logo
Oklahoma lottery officials planning 'digital experience' for players

Oklahoma lottery officials planning 'digital experience' for players

USA Today13-06-2025
Oklahoma lottery officials planning 'digital experience' for players
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Texas Lottery executive director resigns
Texas Lottery Executive Director Ryan Mindell's resignation comes after questions about the legitimacy of the Texas Lottery earlier this year.
Fox - 7 Austin
Oklahomans vying to be lottery jackpot winners may no longer have to drive to their nearest gas stations soon.
The Oklahoma Lottery Commission confirmed to USA TODAY that it filed a request to create a digital platform for players. The commission said the decision is meant to enhance player engagement, improve services and protect both efficiency and data security.
"This is a transformational step for the Oklahoma Lottery," Abby Morgan, the commission's director of marketing and product development, said in a statement. "We're focused on creating a best-in-class digital experience that benefits our players today while preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow."
Morgan added that the "investment is about so much more than one product — it's about modernizing how we connect with our players and operate as a business."
The commission said the initiative will allow the future development of an iLottery platform, but emphasized that it was not the primary focus. The launch of an "iLottery business model" would require legislative approval, the commission added.
In the short term, the vendor will be tasked with improving the Oklahoma Lottery's loyalty program, including ways players can check their tickets and scratchers.
There are currently 16 states with an official digital lottery service, according to Lottery USA.
Oklahoma digital lottery raises concerns
Oklahoma responsible gambling advocates told KFOR that they want the app developed with problem gamblers in mind.
The Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming reports that 6.3% of Oklahomans meet criteria for gambling disorder, and 23.5% of Oklahomans are at-risk for problem gambling.
'Those are huge numbers. And that's one of the highest prevalence rates in the United States, is what we have here in Oklahoma,' Wiley Harwell, the executive director of the association, told KFOR.
Harwell also told the TV station that he hopes to see features that will help with gambling addiction, including ads for the state's responsible gambling hotline and the Evive App, a "positive mobile health tool to reduce gambling harm."
'We want people to reach out for help to recognize that this is potentially addictive and to, you know, play safely,' Harwell said.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lawmakers discuss eliminating property tax during fall study
Lawmakers discuss eliminating property tax during fall study

Yahoo

time16-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Lawmakers discuss eliminating property tax during fall study

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma state senators will discuss 74 interim studies during the fall at the State Capitol. At least two senators have requested to discuss ways to eliminate property taxes. Tax reform was a hot topic at the Capitol during the session. Recent legislation led to cuts to state income and grocery taxes. Senators David Bullard (R-Durant) and Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) have requested interim studies to evaluate ways to reform the tax, which funds schools, law enforcement, and roads. Lawmakers agree on Oklahoma budget, could see income tax cut 'We're looking at what is a sound and meaningful way to make sure that we're protecting the property owners and we're also properly investing in the services that they care about,' said Jett. Bullard said he has already started collecting data on ways to replace property taxes. He said one idea would be with a consumption tax, which is a tax that a person pays when they spend money, rather than when they earn it.'With a consumption tax, if we can move that way when the economy's up, there's no end to how much they could get in revenue coming in,' said Bullard. 'The problem is going to be what do you do when it's down.' Bullard said there would be a risk because of the ebb and flow of that type of tax as a solution. According to the Tax Foundation, in 2024, Oklahomans paid an average of $914 in state and local property taxes per capita. It was among the lowest in the nation. New Jersey had the highest property taxes, with people there paying $3,539 per capita. Democratic Senator Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) questions why the state would want to eliminate a reliable form of funding for something that was uncertain.'Tell me the five-year plan. Tell me the 10-year plan, because we better be looking down the road,' said Kirt. 'What are [Oklahomans] willing to give up? Are they willing to give up having a county jail? Are they willing to give up having sheriffs if they need help in rural Oklahoma? I don't think they are.' Interim studies at the Capitol are expected to get underway in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword

'We lost a legend.' Oklahoma leaders remember Bob Funk, Express Employment cofounder
'We lost a legend.' Oklahoma leaders remember Bob Funk, Express Employment cofounder

Yahoo

time16-07-2025

  • Yahoo

'We lost a legend.' Oklahoma leaders remember Bob Funk, Express Employment cofounder

