in the luxury entertainment destination.

“We wanted to create a resort and gaming experience unlike any other and I am proud to say the expansion rivals anything you would find in Las Vegas,” said Heidi Grant, executive officer of gaming and hospitality for Choctaw Nation. “We are thrilled to showcase everything that’s new for guests from Oklahoma, North Texas and beyond. The attention to detail is incredible. 

“From the amazing Choctaw art on the walls to new gaming options and swimming pools, to hip new restaurants and lounges and exquisite hotel suites, there is literally something for everyone at the new Choctaw Casino & Resort.”

The design-build team of Tutor Perini Building Corporation and JCJ Architecture, both leaders in their respective fields with extensive hospitality and gaming experience, drove the Choctaw expansion project from concept to completion. 

“As gaming patrons across the globe have continued to become increasingly sophisticated in their expectations, it was important to respond to these expectations,” said Bob Gdowski, AIA, principal and director of hospitality design with JCJ Architecture. “The Nation inspired us toward a design that is architecturally refined, is contextually responsive, and most importantly is experientially engaging.”

There are 3,300 new slot machines with a mix of new and classic slots, bringing the total number of machines on property to more than 7,200. The expansion also includes over 40 new table games and a poker room with 30 additional tables, raising the total table count to 136.

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The firm’s Tulsa operations center will offer a consolidated campus for the 300 employees of VGT Class II innovations by Aristocrat Gaming, and will house light manufacturing, a warehouse, and office space.

“This is more than a ground-breaking – it’s a celebration of our employees, our community, and our industry,” noted James Starr, VGT president at Aristocrat.

“As employees, we live here, we work here, and we want to see Tulsa succeed, not just for today; we want to be generational partners, and this new facility will allow us to continue to serve our customers even better.”

Among the groundbreaking were Deanne McKissick, Aristocrat SVP of customer order execution; Mike Neal, Tulsa chamber of commerce President/CEO; Hector Fernandez, Aristocrat president of Americas & EMEA; Matthew Morgan, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association chair; Jerry Hale, VP of midwest operations at VGT, as well as Starr.

“We are doubling down on our commitment to Tulsa as our host community, to Oklahoma, and the community of customers we serve across the state,” stated Fernandez. 

“That is why we are making this 10-year commitment that will lead the community into the future. Oklahoma is important to us as a company, and we are committed to helping our customers and our employees succeed.”

The new campus will consist of a warehouse/production space of 112,500 square feet and office space of 25,000 square feet. The project is underway, and the warehouse is expected to be completed this winter. The office space is expected to open Spring 2022.

“We’re thrilled Aristocrat, a global leader in gaming technology, innovation, manufacturing and distribution, is expanding its presence in Tulsa,” added Neal.

“We’re proud to partner with them as they make significant investments in their company and northeast Oklahoma.”

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As the standoff continues, Stitt has named Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie to negotiate with the tribes on agreeing to revised compacts that would see them pay higher exclusivity rates than the current 4 per cent to 6 per cent. The tribes, however, continue to fight for a declaratory judgement that the compacts remain effective and have filed their own lawsuit to that effect.  

According to the Associated Press earlier the month, the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations are said to have asked a federal judge to determine that the state compacts allowing gambling exclusively at tribal casinos automatically renewed on January 1 for another 15-year term. They argue that all the conditions have been met for the compacts to renew as normal.

Quoted in The Oklahoman, Stitt outlined the rationale behind the hiring of the legal firm, saying: “With Perkins Coie, the State of Oklahoma is well positioned to work towards a compact that protects core public services and advances the future of our great state, its four million residents, and gaming tribes. 

“Perkins Coie will also respond to and address the Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Choctaw Nations’ federal lawsuit filed on New Year’s Eve. The legal experts at Perkins Coie have successfully represented other states in Indian law controversies, to include the State of New Mexico’s compact dispute in 2015.”

The tribes have continued to trade beyond Stitt’s contested new year deadline. They argue that measuring tribal exclusivity fees against those applied to commercial casinos paints an inaccurate picture in that commercial operators do not contribute financially to the infrastructure of their states and communities in the way that tribal interests do.

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Four

Just four months after entering into partnership, MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings have signed up Sportradar as the exclusive supplier of US sports data for its joint enterprise.

