The Michigan Lottery announced that it will transition to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER for responsible gaming support. This aligns the agency with the Michigan Gaming Control Board and other online gaming platforms operating in Michigan in promoting 1-800-GAMBLER. The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline currently in circulation (1-800-270-7117), although the previous number will remain in operation.

“The Lottery is committed to providing Michiganders with easy access to resources that support responsible gaming. By transitioning to 1-800-GAMBLER, we are able to ensure that Michigan residents can reach specially trained staff who can provide confidential professional support, local referrals, and resources to those who may have a gambling problem,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), 1-800-GAMBLER is the world’s largest problem gambling helpline network by call volume, population served, and geographic area covered. The helpline connects people and families impacted by problem gambling with professional support, local referrals, and resources.

Calls made to 1-800-GAMBLER from Michigan will be routed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The helpline can also be reached by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org. Trained contact center staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide support, guidance, and relevant information to anyone seeking help related to problem gambling. Additionally, players or their family members may connect to support resources such as live chat, text, and the helpline number by selecting the links in the footer of the Lottery’s website.

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The Michigan Lottery was the first lottery in the US to achieve the Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program certification through NCPG in October 2015. The NCPG evaluated the Lottery’s compliance with Internet Responsible Gaming (IRG) standards developed based on best practices from jurisdictions around the world. IRG standards are the highest standards for online responsible gaming in the nation.

Light & Wonder Inc. announced that the Oregon Lottery has purchased more than 1200 additional Video Lottery Terminals (VLT). This comes less than a year after the Oregon Lottery purchased 1175 VLTs following the successful trial phase in the state.

The gaming machines will house diverse player-favorite games such as BLAZING HOT CELEBRATIONS, LIGHTNING TUSKS, AMERICAN ORIGINAL, BIER HAUS, AMERICAN ORIGINAL STARS & BARS, QUICK HIT MONEY WHEEL, TREASURE FRUITS, FLUSH FRENZY Poker, and more.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Oregon Lottery and to provide their players with our state-of-the-art KASCADA Dual Screen Multi-Games. The additional placement of over 1,200 VLTs is a testament to the success and popularity of our games in the region. We are committed to delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences that enhance player enjoyment and drive growth for our customers,” said Niaz Nejad, Managing Director – Americas, Gaming at Light & Wonder.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership in bringing Light & Wonder’s popular games and product expertise to our Video Lottery players. They consistently use our feedback to deliver quality products that benefit our team and customers,” said Sar Richards, Oregon Lottery’s Manager of Video Gaming Products.

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EQL Games recently unveiled an unparalleled gaming experience with the debut of its omni-channel Team USA games, exclusively tailored for the Virginia Lottery. Whether purchasing a Team USA scratcher or playing the Team USA iLottery game online through the Virginia Lottery’s website or mobile app, players can get into the spirit of the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games leading up to opening ceremonies later this month in Paris.

“We are excited for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 in July and the launch of these two engaging lottery products. The Virginia Lottery is among the most innovative lotteries in the world, and it has been a pleasure collaborating to bring these two games to market. Thanks to our partnership with Team USA, Virginia Lottery players can now participate in the omni-channel Olympic and Paralympic action,” said EQL Games CEO Brad Cummings.

EQL Games partnered with game studio 916 Gaming to create a unique digital game that allows players to live out their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Lottery players play the role of a Team USA archer, track star or gymnast with just a tap of their fingers. This first-of-its-kind product combines the lottery online playing experience with games that feel more like playing a video game.

“The opportunity to offer games that align with the start of the Olympics and Paralympics only happens every two years, and the Lottery saw this as a great chance to engage with fans. EQL and 916 Gaming have created fantastic games that our players can enjoy as they cheer on Team USA athletes,” said Virginia Lottery Director of Marketing Scott Kenyon.

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The $2 Team USA scratcher will help drive sales of the omni-channel promotion. Virginia has included a special promotional offer on the front of the Scratcher offering 25 free games of the online game when players make their first account deposit. The omni-channel launched a full month ahead of Paris 2024 and the Lottery will support these games with traditional retail and digital point of sale material.

EQL Games is revolutionizing the lottery industry through relentless innovation, delivering first-to-market products as both an original game studio and a third-party content aggregator.