Robert A. Funk Sr., co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, died Tuesday at Express Ranches, his longtime home in Yukon. He was 85. Funk's passing was less than three months after the death of company co-founder William H. Stoller. Together, the pair bought a bankrupt employment agency, Acme, and built it into the franchiser of Express Employment Professionals, the company's flagship brand and the fourth-largest staffing firm in the United States. The staffing firm, started in 1983, is also the 13th-largest globally, according to Staffing Industry Analysts, and operates in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Funk's son, Bob Funk Jr., was appointed company CEO and chairman in May. Officials mourn Bob Funk Sr., acknowledge his impact on Oklahoma Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ said in a statement that Funk was "a pillar" of the state's business and philanthropic community who left his mark on Oklahoma. "From helping Oklahomans find meaningful work to supporting rural development and preserving our Western heritage, his impact will be felt for generations," Russ said. "We take comfort in the words of Scripture: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' (Matthew 25:21). My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss." Brian Pillmore, the Mayor of Yukon, released a statement praising Funk for his support of the city. "From seeing his Clydesdales and stagecoach grace our annual Czech Day parade to witnessing his dedication to our local traditions and charitable causes, it became clear that Bob's impact was woven deeply into the fabric of Yukon," Pillmore said. "On behalf of the City of Yukon, our deepest condolences go out to the Funk family and all those who have been touched by Bob's extraordinary life ... Rest well, Bob. Your spirit and contributions will forever be a cherished part of our city." In losing Funk, the state "has lost one of its greatest champions," Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said in a statement. "Bob embodied the entrepreneurial spirit ... his work ethic and vision were unmatched," Paxton said. "He believed in opportunity, in rewarding hard work and in giving people the tools they needed to succeed." House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson said her "heart goes out" to the family of the "Oklahoma legend." "His work on the Oklahoma Youth Expo Board–a beloved program for those of us in the Legislature–will be long lasting," Munson said. "He invested in Oklahoma and our future by using his influence to give back to a state he believed in. He will be missed, and his impact will always be remembered." What people are saying on social media about the death of Bob Funk Sr. From politicians to fellow ranchers, and friends to those who knew Funk through Express Employment, here's how people reacted to Funk's death. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bob Funk dies at 85: Gov. Stitt, OK leaders remember business owner Solve the daily Crossword

Scientific Games Brings Exciting Portfolio of Games to DC Lottery Players with SG Content Hub Launch
Scientific Games Brings Exciting Portfolio of Games to DC Lottery Players with SG Content Hub Launch

Associated Press

time16-07-2025

  • Associated Press

Scientific Games Brings Exciting Portfolio of Games to DC Lottery Players with SG Content Hub Launch

Company Expands Successful DC Scratchers Partnership to Digital Games ATLANTA, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Games has launched the SG Content Hub in the District of Columbia, offering a curated selection of exciting games to DC Lottery players who play online. The lottery industry's premier content aggregator brings digital games from Scientific Games and game studios worldwide to players, including the company's own portfolio of more than 250 eInstant games from SG Studios and a suite of licensed brands. DC players are enjoying the new Mayhem Madness game from SG Studios, with Candy Coated Cash and Witchy Wins coming this fall. The SG Content Hub launch expands Scientific Games' longtime relationship with the DC Lottery for DC Scratchers games that began with the Lottery's start-up in 1982. The world's largest lottery games company developed the SG Content Hub to serve the rapidly expanding digital lottery channel with a broad variety of engaging, unique iLottery game experiences. The SG Content Hub operates seamlessly with lottery gaming systems technology and iLottery platforms. Randy Burnside, DC Lottery Executive Director, said, 'The DC Lottery is thrilled to offer our players a wide selection of new and exciting games through the SG Content Hub. We are building on our success with DC Scratchers from Scientific Games and the company's deep understanding of lottery players and the entertainment experience.' Since its inception in 1982, the DC Lottery has awarded more than $4.8 billion in prizes, transferred more than $2.4 billion to the District's General Fund, which supports essential services in the District, generated more than $501.4 million in commissions for its retail business partners, and helped local nonprofits raise more than $139.5 million in support of social causes. Matt Lynch, President, Digital for Scientific Games, said, 'We are excited to bring our global expertise, content and technology to the DC Lottery with an evolutionary content aggregator developed to offer players an exciting portfolio of iLottery games, with the agility to adapt to play preferences and market trends. The engaging variety of digital lottery games offered through the SG Content Hub ensures long-term sustainable growth for the DC Lottery and its beneficiary programs in the District of Columbia.' Scientific Games is a trusted partner to more than 30 government-regulated lotteries with iLottery solutions, including in the U.S., Canada, UK, Denmark, Germany, France and Turkey. With operations on five continents, the company provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide. ©2025 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved. About Scientific Games Scientific Games is a global leader in retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services that drive profits for government-sponsored lottery and sports betting programs. From enterprise gaming platforms to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We are industry pioneers in instant games, data analytics, retail solutions and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships since 1973, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, performance and unwavering security to responsibly propel the industry forward. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Scientific Games, LLC

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store