Striving to create the US leader in the sports betting and online gaming sectors, MGM GVC Interactive has recruited Sportradar for the provision of sports betting data from certain US sports leagues, which the company itself has the right to distribute.

Adam Greenblatt, MGM GVC Interactive’s CEO, commented, “We have a clear and simple objective; to provide our US customers with the best and broadest range of betting products in the market. Sportradar is a great partner to help us get there, enabling us to offer a huge spectrum of US sports events while leveraging off our global portfolio.”

Adding to a plethora of current agreements, which already encapsulates US heavyweights the NBA, NFL, NHL and NASCAR, Neale Deeley, vice president of gaming sales for Sportradar, added: “MGM and GVC are leaders in the sports betting landscape, and we are proud to be their provider for US sports data.

“We have been preparing for the opening of the US market for some time now, with an across the board ramp up of our US sports betting offering, and we are delighted with this endorsement from MGM and GVC that all the hard work is delivering what world class betting operators are looking for.”

€1m

The Microgaming Poker Network’s Universal Championship of Poker saw Mateusz Moolhuizen become the fourth player to claim the title, and take home the €1m guaranteed prize pot.

Spanning 88 events and in excess of 360 satellite tournaments, this years offering was the MPN’s largest to date, with the Betsson player claiming top spot after collecting a total of 2779.48 points.

Alex Scott, Managing Director of Poker at Microgaming, stated: “This year’s tournament series was the biggest and most thrilling we’ve had yet, building on last year’s event with an impressive €1 million guaranteed. Congratulations to Mateusz on taking the coveted title as the Greatest Poker Player in the Universe!”

A regular at the MPN Poker Tour, Mateusz’s previous achievements includes €3,000 in cash and two MPN Poker Tour packages, each of which featured entry into the main event and one side event, in addition to accommodation and travel expenses.

Mateusz also took the 8th spot of the final table at the MPN Poker Tour at the Battle of Malta Main Event for €30,000.

Moolhuizen added: “UCOP has made poker very exciting for me this year, every all in was an exhilarating experience and climbing the leaderboards added another layer of anticipation. Most of all, the event was a good excuse to skip some time with my parents in law!”

$105bn

In a recent study the American Gaming Association revealed that tribal gaming contributed $105bn in output across the US in 2016, the year from which the most current data is currently available.

Undergoing significant growth from a $121m segment of the country’s gaming industry in 1998, via the introduction of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribal gaming also employs some 676,000 individuals who are paid a combined $36bn in wages, whilst a further $15bn is issued in taxes and revenue share payments to federal, state and local governments.

California was proven to be by far the largest and most dominant tribal gaming state, trailed by Oklahoma and Florida.

“Tribal gaming operators are present in 28 states and create nearly half of all US gaming revenue,” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs for the AGA. “This report details the widespread economic impact that tribal casinos have in states across the country, providing diverse career opportunities, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue and revenue share payments for all levels of government.”

25 per cent

Shares in gaming technology firm Scientific Games leapt over 25 per cent, when the company’s Q3 financial results exceeded expectations laid forth by analysts.

SG shares climbed by more than a quarter, closing on $26.74, on the news that like-for-like losses were better than anticipated, with an “adjusted loss” of $0.14 per share for the three months to September 30, less than the $0.18 loss predicted.

Revenue was up seven per cent in Q3, to $821m, including $46.5m from NYX, along with growth in SG’s lottery and social businesses.

Net loss was $351.6m compared to $59.3m in the corresponding period in 2017, thanks mostly to a hefty $338.7m bill for restructuring and other charges, including $309.6m in relation to the verdict in the Shuffle Tech legal matter – an antitrust lawsuit relating to patent infringement.

Barry Cottle, CEO and president of SG, stated: “We are very pleased with the growth we are seeing across our businesses as we continue to lead our industry into the future.”

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$9.8bn

The American Gaming Association has provided an in-depth look into the casino gaming industry in the state of Oklahoma, as part of a ‘Get to Know Gaming’ event held in its capital city and Tulsa.

Providing an insight into the economic opportunities for communities across the state, it was revealed that the casino gaming industry supports 75,885 jobs statewide, in addition to having an annual economic impact of $9.8bn.

Hosting its Get to Know Gaming event in Oklahoma City, following a reception in Tulsa, the AGA also released ‘Casinos & Communities Oklahoma,’ an in-depth look at how the gaming industry supports local communities.

