LANSING – Despite some concerns raised by legislators when the idea was first revealed, the Lottery Bureau announced Monday it had selected Pollard Banknote and NeoGames to develop its new iLottery system to allow residents to play lottery games online.
The bureau was expecting about a year for development of the system, with the games available in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Among the requirements for the system is that it verify a player’s identity, age, and current location. Lottery is requiring that all of the players be physically located in Michigan while they are logged into the system.
“The Michigan Lottery is continually changing and evolving to meet the demands of its players and stay competitive in the entertainment marketplace. In today’s society, more and more consumers want to do business online and that includes Lottery players. Adding iLottery services as an option for players keeps the Michigan Lottery offerings up to date and supports its efforts to increase its revenues and provide additional funding to the state’s schools,” Tom Weber, the Lottery’s chief deputy commissioner, said in a statement announcing the contract.
The plan for the iLottery was put on hold at the end of June after the Legislature removed funding for its development from the current year budget.
Legislators had raised concerns that the system would undercut sales for current retailers, a charge the Lottery denied, and would allow easier access for problem gamblers. The system, the Lottery announcement said, would allow people to block themselves from access to the site as well as to set spending limits below those set by the Lottery for all players.
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