A MAJOR lottery revamp plan proposes a change to how players buy their tickets and check their numbers.
The change is being suggested to fit in with the evolving gambling landscape in one major US state.
A major lottery revamp plan proposes a change to how players buy their tickets and check their numbers[/caption]
The state of Oklahoma is looking to revolutionise its lottery game, joining 11 other states in creating a digital platform.
This “iLottery” platform, pending lawmaker approval, would support those in the state suffering with a gambling addiction.
According to Wiley Harwell, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming, one in four Oklahomans are at risk of developing one.
More than 6% of those in Oklahoma already have a gambling disorder.
The Oklahoma Lottery Commission wants to upgrade its digital lottery experience by upgrading the loyalty program and making it easier to use the app in stores.
As well as this, the iLottery platform would include a wellness program to help those struggling with gambling problems.
Harwell said: “We just want guidelines.
“Those are huge numbers. And that’s one of the highest prevalence rates in the united states, is what we have here in Oklahoma.
“Most people that do other forms of gambling are also doing the lottery.
“If you put it online and make it that much more accessible, then the tendency to continue to bet is there.
“We need constant pop up messages that if you feel like you have a problem, this is the place to get help.”
“We want people to reach out for help to recognize that this is potentially addictive and to, you know, play safely.”
ONLINE GAMBLING
One of the main things that feeds into gambling addictions is the immediate rewards and instant accessibility, if you are at a casino, for example.
Harwell is proposing that if they put these supports in place online for the lottery, it could delay that instant gratification.
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
The Oklahoma Lottery Commission seems to be setting the stage for the iLottery platform, but only if granted legislative authority.
If it is granted, Oklahoma would join the 11 other states that use an iLottery platform to sell tickets and scratchers directly through the app.
However, it is not clear if The Oklahoma Lottery Commission wants that feature.
At the moment, it is believed that the commission is only looking to improve ways to check tickets and scratchers, instead of outright buying them on the app.
There are already resources that gambling addicts can access in the state of Oklahoma.
For example, citizens can call the Gambling Help Hotline at 1-800-GMABLER.
They also have free access to the Evive App, which supports gambling addiction.
The state of Oklahoma is looking to revolutionise its lottery game, joining 11 other states in creating a digital platform[/caption]
