Evoplay recently announced the launch of its lottery products in partnership with EQL Games. What has the initial market response been like, and how do you see the products evolving?

We view the partnership with EQL Games as an exciting development, as it represents our first steps in the US lottery market. While it’s still too early to assess the market response, EQL is one of the largest independent providers of games in the US lottery market. Integrating our products into their US portfolio provides lotteries with access to super competitive content and lays the foundation for future growth, opening the door to broader opportunities.

Evoplay is famous as an award-winning iGaming studio that produces innovative games that many operators across the globe take up. However, as newcomers to the very different lottery market, we are taking a strategic, step-by-step approach to building visibility and establishing a strong presence. Not all of our games are appropriate for the far more conservative iLottery market – we are, therefore, modifying our most popular instant win games as well as developing specific ‘lottery friendly’ content to establish a lottery focussed portfolio of games that support safer gaming initiatives while still being attractive to players.

In October, Evoplay will be attending the World Lottery Summit in Paris, where we will showcase our lottery games and ideas. This engagement is vital to our strategy to expand our network and explore new partnerships.

Advertisement

How would you evaluate the current landscape of the US lottery market? Are there any new partnerships on the horizon for the US market?

There are two factors currently impacting the US lottery market. First, retail sales are down, with most lotteries reporting significant declines in draw-based game sales for this fiscal year (FY25), mainly due to the lack of massive jackpots seen in FY24. Second, there’s increased competition for gambling dollars as states legalise online sports betting, bringing faster casino-style games to mobile devices. The attractive sign-up bonuses from online operators are drawing younger players away from traditional lottery games.

While North America’s iLottery sales are expected to reach $17.7 billion by 2032, this won’t fully offset the decline in draw-based games. To compete, lotteries must offer similar opportunities while leveraging their trusted branding. Evoplay can help by providing games that are not only safe but also appealing. This approach is already attracting interest from potential partners, and we expect that number to grow.

Advertisement

When introducing a long-established product like lottery, how do you ensure it resonates with new players while maintaining engagement from your core audience?

To engage new players as well as our existing audience, we’ve begun by transforming our popular instant games, such as Penalty Shoot-out, along with flagship titles like Adrenaline Rush and Star Guardians, into captivating lottery experiences. Unlike traditional lotteries, our games will offer a unique blend of excitement and entertainment, appealing to players who enjoy both casino dynamics and large jackpotswhile retaining familiar elements that resonate with our loyal audience.

By turning our popular titles into innovative lottery games and introducing entirely new ones, we aim toimpact in both the iGaming and lottery markets. We’re confident that our audience and newcomers alike will be curious about these new games, and we’ll further boost interest through various promotions. Evoplay’s products will deliver a unique gaming experience, combining nostalgic charm with modern appeal, ensuring they resonate with different player types worldwide. When players discover they’re not only having a great time but also having a chance to hit the jackpot and make their dreams come true, they won’t be indifferent.

In which global markets is the lottery experiencing the most growth, and where do you see the biggest opportunities?

Advertisement

Right now, the American (both North and South) market is at the forefront of online lottery growth, and there are huge opportunities here. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many players from retail to online platforms, leading to a clear increase in lottery participation globally. In the US, new online and sports betting laws have further accelerated this growth.

Asia is also a significant growth market, as is Latin America, which is becoming more accessible for operators. But if you ask me to pinpoint the biggest area for opportunity, I’d definitely say it’s the US. I believe our partnership with EQL Games is the first step for Evoplay to enter this market and sets the stage for future growth and success.

We are also focused on expanding our presence in other key markets, including Europe and beyond, where there are many lottery fans. The open data for 2024 highlights the growing potential in these regions, particularly in the top five countries by revenue, whichthe United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada lead. . This landscape presents us with numerous opportunities to leverage.

What does the future of the lottery look like to you?

Advertisement

As the lottery evolves, it will increasingly have to take on some of the characteristics of an online casino. To stay relevant, lotteries must enhance their game offerings and refresh their image to attract younger players, as most current participants are still 50 and older. This transformation is already underway and is set to accelerate, creating significant opportunities for innovative companies like Evoplay.