Bringing $4.3bn in wages into the state via the 141 tribal and commercial casinos, whilst also generating $1.7bn in taxes and tribal revenue share payments, the AGA also provided an insight into the unique value brought by tribal gaming.

£11.5m

Gaming Realms has agreed the £11.5m sale of UK real money operating subsidiary Bear Group to River iGaming, whilst also relinquishing its 30 per cent stake in River UK Casino and providing a permanent licence to its gaming platform.

It is expect that, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, the transaction will be finalised in the year’s second quarter, with the sale price including the settlement of a contract deferment of £4.2m owed by River UK Casino to the group.

Gaming Realms stressed that it is to now focus upon game development and international licensing of its retained Slingo brand and slingo.com IP, which is to continue operating on the Bear Group gaming platform via a deal with River iGaming.

Furthermore, the transaction is to also provide resources for the repayment by Gaming Realms of a £3.5m loan from JPJ Group.

3

Melco Resorts and Entertainment is aligned with a growing industry trend, by pinpointing the prospects of securing a Japanese integrated resort licence as a key focus for the group moving forward.

With the country’s government set to issue up to three such licenses, Melco believes it is perfectly placed to play an active role in the development of the next generation of IRs.

Lawrence Ho, chairman and chief executive officer, explained: “Lastly, Japan continues to be a core focus for us. We expect development of the next generation of integrated resorts to soon commence in this incredibly exciting, yet currently underpenetrated, tourism destination.

“With our focus on the Asian premium segment, high quality assets, dedication to world-class entertainment offerings, market-leading social safeguards and compliance culture, and our commitment to being an ideal partner to local governments and communities alike, we believe Melco is in a strong position to help Japan realise the vision for integrated resort development with a unique Japanese touch.”

888

888, through its wholly-owned Brigend Limited subsidiary, has announced the £18m acquisition of a selection of brands from the JPJ Group, including Costa Bingo, City Bingo and Sing Bingo.

Via the acquisition, which is to see £12m paid upon closing of the transaction and the remaining £6m in September of this year, 888 is to own a clutch of brands that already appear of its Dragonfish platform.

The purchase by the online gaming operator sees it acquire the operating business Mandalay via the acquisition of certain assets of Jet Management Group and Jet Media, which itself falls under the banner of the JPJ Group.

888 states that as a result of this latest move it is “consolidating its position as one of the leading bingo operators in the UK,” having secured the portfolio which previously operated as business-to-business brands, but will now function on a business-to-customer basis.

Having previously operated on Dragonfish, the purchase gives “the group full control of these successful brands from a marketing perspective, to support and further strengthen its position in the UK online bingo market”.

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Branding Choctaw as the official and exclusive casino and resort of the Major League Baseball Franchise, it will also include significant branding at its new $1.1bn Globe Life Field.

Set to be completed in time for the Rangers’ 2020 curtain raiser in March it will form part of the adjacent Texas Live! Entertainment district, that includes the Choctaw VIP Lounge, which is located on the second level overlooking the Live! Arena.

Being built as a public-private partnership between the City of Arlington and the Rangers, the new stadium will not only be the team’s new home but also a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue that will include capabilities for hosting high school, college and international sports, as well as entertainment tours

Neil Leibman, Texas Rangers chief operating officer, said of the enhanced partnership: “The Rangers are thrilled to have Choctaw as our partner for many years to come. With its association with Texas Live! and the new Globe Life Field, Choctaw will have a great presence in the Arlington Entertainment District. This is an exciting time for the Texas Rangers organisation, and we are proud to make this announcement today.”

Choctaw’s branding at Globe Life Field will include prominent large format, channel cut signage on the left field fascia, static home plate signage and exclusive branding in the Rangers’ first base home dugout as well as numerous other assets.

“We are proud to join the Texas Rangers family in ushering in this new era of Texas Rangers Baseball,” added Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma chief. “A new ballpark, a great team and two strong entertainment brands mean more fun and excitement for the fans and for the region. We’re committed to helping the Texas Rangers take America’s favourite pastime to the next level in North Texas.”

Choctaw is currently in the midst of a $500m expansion set to be completed by the spring of 2021, with plans in place to feature an expanded gaming floor and fresh amenities such as new pools and a lazy river, parking garage, retail space, entertainment options and dining venues.

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