Drew Ellis, Lead Writer of PlayiLottery

About the Author

Drew Ellis

Lead Writer

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A member of Catena Media since 2020, Drew Ellis is the Lead Writer at PlayiLottery, where he handles coverage of the online lottery industry in the US. He previously spearheaded news content at PlayMichigan, where he covered one of the most prominent online lottery industries in the US — among the many other aspects of Michigan's sprawling iGaming market. You can email him at [email protected].

Get to know Drew Ellis

Prior to working for PlayiLottery, Drew was the Lead Writer at PlayMichigan, a regional site for Catena Media, since January 2022. In his time there, he handled coverage of casinos, sports betting, and lotteries – both retail and online – for one of the country’s leading online gaming states.

Drew has experience covering the gambling industries in Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Canada. Decades of media experience provide him with the background to handle the complexities of different lottery laws and policies around the country, as well as the expansion of iLottery in the US.

Award-winning, 20-year career in newspaper industry

Prior to working for Catena Media, Ellis spent over 20 years in the newspaper industry, covering sports and the gambling industry. His work for The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun and The Oakland Press was recognized with awards by the Associated Press and other media organizations. Drew has also contributed to the Detroit Free Press and the Associated Press, while currently contributing to All Lions – the Sports Illustrated home of the Detroit Lions.

Drew Ellis interviewed as a gambling expert

WILX – Detroit’s striking casino workers rally at capitol
TV6 – As online wagering surges, MDHHS equips residents with tools to combat addiction
MISportsNow – How to bet smart and safe come Super Bowl LVII

Some of Drew Ellis’ work as a gambling expert

Got a tip? Question? Correction? Email [email protected].

Latest articles

Image showing lottery gaming with lotto balls along with the Florida Lottery and theLotter logos for a story about theLotter announcing it is set to launch in Florida as the state's first lottery courier.

Florida Getting Into Lottery Courier World As theLotter Receives Go-Ahead

July 19, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

On Thursday, theLotter announced it will soon start services in Florida, making it the first lottery courier to launch in the state.

Massachusetts Proposes iLottery In FY25 Budget Following Late Push

July 19, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers have passed an amended FY25 budget that will include an online lottery in the state, pending the governor’s approval.

Photo showing former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal for a story about the NJ Lottery utilizing Shaq and Walmart to help increase sales in FY25.

New Jersey Lottery Aims To Improve FY25 Sales Through Walmart And Shaq

July 18, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

The New Jersey Lottery is hoping to boost FY25 sales through the help of Walmart and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

Computer Error Leads California Lottery To Run Daily Derby Promotion

July 18, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

California

A computer error that impacted prizes for Daily Derby tickets has led to a 12-day promotion from the California Lottery.

Photo showing a Kroger store sign for a story about national chain lottery retailers looking to increase their impact on lottery sales.

National Retail Chains Looking For Ways To Become Bigger Lottery Players

July 17, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

National retail chains like Walmart, Kroger, and others are looking for ways to increase their influence on lottery sales. What could the future look like?

Advisory Committee Says Texas Lottery Needs Better Oversight Of Couriers

July 16, 2024 | By: Drew Ellis

Texas

The Sunset Advisory Committee informed the Texas Lottery Commission it needs to strengthen its supervision of couriers following an issue from April 2023.