While engaging a younger audience is essential, prioritizing player safety remains crucial. This can be achieved by crafting games that encourage responsible play, offering captivating formats and dynamic gameplay that keep players engaged without compromising their well-being.

I believe the future of lotteries is bright as we innovate and adapt to the evolving preferences of players. Instant win games are poised to gain traction, potentially shifting the current balance from traditional lottery ticket sales to a greater emphasis on instant win formats by 2030.

Scientific Games has released the company’s 2023 Sustainability Report sharing significant achievements across Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives. The report underscores Scientific Games’ decades-long commitment to supporting the global lottery industry, employees, communities, and the environment.

Andy Jackson, VP of Environmental, Social and Governance for Scientific Games, said: “Our 2023 Sustainability Report highlights the growth of our ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility. Through our efforts to minimize our environmental impact, reduce energy usage, promote responsible gaming, invest in our diverse employees and make an impact in communities around the world, we are embedding sustainability throughout our global business.”

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2023, Scientific Games continues to set the global lottery industry’s gold standard for integrity and corporate governance to meet regulatory requirements.

Key highlights of the 2023 report include:

Advertisement

• Environmental Stewardship: Scientific Games continued efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with a 50% reduction in emissions intensity at its Leeds, UK, facility since 2019 and zero waste to landfill. Scientific Games is also developing a comprehensive decarbonization plan addressing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

• Sustainable Products: The company continues its leadership in sustainability by producing 100% recyclable instant scratch games and maintaining International Standards Organization and Forest Stewardship Council certifications.

• Empowering Employees: Scientific Games’ 2023 Employee Engagement Survey indicated 87% of employees were strongly aligned with the company’s values. Initiatives focused on work-life balance, well-being, and safety were expanded.

• Healthy Play Responsible Gaming Toolkit: Backed by a 2023 research study, the program doubled the number lottery operator subscriptions, continuing its goal to promote responsible gaming and educate all stakeholders.

• Care for Communities: Scientific Games’ corporate giving and community partnerships, which included an annual Global Holiday Giving Campaign, responses to humanitarian crises, and the creation of an urban farm producing food for its Montreal neighborhood, are just some of the ways the company supported communities worldwide in 2023.

Advertisement

Players can dive into the award-winning Bet with Streamers game, offering a socially charged experience where they bet alongside streamers for dynamic, real-time gameplay.

Players at Betsala can enjoy a socially charged experience like no other after the leading online sportsbook and casino in Chile put pen to paper on a deal to bring Livespins to its lobby for the very first time.

Livespins has revolutionised the way players engage with online casino and slots with its “Bet with Streamers” game which sits in the casino lobby and allows players to join a selection of streams at any given time.

Not only do players get to watch the streamer as they spin the reels on top-tier slot games, but they can bet with the streamer, too. If the streamer wins, they win – it’s that simple.

Advertisement

This creates a group bet and shared experience while still choosing your own bet and number of spins, offering a high level of personalization.

Livespins is all about social interaction with players able to chat with each other and the streamer throughout – they can also drop emojis, reactions and gifs based on the action taking place across the reels.

Betsala has become one of the most popular online sportsbook and casino brands in Chile, with the addition of Livespins allowing it to further differentiate from its competition and deliver a new, exciting online casino experience to its players.

Michael Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Livespins, said: “Players at Betsala can look forward to a thrilling online casino experience, with Livespins combining the excitement of slot gameplay and streaming in a unique way.

“We’re excited to bring the Livespins experience to Chile for the first time at Betsala, and can’t wait for players to try it out.”

Advertisement

Albert Bellavista, CEO at Betsala, added: “We have become the go-to destination for online casino players in Chile because we have always embraced innovative content and experiences, and this deal with Livespins is a testament to that.

“Bet with Streamers offers a socially charged online casino experience like no other and we are confident that our players will be drawn to the thrilling gameplay, led by the streamer, and the option to bet on the action taking place across the reels.

“It’s a truly unique combination that promises to put players on the edge of their seats game round after game round.”